The Importance of a Mathematics Diagnostic Test for Incoming Pharmacy Undergraduates

Authors

  • Hannah Batchelor Medicines Research Unit, School of Life and Health Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, UK

Keywords:

Mathematics, Pharmacy, Undergraduate, Diagnostic test, Pre-university

Abstract

The expansion of higher education in the UK in the 1980s and the subsequent increase in student numbers has created greater variation in cohorts of students entering university. Entry requirements are more relaxed and students with lower pre-university (A-level) qualifications or alternative qualifications (BTEC, GNVQ) are routinely accepted onto MPharm degree programmes within the UK. Mathematics is a key component in the pharmacy degree programme and an understanding of basic mathematics is essential.
This wide variation in mathematical ability coupled with increasing class sizes has led to various strategies being introduced to ensure that all students attain the required level of mathematical ability to complete the degree programme. This study investigates the use of a diagnostic test to improve both the teaching and learning experience.
The paper describes an investigation into what may be learnt about students’ background knowledge and skills from initial assessment and information about their prior qualifications, and how this information may be used to devise effective teaching and learning strategies.

References

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Bishop, P. and Hibberd, S. (November 2001) “A National approach to diagnostic testing”, LTSN Mathstore Newsletter, 56 – 58, http://ltsn.mathstore.ac.uk/newsletter/nov2001/ pdf/diagnostictest_neweventsdiary.pdf. Accessed February 2004.

Cox, W. (2000) “Predicting the mathematical preparedness of first- year undergraduates for teaching and learning purposes”, International Journal of Mathematical Education in Science and Technology 31, 227–248.

Engineering Council (2000) Measuring the Mathematics Problem (Engineering Council, London).

Greenhow, M. (1998) Mathletics Diagnostic test CD-ROM, (Brunel University), http://www.brunel.ac.uk/, mastmmg. Accessed April 2004.

Harrison, A. (2003) Are A-Levels getting easier? BBC News, http:// news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/3150189.stm. Accessed February 2004.

Mustoe, L. (2002) “Crisis in A level mathematics”, Mathematics, Statistics and Operational Research Connections 2(1), 14, http:// ltsn.mathstore.ac.uk/newsletter/feb2002/pdf/crisis.pdf. Accessed February 2004.

White, K.A.J. (2002) “Setting the Scene”, Mathematics, Statistics and Operational Research Connections 2, 8 – 9, http://ltsn.mathstore. ac.uk/newsletter/aug2002/pdf/setscene.pdf. Accessed February 2004.

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Published

21-04-2004

How to Cite

Batchelor, H. (2004). The Importance of a Mathematics Diagnostic Test for Incoming Pharmacy Undergraduates. Pharmacy Education, 4(2). Retrieved from https://pharmacyeducation.fip.org/pharmacyeducation/article/view/67

Issue

Section

Research Article