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If chemistry is
study of chemicals. And math is the
study of numbers. Then how are
these two things related? General
Chemistry: Math Prerequisite
Explanation |
So, maybe you thought chemistry was just
learning the names of atoms, how they are constructed (electrons, protons, and
neutrons), and some trends on the periodic table. Well, not so fast. It turns out that to explain the
behavior and properties of atoms and molecules, you need to rely on a
mathematical explanations. Now, for
general chemistry, you can get by with a solid algebra and pre-calculus
training. But, you will need
calculus for upper division chemistry classes. In some ways, chemistry is APPLIED MATH!
I like to ask high school students who are
interested in succeeding in chemistry, “what can you do in high school to
be better prepared for chemistry in college?” The answer I frequently get is “take
more chemistry classes”.
Actually, the answer is “Take more math classes!” The materials in our world and universe
behave in a way that can be approximated with mathematical formulas! In fact, the correlation of math skills
to general
academic performance is beginning to be realized.
It has been known for over 60 years that a
general chemistry student’s mathematical preparation is directly related
to their performance (i.e. grade!).
This has been documented many times over the years and more recently in
a paper entitled “The Correlation Between Mathematical Skills and Success in Chemistry”
by Karen Hicks and Lenora Overstreet from Radford University for their EDEF
606-Educational Research class. You
can Google this title and find the paper online. This paper documents the studies that
have been done since the 1940’s to assess student’s performance and
readiness for chemistry by testing their math skills. Here at Andrews, your math skills
are assessed by the relatively straightforward test called the Math Placement
Exam. We have taken those scores
and shown a direct correlation with the student’s final grade in General
Chemistry.
The MPE Scores: P1 or
P5 or E0…
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Scoring: The letter score indicates arithmetic level and is
determined by your performance on page 1 of the test:
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P = proficient in
arithmetic (no deficiency);
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M = moderate
arithmetic deficiency;
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E = extreme
arithmetic deficiency.
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The number score
indicates algebra level;
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this is determined by your performance on pages 2 through 5: 0, 1 =
deficient in algebra; 2-5 = not deficient in algebra.
Student Grouping or Categories based on
MPE Score
Note: Need a P3 or
higher to get into General Chemistry…some students accidently found a loop
hole and were able to register and attend Chem131 without meeting this
requirement! I think we have fixed
this loophole.
Category
= Explanation
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P5 = This category
contains the average grade (percentage) of all students with a P5 MPE score.
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P4(a) = This category contains the average grade for those who passed
the MPE with a P4 on first try.
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P4(b) = This category contains all students with MPE= P4 score.
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P3(a) = Passed
with a P3 on first try
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P3(b) = All P3
scores
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P2(a) = Passed
with a P2 on first try
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P2(b) = All P2
and lower scores
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Trans = Allowed
into class by meeting Math requirement or transferred in appropriate math
class.
Numbers of Students within each Category
|
MPE |
n= |
|
P5 |
57 |
|
P4(a) |
12 |
|
P4(b) |
21 |
|
P3(a) |
8 |
|
P3(b) |
9 |
|
P2(a) |
6 |
|
P2(b) |
18 |
|
Trans |
17 |
The Correlation of MPE Score to Final Grade (%) in General
Chemistry at AU
Other data and notes from this study:
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2 Failures: P3,
P2 (Note: No P4 or P5)
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8 D’s: (3)P2,(2)P3,
(3)P4 (Note:
No P5).
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13
A’s: 1 P4, All P5 or
Trans (Note: No P2 or P3,
very few P4)
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20 A-: 2 P4, 1 P2 (Note: No P3 and very few P4)
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Highest grade for
a P3: B+
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Highest grade for
a P2: A- (…this was the lone
exception…)
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The
Exception: P2 had calculus in highschool (A) and A in precalc at AU.
Observations
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The MPE score
correlates with final grades.
Higher MPE score = Higher General Chemistry Grade (on average).
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P3 and P2
students can “pass” the class but they may struggle. Pass = C- (60%) or better.
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Highest
performance by P5 students. But
having a P5 or P4 is no guarantee of success, you still need to come to class
and do the work!
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Math skills are
critical for success in Chem131 which is a critical class for all
pre-professionals, scientists, and engineers.
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High school
students are encouraged to strengthen their arithmetic and algebra skills.
•
AU MPE testing
correlates strongly with final grade in General Chemistry.
WebPage Author: Ryan Hayes
Version: 8/6/2015