Sir, - I agree with most of the points made by Intel in its submission to the Government task force on the physical sciences, as reported in The Irish Times (October 26th). However, I believe that Intel does not present the full picture.
The declining take-up of physics and chemistry by secondary school students threatens the future of high-tech industry in Ireland. Participation rates will improve, as Intel states, when science is introduced at primary school level, when curricular changes are made at second level, particularly the introduction of a vibrant practical element, and when Ireland builds a national science centre.
However, the Intel submission misses out on one factor that contributes hugely to the declining interest in physics and chemistry. The general perception amongst young people, and their parents, is that well-paid and secure jobs are not plentifully available to science graduates.
If all the suggested improvements in teaching and presentation of physics and chemistry were made, the take-up of these subjects would increase, but only to a certain extent. Take-up of these subjects will never become adequate until public perception about careers in science changes.
Change in public perception about science careers can only be effected by the industries that employ science graduates. The industry must prove that the high quality jobs are there and then the graduates will turn up. - Yours, etc.,
Dr William Reville, Waterfall, Co Cork.