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Predictors of Success in Physical Chemistry

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M. Elizabeth Derrick

Department of Chemistry, Valdosta State University, Valdosta, GA 31698

Frederick W. Derrick

Department of Economics, Loyola College in Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21210

J. Chem. Educ., 2002, 79 (8), p 1013

DOI: 10.1021/ed079p1013

Publication Date (Web): August 1, 2002

Abstract

Physical chemistry is commonly viewed as formidable by chemistry faculty and students alike. It is the gateway course to advanced chemistry courses in ACS-certified degree programs. Hypotheses concerning success in physical chemistry based on previous chemistry, physics, and mathematics courses are tested using bivariate correlation analysis, multiple regression on the full set of variables, and multiple regression with a subset of variables deleted. Data on chemistry, physics, and mathematics grades and the number of times these courses were repeated were collected for physical chemistry students at Valdosta State University for the period 1976–1999. The most important subsets of variables were chemistry and mathematics. The most important individual predictors of success in the first course in physical chemistry are grade in second course in organic chemistry and grade in physics. The number of times courses were repeated is important but less significant.

Keywords (Audience):

Second-Year Undergraduate

Keywords (Domain):

Chemical Education Research

Keywords (Feature):

Chemical Education Research

Keywords (Subject):

Administrative Issues

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This article has been cited by 3 ACS Journal articles (3 most recent appear below).

Factors Influencing Student Prerequisite Preparation for and Subsequent Performance in College Chemistry Two: A Statistical Investigation
David C. Easter
Journal of Chemical Education2010 87 (5), 535-540
- Factors Influencing Student Prerequisite Preparation for and Subsequent Performance in College Chemistry Two: A Statistical Investigation
  David C. Easter
  Journal of Chemical Education2010 87 (5), 535-540
  For students entering Chemistry Two following a Chemistry One course, an assessment exam was given and the results were evaluated in combination with other variables to develop a predictive model that forecasts student achievement in the course. Variables ...
  Abstract | Full Text HTML | Hi-Res PDF | PDF w/ Links
Introduction of Entropy via the Boltzmann Distribution in Undergraduate Physical Chemistry: A Molecular Approach
Evguenii I. Kozliak
Journal of Chemical Education2004 81 (11), 1595
- Introduction of Entropy via the Boltzmann Distribution in Undergraduate Physical Chemistry: A Molecular Approach
  Evguenii I. Kozliak
  Journal of Chemical Education2004 81 (11), 1595
  Several problems that hinder optimal communication with students in the conventional introduction to thermodynamics are identified. Even though students from their first course focus on chemistry as a molecular science, most texts in physical chemistry ...
  Abstract | Hi-Res PDF | PDF w/ Links
Factors Influencing Success in Physical Chemistry
Karen E. Hahn and William F. Polik
Journal of Chemical Education2004 81 (4), 567
- Factors Influencing Success in Physical Chemistry
  Karen E. Hahn and William F. Polik
  Journal of Chemical Education2004 81 (4), 567
  Determining the factors that influence success in physical chemistry can inform efforts to improve teaching methods and increase student understanding. While many studies have examined factors that influence performance in general chemistry courses, very ...
  Abstract | Hi-Res PDF | PDF w/ Links