Data Science in Undergraduate Life Science Education: A Need for Instructor Skills Training

Author:

Emery Nathan C1ORCID,Crispo Erika2,Supp Sarah R3,Farrell Kaitlin J4,Kerkhoff Andrew J5,Bledsoe Ellen K6,O'Donnell Kelly L7,McCall Andrew C3,Aiello-Lammens Matthew E8

Affiliation:

1. Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States

2. Pace University, New York City, New York, United States

3. Denison University, Granville, Ohio

4. University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States

5. Kenyon College, Gambier, Ohio, United States

6. University of Regina with CIEE's Living Data Project, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada

7. University of New York, New York, New York, United States

8. Environmental Studies and Science Department and director of the Environmental Science Graduate Program at Pace University, New York City, New York, United States

Abstract

Abstract There is a clear demand for quantitative literacy in the life sciences, necessitating competent instructors in higher education. However, not all instructors are versed in data science skills or research-based teaching practices. We surveyed biological and environmental science instructors (n = 106) about the teaching of data science in higher education, identifying instructor needs and illuminating barriers to instruction. Our results indicate that instructors use, teach, and view data management, analysis, and visualization as important data science skills. Coding, modeling, and reproducibility were less valued by the instructors, although this differed according to institution type and career stage. The greatest barriers were instructor and student background and space in the curriculum. The instructors were most interested in training on how to teach coding and data analysis. Our study provides an important window into how data science is taught in higher education biology programs and how we can best move forward to empower instructors across disciplines.

Publisher

Oxford University Press (OUP)

Subject

General Agricultural and Biological Sciences

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