Cost Versus Benefits
Author: Philip Perotti, p.12
I'd like to comment on the article entitled "Chemists Anxious About Discipline's Fate" in your publication dated April 1, 1991 [page 1].
As a somewhat recent university graduate (1986) with degrees in both microbiology and biochemistry, I think I have a fresh perspective on why the sciences in general, and chemistry in particular, are failing to attract young minds.
We all know that the study of science is not an easy endeavor. As comparative curricula go, I think science (especially chemistry) is one of the hardest disciplines to tackle. The amount of hands-on lab time spent by undergraduates to learn their craft is quite overwhelming to freshmen. I am not in any way saying that the class load or material should be scaled down. On the contrary, I think in some cases more coursework is needed. My point is that human nature drives ...
