26th Australian Institute of Physics Congress and the Australian and New Zealand Conference on Optics and Photonics

Mathematics readiness: an audit of what we teach and test

Not scheduled

20m

Belinda Hutchinson Building (The University of Sydney )

Poster AIP | Physics Education (PEG)

Speaker

Kimberley Dennis (The University of Sydney)

Description

Mathematics is deeply entwined with the learning and practice of physics (1), yet mathematics underpreparedness is a common challenge not just for physics, but for many tertiary science courses (2). It contributes to attrition from physics majors (3), poor experiences and loss of confidence. Furthermore, the ability to apply mathematical knowledge to physics contexts is non-trivial for underprepared students to develop (4). As physics educators, we must therefore be cognisant of both students’ mathematics readiness, and the progression of mathematical content within physics curricula.

We describe a method for auditing the mathematical content of an undergraduate physics program, through a case study of The University of Sydney physics major. Different branches of mathematics across core physics topics and all years are collated, categories of difficulty are identified, and how these progress through the years of study are mapped. Our approach facilitates identification of points where the curriculum heightens students’ susceptibility to mathematics-based difficulties. This can inform the design of supports to provide students access to physics learning through real-time upskilling in necessary mathematics knowledge and skills.

References

Palmgren, E., Kokkonen, T. and Bruun, J., Roles of mathematics in physics education: A systematic review, Physical Review Physics Education Research, 21, p. 020602 (2025).

Mattern, K., Radunzel, J. and Westrick, P., Development of STEM Readiness Benchmarks to Assist Educational and Career Decision Making, ACT Research Report Series, 3 (2015).

Stewart, J., Hansen, J. and Burkholder, E., Visualizing and predicting the path to an undergraduate physics degree at two different institutions, Physical Review Physics Education Research, 18, p. 020117 (2022).

Pospiech, G., Framework of Mathematization in Physics from a Teaching Perspective in Mathematics in Physics Education, edited by G. Pospiech, M. Michelini, and B.-S. Eylon (Springer, Cham, 2019), pp. 1–36.