Mathematical struggles and ensuring success: post-compulsory mathematics as preparation for undergraduate bioscience

Abstract

This article reports on data from a large-scale study investigating students’ mathematical transitions to higher education. Three hundred and seventy-one undergraduate bioscientists were surveyed in order to investigate their perceptions and experiences of studying post-compulsory mathematics, as preparation for the mathematics elements of their degree. A-level Mathematics was well-received, with more than three-quarters of participants describing the qualification as good preparation for their degree. Participants particularly valued the statistics units at A-level. However, A-level Further Mathematics was perceived to be less useful preparation, although participants reported that it was enjoyable and challenging. Ongoing qualification reform, as well as the proliferation of post-compulsory mathematics options, means that universities and schools would do well to consider how best to maximise bioscience students’ mathematical preparation prior to beginning their undergraduate studies.

Keywords:

• Transition
• mathematics
• A-level

Notes

1. The numbers here combine students of Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology, Pharmacology, Toxicology, Pharmacy, Biology, Botany, Zoology, Genetics, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biophysics, Biochemistry and others in Biological Science.

2. A-levels in Use of Mathematics and Statistics also exist but are taken by very few students.