NEARLY one in 10 student scientists does not believe in evolution, a survey of more than 3,000 undergraduates has found, writes Sarah Cassidy. A significant minority of biology and medical students believe in creationism - that God created life out of nothing.
The findings show that teachers are wrong to assume that creationist views are an American phenomnon, said Roger Downie of Glasgow University’s Institute of Biomedical and Life Sciences.
Effective teaching of evolution was difficult enough without having to confront deep-seated opposition, Dr Downie said. The findings also present teachers with an ethical problem, as they must tell students to learn something that they strongly disbelieve.
