After completing his B.A. and Ph.D. at the University of Essex (U.K.), Arthur Last spent two years as a post-doctoral fellow at the University of British Columbia. At this time his principal research interest was physical-organic chemistry. His first full-time teaching appointment was with Dalhousie University during the 1973-74 academic year, and the following year he taught at the Memorial University of Newfoundland.

In 1975, Dr. Last obtained a faculty position with the newly opened Sir Wilfred Grenfell College where he taught for nine years. During this time he developed a strong interest in chemical education, co-authored two chemistry textbooks with his colleagues, and spent a sabbatical year at Monash University in Australia. Upon joining Athabasca University, a university that specializes in distance education, Arthur became involved in developing chemistry courses for students who were studying off-campus. He joined UFV in 1992, and previously served as head of department from 1994 to 1997.

A resident of Abbotsford, Art is actively involved with the Fraser Valley Stage Production Society and the Abbotsford Table Tennis Club.

Last, A. M. “Canadian Tire Money: An Analogy for Use When Discussing Weak Acid-Strong Base Titrations” J. Chem. Educ. 2003, 80, 1403.

Recent Conference Presentations

Last, Arthur M. “The UCFV Chemistry Lab Skills Contest: A Chemistry Week Activity for High-School Students” presented at the 87th Canadian Chemistry Conference and Exhibition, London, Ontario; May 31, 2004.

• Column Editor for the “Applications and Analogies” feature in the Journal of Chemical Education.
• Co-ordinator of the UCFV Chemistry Lab Skills Contest.