Abstract:

Science is fundamental in fostering a society that values scientific literacy and innovation and prioritizes the well-being of people and the environment while striving for sustainability. Chemistry plays a crucial role in managing water and air quality, preserving the environment, advancing healthcare and pharmaceutical research, producing nanomaterials, developing energy solutions, innovating materials, and enhancing food production. It is essential to approach these endeavours with sustainability while aligning with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In Portugal, the field of chemistry is not commonly pursued by students. A study was carried out to investigate the underlying reasons for this. This research followed a quantitative approach being a case study, based on the following research questions: What influences secondary school students to pursue studies in chemistry in higher education? Who, how, and why do students select their higher education courses? The initial phase involved analysing official national databases to identify enrolment patterns of students in 12th-grade chemistry subjects and higher education courses related to chemistry over the past decade. The subsequent phase included creating and validating a questionnaire with both open and closed questions to understand the factors that influence students' decision-making when choosing higher education courses, particularly in the field of chemistry. A preliminary survey was applied to students attending chemistry or related courses in higher education at the Faculty of Science and Technology of the New University of Lisbon. A preliminary study was conducted in 2023.

The examination of official database records has uncovered a consistent enrolment of students in 12th-grade Chemistry over the last eight years. However, there has been a decrease in the number of students enrolling in Chemistry courses at higher education institutions over the past three years. The survey findings indicated that key influences on students' choice of the field were the quality of the Chemistry class and the competence of the Chemistry teacher. A positive perception regarding chemistry (easy, safe, useful) also influences the option to follow chemistry in higher education.

One consequence of reducing students in Chemistry in higher education will be the lake of chemistry teachers in the near future. If higher education wants to overcome the barriers, that continue regarding chemistry, it must change the students' perception of chemistry. It must support teachers, increasing teachers' access to new knowledge and innovations, with training, bridging the academy and teachers. Finally, it is crucial for the government and higher institutions, to begin supporting and collaborating with secondary chemistry teachers more effectively, to advance chemistry.

Keywords:

Chemistry, Students, Teachers, Support, Higher Education.