1,721,266 research outputs found
Getting the right balance
No full textThese are turbulent times for our universities. After years of booming overall numbers, the Browne Review and the government's subsequent actions mean that we are entering an era of great uncertainty. One of the few things we can be certain of is that students coming into HE from 2012 onwards will incur an unprecedented financial burden during their studies. What will they expect in return
Happy zapping in the classroom: enhancing teaching and learning with electronic voting systems
No full textThe use of electronic voting systems (EVS) in teaching at all levels is increasing as the technology becomes cheaper and easier to use. Although many educators initially take a cynical view of the educational value of such technology, many of those who use EVS express a very positive view of their experiences. This article aims to share these experiences with a wider audience, with a view to encouraging even more widespread use of the technology. The use of EVS by teachers in schools as well as in university settings is considere
The problem with maths
No full textAs an admissions tutor for chemistry at Southampton University I read last issue's Endpoint from David Smith with much interest. I agree with him that we should admit onto our courses only students who are capable of meeting the challenges of a degree in chemistry. Mathematics is an integral part of our discipline and we have always been open about this in discussions with potential students. Any chemistry graduate will confirm the range of skills needed to survive the rigours of topics as diverse as organic synthesis and quantum mechanics is broad and requires hard work. But how do we ensure that our incoming students are equipped to meet these challenges
A U.K. approach to counter declining enrolment in chemistry and related disciplines at the university level
No full textA steady supply of qualified scientists and engineers is essential to ensure continued economic growth in developed nations. In recent years, many such countries have observed declining uptake of science and engineering degrees by young people. This article details the approach taken by the U.K. government to address the issue of recruitment of students to these disciplines, with a particular focus on chemistr
Review of A-level chemistry content
No full textThis document is a review of the content of the A-level Chemistry specifications from the main UK exam boards (Scottish highers not included - sorry!). These A-level specifications commenced teaching in September 2008. Students entering university in 2010 will have studied the new A-levels, and this document is intended to help academics to identify what students will have covered. The document also contains a summary of discussions which took place between teachers and academics at our annual Post-16 teachers' day in June 2010 regarding the nature of the 2010 intake and their capabilities in chemistr
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