The take-up of third-level places in science fell by 19 per cent between 1996 and 1998, according to figures released by the Department of Education yesterday.
This was despite increases in the number of students entering the third level generally. The Minister for Education and Science, Dr Woods, said he was concerned at the decline, which was similar to that experienced at second level.
He was speaking at the launch of an information pack which is being sent today to every second-level school, informing pupils of the career opportunities available to those who study science. The pack was designed by the training agency FAS, which is also planning to circulate it to teachers.
The figures released by the Department show a steep decline in the uptake of science courses at the institutes of technology (31 per cent) and the universities (7 per cent).
The figures are based on research undertaken by Mr Patrick Timpson, who teaches at the School of Science at Sligo Institute of Technology. His research was based on the number of first-year acceptances between 1996 and 1998. The calculations are based on all science subjects except computer science.
The main part of the pack is a video in which people who have successful science careers talk about how rewarding an experience it has been.
Mr Dermot Conlon of FAS said the pack was an attempt to overcome the "nerdy" image some people have of science. "The sector offers well-paid secure employment in a clean, environmentally friendly setting with excellent career progression," he said.
A "major shortage" of science graduates was about to emerge. "The projections are quite alarming, that is why we are trying to do something about it now," he said.
Dr Woods said he was "concerned at the decline" and more work needed to be done to inform students about the wide range of career opportunities in the sector.
He said the decline in interest in information technology courses was mirrored by a steep decline in the uptake of physical sciences at second level.