Over 30 per cent of UCD students failed first-year science or dropped out of the course before the summer exams, according to new figures.
The high failure rate comes after UCD, in common with other third-level colleges, was forced to drop the Leaving Cert points requirement for science courses as student interest declines.
The figures show that 140 of the 400-plus students who enrolled for first-year science either failed the summer exam (78) or dropped out of the course (62).
Last night, USI said the figures showed the need for more career guidance at second-level. "Too many students come into college without thinking seriously about their choice of course," according to its president, Mr Will Priestley.
Traditionally, science at UCD has required more points than arts, but this trend has reversed in recent years. This year some students secured places in science on 280 CAO points, but over 370 points were needed for arts.
Earlier this year, UCD - in an highly-unusual move - pointed out how many science undergraduates actually achieved over 400 or 500 points in the Leaving Cert. The statement from the science faculty came amid concern over falling standards.
UCD sources say poor ability in maths may be one of the key factors which explains the high failure and drop-out rates from science.
The UCD figures will heighten Government and business concern about the apparent decline in science.
The Government hopes that the ambitious new Junior Cert science course will help boost student interest and raise standards. However, ASTI members are refusing to teach the new course amid concerns about health and safety.
The UCD figures - obtained under the Freedom of Information Act - also reveal that 15 per cent of those taking first-year arts failed the summer exams. Another 10 per cent dropped out.
Some academics believe the points requirement for science should be increased to help raise standards.
However, since the points must reflect the demand for the course and the number of spaces available, UCD cannot do this.
The figures for other first-year undergraduate courses included:
Law (BCL): Of the 111 taking the course, 65 secured first or second-class honours;
Social Science: Only 10 of the 122 students taking the course failed;
Medicine (foundation): Of the 120 taking the course, 61 achieved first class honours and 35 second-class honours.
Veterinary medicine: 52 secured first or second-class honours and 37 passed.
