This study is part of a broader doctoral research project concerned with addressing the factors that affect the retention of undergraduate chemistry students at the University of Cape Town (UCT). Specifically, the study attempts to examine the collective influence of career aspiration, self-efficacy, and conceptual understanding on the retention of third-year chemistry students from the Extended Degree Programme (EDP) and Mainstream; using a constructivist approach and a qualitative case study design. This presentation focuses on aspects relating to the career aspiration and self-efficacy of the students. The convenience sample consisted of 10 students of diverse ethnicity and gender from both EDP and Mainstream who have successfully entered their final year of the chemistry course. Data was generated from questionnaires and interviews.

Students’ perspectives on studying chemistry

ACS Spring 2022

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.