the student perspective regarding the change of curriculum proposal tariq esmail & kira gullane
TRANSCRIPT
The Student Perspective
Regarding the change of curriculum proposal
Tariq Esmail Tariq Esmail & Kira Gullane& Kira Gullane
Objective
Provide insight to the student perspective of the current 1st year curriculum
Discuss the pros and cons of the current proposal for science vs. non-science students
Current Constraints
Large amount of material on the April final exams for first year students
Not representative of upper year courses at UWO
Limits the students diversity and choice of subject area in 1st year
Proposal: to introduce one semester 1st year science courses in biology, chemistry and physics.
“A lot of students who struggled through high school sciences wouldn’t be interested in biology or chemistry regardless…” – CON
“Those courses wouldn’t be considered ‘fillers’ for non-science students … it’s a conscious decision whether to take them or not.” - CON
“Non-science students choose not to take these courses because they’re scared of the material, not due to the length of the course” - CON
“I go to Kings and the biology credit is what they push because you need a science to graduate but none are offered at the affiliate college… people from Kings might find it better if it’s only half a course and then chemistry the other half so you get a taste of both.” - PRO
Non-Science Student Perspective
Pro ConOffers the chance to explore the subject without the commitment of a full year course
Fulfills the breadth requirement of Category C
Already courses for ‘non-science students’ are set up
Physics 1021Chem 1027a/bBio 1223, 2001a/b, 1229F/G
the material is often the intimidating part, not length of course
Science Student Perspective
Pro ConDecrease in final exam materialProvides opportunity to redo one semester if necessary, instead of a full year (* dependent on prereq)
Additional course selection confusion Restructuring funds Consequences of the university learning curveInability to enroll in 2nd semester of course due to failure of the 1st
Other Universities…
University
Biology Chemistry
McGill0.5 courses no prereq
0.5 courses no prereq
Queen’s0.5 courses 1st term prereq
1.0 course
McMaster0.5 courses No prereq
0.5 courses 1st term prereq
U of T 1.0 course 1.0 course
Food for thought…
Will the 1st term be a prerequisite for the 2nd
term course?
Will this alter the requirements for
modules ?
Will the courses be offered in the summer?
Currently Bio1223 & Chem1050 are Currently Bio1223 & Chem1050 are offered in intersession.offered in intersession.
Are there enough students who would take advantage of the change
to make it worth the hassle ?
Thank you
Questions or comments for the Science Students’ Council can be directed to Tariq Esmail at: