How prepared do students feel for the quantitative nature of a biological sciences degree?

ABSTRACT

Quantitative abilities and techniques are vital in modern biological sciences from lab calculations and classical hypothesis testing to the growth of ‘omics’ and big data. Long before the employability at Higher Education can be considered, the transition between Secondary and Higher Education must be. Students doing biological sciences degrees at a UK university were surveyed to ascertain the factors that prepared students best for the quantitative nature of a biological sciences degree. Student perceptions of biological sciences as a quantitative subject altered once they began their degree's. Students who studied mathematics post-16 felt more prepared for the quantitative nature of their biological sciences degree while Secondary level biology does not prepare. Post-16 mathematics is only an entry requirement for 1of 49 biological sciences courses across the UK’s Russell Group universities. Most students do not feel prepared by their Secondary Education for the quantitative nature of a biological sciences degree and Higher Education Institutions do not ask for quantitative qualifications. This study highlights the lack of preparedness perceived by students and the potential discord in this field between Secondary and Higher Education.

KEYWORDS:

• Quantitative Biology
• preparedness
• mathematics
• transition

Disclosure statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.