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An analysis of the pre-university integrated physical science curriculum in terms of its relevance to first year science oriented courses at the University of Singapore
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Type
Thesis
Author
Chong, Paul Philip
Supervisor
Chin, Long Fay
Lau, Kam Cheong
Abstract
This thesis seeks to highlight the development of Physical Science education in the Republic of Singapore, and to make an analytical study of the Pre-University Physical Science Course in terms of integration of physical and chemical principles, the course structure, course content, students' involvement in the Physical Science Course and their relevance to the First Year Physics, Chemistry, Engineering, Medicine and Dentistry Courses of the University of Singapore. The Pre-University Physical Science Course follows the syllabus of the Overseas Cambridge General Certificate of Education Advanced Level Physical Science.
This study was based on the responses of the surveys from a random sample of Pre-University One and Two Physical Science students of four Pre-University classes in Secondary Schools and four Junior Colleges, Pre-University Physical Science teachers, and the 1977 batch of First Year Physics, Chemistry, Engineering, Medical and Dental students of the University of Singapore.
The main objectives of the survey were to obtain information of the views and perceptions of the Pre-University Physical Science students and teachers on the Overseas Cambridge Advanced Level Physical Science Course, and the views of the students and staff of the First Year Physics, Chemistry, Engineering, Medicine and Dentistry Courses of the University of Singapore concerning the relevance of the Pre-University Physical Science Course as a preparation for the First Year Physics, Chemistry, Engineering, Medical and Dental students with Advanced level Physical Science background.
The survey with the Pre-University One and Two Physical Science students and teachers began in September 1977 and was completed in June 1978. The survey with the First Year Physics, Chemistry, Engineering, Medical and Dental students begin in December 1977 and was completed in July 1978. The interviews with the University staff took place at different times in 1977. The item responses of the various questionnaires and the results of the analysis are tabulated in Chapter 4.
In the light of the findings it was observed that the Pre-University Physical Science Course did achieve the objectives of a general education but failed to a certain extent to achieve the objectives of preparing Pre-University Physical Science students to read Physics and Chemistry in the University. Using Physics and Chemistry textbooks to teach the Physical Science Course, and the course programme being carried out on a team-teaching basis, with Physics and Chemistry teachers teaching the Physics and Chemistry sections of the Physical Science Course separately, failed to achieve the concept of integration of Physical and Chemical principles. It was observed that the range of topics in the Physical Science Course was too wide and superficially treated at the Pre-University level. This was the remark from the University Physics and Chemistry lecturers. As for the First Year Medical and Dental Courses, the Pre-University Physical Science Course was an adequate preparation. It is recommended that the Pre-University Physical Science Course be restructured along the lines of the findings in Chapter 4.
It was the general view of the lecturers that the number of topics in the Advanced Level Physical Science Course should be reduced so as to give better depth of treatment of the subject in order to serve as an adequate preparation for the First Year University Physics, Chemistry, Medical and Dental Courses.
This study was based on the responses of the surveys from a random sample of Pre-University One and Two Physical Science students of four Pre-University classes in Secondary Schools and four Junior Colleges, Pre-University Physical Science teachers, and the 1977 batch of First Year Physics, Chemistry, Engineering, Medical and Dental students of the University of Singapore.
The main objectives of the survey were to obtain information of the views and perceptions of the Pre-University Physical Science students and teachers on the Overseas Cambridge Advanced Level Physical Science Course, and the views of the students and staff of the First Year Physics, Chemistry, Engineering, Medicine and Dentistry Courses of the University of Singapore concerning the relevance of the Pre-University Physical Science Course as a preparation for the First Year Physics, Chemistry, Engineering, Medical and Dental students with Advanced level Physical Science background.
The survey with the Pre-University One and Two Physical Science students and teachers began in September 1977 and was completed in June 1978. The survey with the First Year Physics, Chemistry, Engineering, Medical and Dental students begin in December 1977 and was completed in July 1978. The interviews with the University staff took place at different times in 1977. The item responses of the various questionnaires and the results of the analysis are tabulated in Chapter 4.
In the light of the findings it was observed that the Pre-University Physical Science Course did achieve the objectives of a general education but failed to a certain extent to achieve the objectives of preparing Pre-University Physical Science students to read Physics and Chemistry in the University. Using Physics and Chemistry textbooks to teach the Physical Science Course, and the course programme being carried out on a team-teaching basis, with Physics and Chemistry teachers teaching the Physics and Chemistry sections of the Physical Science Course separately, failed to achieve the concept of integration of Physical and Chemical principles. It was observed that the range of topics in the Physical Science Course was too wide and superficially treated at the Pre-University level. This was the remark from the University Physics and Chemistry lecturers. As for the First Year Medical and Dental Courses, the Pre-University Physical Science Course was an adequate preparation. It is recommended that the Pre-University Physical Science Course be restructured along the lines of the findings in Chapter 4.
It was the general view of the lecturers that the number of topics in the Advanced Level Physical Science Course should be reduced so as to give better depth of treatment of the subject in order to serve as an adequate preparation for the First Year University Physics, Chemistry, Medical and Dental Courses.
Date Issued
1978
Call Number
Q181 Cho
Date Submitted
1978