The problem with maths

Maths in Chemistry

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Endpoint: David Read has the last word

As an admissions tutor for chemistry at Southampton University I read last issue's Endpoint from David Smith with much interest. I agree with him that we should admit onto our courses only students who are capable of meeting the challenges of a degree in chemistry. Mathematics is an integral part of our discipline and we have always been open about this in discussions with potential students. Any chemistry graduate will confirm the range of skills needed to survive the rigours of topics as diverse as organic synthesis and quantum mechanics is broad and requires hard work. But how do we ensure that our incoming students are equipped to meet these challenges? 

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