Impact of Pre-University Qualifications on Success in Science: A-Level Chemistry Study

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Examining the influence of pre-university qualifications, particularly A-level Chemistry, on success in interdisciplinary science fields. The study explores the predictors of success, including the role of mathematics, across various science subjects and discusses the outcomes of students with and without A-level qualifications in pursuing degree-level physics, biology, and chemistry.

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Whats the point of A-level chemistry? Examining the impact of pre-university qualifications on success in interdisciplinary science Professor Nicky King

AAA, including physics and maths A*AA, including maths and physics AAB, including chemistry ABB, including biology A*AA, including chemistry and biology

What are the best predictors of success? Maths? Mixed picture Science subjects? Mixed picture Some cross discipline effects seen First year attainment

What did we do at Exeter? Maths plus one science All three sciences are compulsory in year 1 Students can take almost any 2nd year science module regardless of A-level background What are the predictors of success? Can you be successful in degree level physics without A-level?

What are the predictors of success? Maths is a key predictor of success, not just in maths 1003 (science) average A-level grade Maths Average A-level maths grade n SD n SD 56 A* 75.66 10.08 56 A* 75.84 9.03 101 A 66.06 10.78 101 A 69.14 9.06 29 B 55.62 14.84 29 B 61.07 9.77

What are the predictors of success? No particular science A-level is better than another as predictor of success But more science subjects are better Students with an A* in maths are slightly more likely to have more than one other A*

What about success in year 2 and beyond? Students without A-level can be as successful in a science subject as single honours students with A-level 155 instances of students taking a module without the pre-requisite A- level 43% of students (65/151) Pass rate 92.3%, not significantly different to single honours students

What about success in year 2 and beyond? In biology Natural Sciences student without A-level biology did on average 2.5% better than bioscience students For chemistry the average marks were the same For physics those without A-level did on average 5% worse than single honours students

So what? Lots of caveats around this cohort. ..but .. A bespoke supportive curriculum in year 1 can make up for gaps in prior knowledge Why not physics? Pre-requisite skills and interest vs core knowledge? Broader pre-university curriculum with learning to learn and curiosity at it s heart? (and maths)