Eastern Kentucky University
Study on Attrition Rates in Chemistry at Eastern Kentucky University
Institution
Eastern Kentucky University
Faculty Advisor/ Mentor
Daniel Tofan
Abstract
Attrition rates in chemistry courses for science majors were investigated at Eastern Kentucky University (EKU). The study was conducted using a Microsoft Access database provided by EKU Institutional Research, as well as student surveys. SQL and Java programming were utilized to construct queries that extracted the data needed for this study. Performance in chemistry courses was correlated to ACT scores and grades obtained in college algebra and other mathematics courses. A chemistry aptitude exam was given to all entering students in the last two years and the performance on that test was correlated with success rates in General Chemistry I. Possible ways of lowering attrition rates are presented based on this study. A Kentucky-wide study on how to lower attrition rates in chemistry is proposed.
Study on Attrition Rates in Chemistry at Eastern Kentucky University
Attrition rates in chemistry courses for science majors were investigated at Eastern Kentucky University (EKU). The study was conducted using a Microsoft Access database provided by EKU Institutional Research, as well as student surveys. SQL and Java programming were utilized to construct queries that extracted the data needed for this study. Performance in chemistry courses was correlated to ACT scores and grades obtained in college algebra and other mathematics courses. A chemistry aptitude exam was given to all entering students in the last two years and the performance on that test was correlated with success rates in General Chemistry I. Possible ways of lowering attrition rates are presented based on this study. A Kentucky-wide study on how to lower attrition rates in chemistry is proposed.