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Updated: Jun 10, 2026
10:17
Improving Student Outcomes with an Adaptable Molecular Cloning Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience
Published on: November 15, 2024
[Tracking study to improve basic academic ability in chemistry for freshmen].
Atsuko Sato1, Mieko Morone, Yutaka Azuma
1Pharmaceutical Education Center, Tohoku Pharmaceutical University, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Japan. s-atsuko@tohoku-pharm.ac.jp
Summary
Freshmen chemistry skills have declined, particularly in calculations, possibly due to less high school lab experience. Educational interventions are urgently needed to improve foundational chemistry abilities for future pharmacists.
Area of Science:
- Chemistry Education
- Academic Assessment
Context:
- Tohoku Pharmaceutical University freshmen undergo annual chemistry assessments.
- Data spans from 2003-2009, utilizing consistent examination questions.
- Student experience with high school chemical experiments was also surveyed.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the foundational chemistry academic abilities of incoming university students.
- To identify trends and potential causes for changes in academic performance.
- To inform the development of targeted educational interventions.
Summary:
- Analysis revealed a significant decline in mean correct response rates after 2007, affecting approximately 80% of questions.
- Calculation problems, especially those involving percentages, showed a marked decrease in performance.
- A concurrent decrease in students reporting high school chemistry experiment experience was observed.
Impact:
- The decline in calculation skills is a serious concern for the professional competencies required of pharmacists.
- Implementing targeted practice for calculation problems has shown positive results in improving ability.
- Addressing the decline in chemistry academic ability, linked to reduced experimental background, is crucial.
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