title: Medical students' retention of knowledge of physics and chemistry on entry to a course in physiology.
abstract: In this paper we have assessed the extent to which two cohorts of medical students retained skills acquired in two of their basic science courses, i.e. physics and chemistry. It has been shown that a great deal of attrition takes place with respect to factual information and also, therefore, the capacity to apply this information in a relevant manner. It has been argued that this occurs, in part, because students do not appear to regard chemistry and physics as a useful part of their preparation as doctors and, in part, because of the methods used to teach these basic science subjects. Finally, some implications of this preliminary study have been discussed.
mesh_terms: D001315:Australia; D002621:Chemistry / Q000193:education*; D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate; D004521:Educational Measurement; D006801:Humans; D008568:Memory; D010825:Physics / Q000193:education*; D010827:Physiology / Q000193:education*