Fall of students studying maths, engineering and the sciences at university.

Hi guys!

Just thought I'd start a new topic, as it is one which I feel critical to the future of space applications.

In recent times, the UK has seen a very sharp drop in the number of students who choose to carry on with the science and mathematic subjects at senior school and university. Although the number of students generally entering these stages of education are rising, more and more students are opting for 'softer' subject choices, which they see as easier, such as psychology or media studies. I believe the trend is mirrored in other countries as it is in mine, and surveys show that students believe physics or maths are too hard, and they fail to see the usefulness of them in the wider world.

(I'd just like to make myself clear at this point that in no way am I demeaning other subject choices, which are just as valuable to society, I am mearly addressing the high descrepancy in numbers)

I believe that this is a severe problem which needs to be tackled now. These decreasing numbers will leave a huge void in the economy as the need for specialist scientists, engineers and mathematicians is exponentially increasing as society evolves. This void, I believe, will directly effect the future prosperity of the space industry directly, as vast potential from the next generation will not reach us. Drawing from my own personal experiences, having just graduated in Physics and Astronomy from my university, I saw the department struggling to maintain it's intake and thus lowering entry standards just to fill places.

I believe that children need to be motivated in science and maths from a young age. Because these subjects ARE more difficult than others, children can lose interest and opt for easier choices. We need to show them the wonder and fascination that these subjects can bring, and all the doors that could be opened for them in the future should they continue with study.

What do you all think can be done to approach this problem? There has been talk recently in the UK of offering financial incentives to students to study these subjects to a higher level.

I'd love to hear your views on this topic!

Thank you for your response Paul!

I completely agree. I personally don't favour the idea of 'making' kids take these subjects- as you say, they need to realise for themselves the benefits and enjoyment that these subjects can bring. But this can be hard with current schooling, as many (but by no means all) schools just push equations and facts into children's heads so that they are able to pass exams, without truly exploring the meaning and significance behind them. This leaves children bored and exhausted with the subject, and they abandon it for an easier option as soon as possible.

I also agree with you that space and astronomy can assist hugely here- in my own case, although I enjoyed maths and science through school, it was the study of astrophysics that really invoked a love and true passion for the subject.

As you have mentioned, there already are some great activities available to encourage children to involve themselves with the future of space exploration (for UK activities, see the UK forum). These efforts should be continued and expanded, with more emphasis on integrating astronomy and space exploration within the school curiculum. All ages groups can benefit from learning and talking about space and their ideas for the future.

As you said, the most important point is getting enthusiastic teachers to portray the subject beneficially to youngsters. Unfortunately in the UK, as is probably true elsewhere, the most talented and enthusiastic scientists are not attracted by the relatively low wages, large workloads and declining student discipline and interest of our schools today :(