Physical Chemistry for Undergraduate Students: Sources of Students' Difficulties and Potential Solution

Abstract

Traditionally, university students struggle with physical chemistry courses at Faculty of Science. This is particularly evident in the mutual integration of knowledge in general chemistry, physics, and mathematics that are considered as fundamental to physical chemistry. This paper presents the results of research conducted with the 2^nd year chemistry students at the Faculty of Science University of Sarajevo, with the main aim to find solutions to these difficulties that could lead to greater learning efficiency, and a successful continuation of their chemistry studies. The results indicated that students’ knowledge of concepts relevant to physical chemistry is not at a satisfactory level. This is in line with the rather low students’ grades in general chemistry, general physics and mathematics during the first year of the study. Students reported their most common difficulties: the lack of time for learning, the lack of literature recommended by the syllabus, and certain mathematical concepts they do not understand. To overcome them, it is important to direct students to use the available resources more efficiently, and to emphasize the significance of knowledge integration.