Julie Prescott1, Sarah Ellen Wilson2, Kai-Wai Wan2. 1. Department of Education and Psychology, University of Bolton, Bolton, Greater Manchester, United Kingdom. 2. School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, Lancashire, United Kingdom.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To determine the level of importance pharmacy students placed on science and mathematics subjects for pursuing a career in pharmacy. METHOD: Two hundred fifty-four students completed a survey instrument developed to investigate students' perceptions of the relevance of science and mathematics subjects to a career in pharmacy. Pharmacy students in all 4 years of a master of pharmacy (MPharm) degree program were invited to complete the survey instrument. RESULTS: Students viewed chemistry-based and biology-based subjects as relevant to a pharmacy career, whereas mathematics subjects such as physics, logarithms, statistics, and algebra were not viewed important to a career in pharmacy. CONCLUSION: Students' experience in pharmacy and year of study influenced their perceptions of subjects relevant to a pharmacy career. Pharmacy educators need to consider how they can help students recognize the importance of scientific knowledge earlier in the pharmacy curriculum.
OBJECTIVE: To determine the level of importance pharmacy students placed on science and mathematics subjects for pursuing a career in pharmacy. METHOD: Two hundred fifty-four students completed a survey instrument developed to investigate students' perceptions of the relevance of science and mathematics subjects to a career in pharmacy. Pharmacy students in all 4 years of a master of pharmacy (MPharm) degree program were invited to complete the survey instrument. RESULTS: Students viewed chemistry-based and biology-based subjects as relevant to a pharmacy career, whereas mathematics subjects such as physics, logarithms, statistics, and algebra were not viewed important to a career in pharmacy. CONCLUSION: Students' experience in pharmacy and year of study influenced their perceptions of subjects relevant to a pharmacy career. Pharmacy educators need to consider how they can help students recognize the importance of scientific knowledge earlier in the pharmacy curriculum.