title: Pharmacy students' perceptions of natural science and mathematics subjects.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine the level of importance pharmacy students placed on science and mathematics subjects for pursuing a career in pharmacy.
  
  
  METHODS
  Two hundred fifty-four students completed a survey instrument developed to investigate students' perceptions of the relevance of science and mathematics subjects to a career in pharmacy. Pharmacy students in all 4 years of a master of pharmacy (MPharm) degree program were invited to complete the survey instrument.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Students viewed chemistry-based and biology-based subjects as relevant to a pharmacy career, whereas mathematics subjects such as physics, logarithms, statistics, and algebra were not viewed important to a career in pharmacy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Students' experience in pharmacy and year of study influenced their perceptions of subjects relevant to a pharmacy career. Pharmacy educators need to consider how they can help students recognize the importance of scientific knowledge earlier in the pharmacy curriculum.
authors.affiliation: Department of Education and Psychology, University of Bolton, Bolton, Greater Manchester, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Julie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Prescott
authors.affiliation: School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, Lancashire, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Sarah Ellen
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Wilson
authors.affiliation: School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, Lancashire, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Kai-Wai
authors.initials: KW
authors.lastname: Wan
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D003479:Curriculum; D003625:Data Collection; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008433:Mathematics; D010811:Natural Science Disciplines; D013339:Students, Pharmacy / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: career; mathematics; pharmacy students; science