While there is a need for qualified graduates in the field of natural sciences, dropout rates at German universities are above average. Thus, supporting academic achievement in these fields of study is particularly important. In previous projects (DE), subject-specific predictors for academic achievement have been identified. We assess in how far these predictors can be an influencing factor for student academic achievement and how we can generally enhance students’ academic achievement. By implementing an intervention study, subject-specific supportive measures will be developed and assessed to foster academic achievement in biology and physics study programmes. Thus, this project is in cooperation with the research groups for physics education at the University of Duisburg-Essen and Potsdam (DE).

Contacts: Julia Tocco (PhD project), Philipp Schmiemann, Kai Cardinal (DE), Heike Theyßen