Too many Psychs, not enough real Scientists

The world is in danger of running out of scientists because too many young people are opting to study "easier" subjects in school and university, this according to a speech at the British Association Science Festival. This year there was yet another fall in the number of students taking physics, chemistry and biology at A-level. The number of maths students rose, but only after recent years of decline.

Last month head teachers said that the rising pass rate of A-levels was being fuelled by pupils switching from maths and science to supposedly easier subjects such as psychology and media studies. "We are not alone in facing these trends," said Sir Peter, the former chief executive of Oxford Instruments.