First‐year chemistry practicals at universities in England and Wales: aims and the scientific level of the experiments

Abstract The first‐year chemistry practical manuals from 17 universities in England and Wales have been content analysed. The aims of the course are stated in only half of the manuals. The aims for the experiments are mostly contained in the experiment descriptions. Useful learning objectives are mentioned just once. The scientific level of the experiments does not exceed that of controlled, predictable experiments. Changes that have taken place in the style of practicals in secondary education are hardly reflected in tertiary education. .

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