Four-year science degree courses were recommended by the Government’s
Advisory Council on Science and Technology in a report published this week.
An optional fourth year in degree courses in physics, chemistry and
engineering would lead to about two-thirds of students gaining a BSc after
three years and one-third going on to an MSc says the report.
The three-year courses would have less academic content and more emphasis
on fundamental principles, experimental method and analytical skills.
Members of the committee which drew up the report, including Peter Swinnerton-Dyer,
chief executive of the Universities Funding Council, went beyond the report’s
recommendations at a press conference, saying there was a case for extending
all science degree courses to four years.
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In schools, the report advocates higher pay for teachers of subjects
in which teachers are scarce. Sixth-formers would benefit, it says, from
combining science with other subjects through improved AS levels.
* Science and Technology: Education and Employment. ACOST report. HMSO
£8.95.
