Undergraduates' views about biology and physics

Abstract

There is continuing concern about the low enrolment of students on to some undergraduate science courses, especially physics. Here we explore some of the reasons that might underpin this. The views about physics and biology of Year 1 undergraduate students on English, physics and biology programmes of study were compared using a closed-form questionnaire. More of the English students liked biology than physics, and more found it interesting. In terms of difficulty and workload, the English students did not distinguish between physics and biology, although physics was seen as more mathematically based. Students on the physics programme of study tended to see biology as easier, less conceptual and less mathematical than their own subject. Although students on the biology programme also saw physics as more conceptual and mathematical than biology, they viewed biology as more interesting. Cluster analysis revealed two groups within the biology students, one of which felt relatively positive towards physics; these students might have had the potential of being attracted to physics. Within those students who had elected to study biology, the opinions most strongly associated with a liking for physics were the views that it was interesting and easy.