Organized by Shaanxi Normal University Xiamen University Hosted by Shaanxi Normal University Email: iupac-pcec2005@snnu.edu.cn

Dear Colleagues,

You are cordially invited to participate in the International Symposium on 'Physical Chemistry: Education and Challenges' to be held in Xi'an, China on Aug. 9-11, 2005. This is a satellite meeting of 40th IUPAC Congress (IUPAC2005) in Beijing, China on Aug. 14-19, 2005. The symposium will focus on the all aspects of physical chemistry and will specially emphasize in:

vThe discipline's scope and research areas of modern physical chemistry
vThe goals for a physical chemistry course and the core contents of lecture and laboratory curriculum.
vNew developments in learning theories and classroom technology
vThe presentation methods for helping increase student knowledge and conceptual understanding.
vTeaching physical chemistry in English in China
vAdvanced training of physical chemistry graduate students in addition to their thesis work.
vChallenges and perspectives of physical chemistry

The organizers of the meeting hope to bring together chemists and university teachers for in-depth discussion on recent advances in physical chemistry and how chemical concepts and pedagogy work together to create a modern image of physical chemistry while addressing fundamental topics. The participants will share their rich teaching and research experiences for further developing in students those critical thinking skills and interdisciplinary working capability to adapt to needs of rapidly changing world. Your visit in Xi'an will provide you a good chance to look and enjoy the life in a Chinese city with mixed traditional and modern style. We are sure your visit to Xi'an will be a very pleasant and memorable one.

We are looking forward to meeting you in Xi'an.

Sincerely yours

Yu FANG Shaanxi Normal University Chair, Organizing Committee

Zhong-Qun TIAN Xiamen University Chair, Program Committee