How to encourage students in learning chemistry?

Abstract

Chemistry is a basis for almost all science and engineering disciplines, and needs to be well mastered by both researchers and students. But in the eyes of many Chinese students and their parents, chemistry is not an initial choice because first, it seems to be less important than mathematics and physics, and second, chemistry-majored students usually cannot get high salaries after graduation, and may encounter safety risks when conducting chemical experiments. How can we encourage students in learning chemistry? How can we improve higher chemistry education so that students can truly grasp the basic chemical principles, increase their chemical skills and apply the learnt knowledge in their future careers? Here in this panel discussion, six experts in higher chemistry education try to give their observations and opinions on these issues. Yadong Li President at Anhui Normal University; inorganic chemist. Yan Li Professor at College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University. Jian Pei Professor at College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University. Zhenfeng Xi Professor at College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University. Song Gao (Chair) President at Sun Yat-sen University; inorganic chemist. Lan-Sun Zheng (Chair) Professor at College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University.