Sir, - I support many of the views of Prof Feegan (April 7th) regarding the seriousness of the drop in the numbers doing physics and chemistry in school, and the resultant fall in the numbers doing science and technology courses at third level. This trend was exacerbated in 1998 by the push into IT and the creation of hundreds of places at third level. Many third-level subjects - medicine, engineering, IT and science - all draw from the same, shrinking pool of second-level students with maths and physical science. A sudden emphasis on one area and an increase in places must have an effect on others, as was seen in the drop in entries last year into science and technology courses, particularly in the institutes of technology. It may well be that the situation for 1999 entries will be worse.
What can be done to redress an imbalance that finally everyone has recognised - Government, industry and third level? I disagree with Prof Feegan that making two science subjects compulsory would help. If something is already unpopular you don't make it more popular by making it more difficult to get in. Two science requirements would work for a high-status, high-demand subject like medicine but at present it would reduce the number of eligible candidates for science. A multi-faceted approach to promote the physical sciences is needed and third-level colleges need to be more active in getting out and promoting their subjects and courses. We need better careers materials and careers advice in school.
However, the main determining factors seem to be a combination of the pressure of points and a turning away from subjects perceived by students to be more difficult, more mathematical and more time-consuming in favour of easier options. In a points-driven system, where every subject is weighted equally and only one science is needed for all the high-tech subjects, can one blame the students? They are responding to the forces in the education marketplace. To counteract this, third-level colleges must use the same philosophy. We must make the physical sciences attractive by giving bonus points for specific Leaving Cert subjects for courses where there are shortages and where the physical sciences are vital foundation subjects.
This is a measure that could be introduced quickly and kept as long as needed. I believe it would have an immediate effect on the system and encourage more students to take up a physical science and to choose courses where the bonus applied. Talking to science teachers at the weekend at the ISTA annual conference in Galway gave me the impression that bonus points would be popular and effective. Other measures, such as making Leaving Cert chemistry a compulsory requirement for the high-profile, high-demand courses like medicine, veterinary and pharmacy would also increase the pool.
One thing is clear: we need to do something now. It has taken years for everyone to see the problem that has been there in embryo for 10 years. Now is the time to take appropriate actions to ensure that Ireland's high-tech industries can meet their forecast skills shortage. - Yours, etc.,
Dr. Peter E. Childs, University of Limerick.