Pharmacy Student's perceptions of Natural Science and Mathematics Subjects

Prescott, Julie orcid iconORCID: 0000-0001-8612-2495, Wilson, Sarah E orcid iconORCID: 0000-0002-2875-0036 and Wan, Ka-Wai (2014) Pharmacy Student's perceptions of Natural Science and Mathematics Subjects. American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education 2014, 78 (6). pp. 1-5.

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Official URL: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC414048...

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.


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