Science Degree Research Articles

Examining the Structural Relationships Between Pre-Service Science Teachers’ Intention to Teach and Perceptions of the Nature of Science and Attitudes

Abstract The current study aimed to examine the structural relationships between pre-service science teachers’ intention to teach and perceptions of the nature of science (NOS) and attitudes toward teaching science. The sample consisted of 206 pre-service science teachers from a major university in the United Arab Emirates who have bachelor’s degrees in science. Quantitative research methodology was used to study the structural relationships among pre-service science teachers’ intention to teach, perceptions of the NOS, and attitudes. Structural equation modeling using the Lavaan package was used to test these structural relationships. The results show that the relationships between the indigenous constructs (NOS) and the mediator constructs (DAS) can predict pre-service science teachers’ intention to teach science (p < 0.05).

The role of an equine nutritionist in equine health, performance and wellbeing: Ideas stemming from an equine science society symposium workshop

In the United States, there is little clarity on the qualifications and availability of equine nutritionists. Currently, no regulatory body exists for formal credentialing outside of veterinary medicine. Most equine nutritionists are not veterinarians but do have advanced scientific degrees (Master of Science and/or Doctor of Philosophy) in the field of Animal Science. However, not all reporting to be equine nutritionists have formal education in the field of equine nutrition. To discuss this, a workshop was held at the 2023 Equine Science Society (ESS) meeting. The purpose of this discussion was to share ideas among equine nutrition professionals about how best to provide support for the inclusion of the specialty as part of a horse's health team, alongside the veterinarian, farrier and other equine health specialists. In human, small animal and livestock practices, the importance of nutrition as part of an overall health, production (livestock) and well-being plan has been documented. However, surveys of veterinarians, the top source of information for horse owners, reveal a lack of confidence in the area of nutrition after graduating from veterinary school and a lack of available continuing education opportunities to learn more. Further, it appears that many horse owners may unknowingly be obtaining nutrition information from unverified sources (such as the internet). The discussion included formal and informal education of equine nutritionists, as well as avenues to open lines of communication with the veterinary community to provide nutrition resources for horse owners, managers and veterinarians.

Barriers and motivating factors for licensed practical nurses to pursue a bachelor's degree in nursing

BackgroundConnecticut License Practical Nurses (LPNs) face unique challenges in pursuing higher education. Understanding these challenges is essential for addressing the current nursing shortage and enhancing the nursing workforce's educational level. PurposeThis project aimed to identify the barriers preventing Connecticut LPNs from pursuing higher education and the factors motivating them to obtain a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing (BSN) and Registered Nurse (RN) licensure. MethodA survey was administered to 13,684 LPNs in Connecticut after Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval. Of these, 1791 LPNs consented to participate, with 1424 completing at least one survey question. The survey was designed to identify the top three motivators and barriers influencing LPNs' decisions to pursue further education. ResultsThe primary motivators identified were the desire for college credits for completed LPN coursework (96.7 %), a simplified BSN enrollment procedure (93.8 %), and potential salary increases (93.7 %). Conversely, the top barriers were current financial position (76.4 %), personal responsibilities (71.1 %), and the requirement to repeat previously taken courses (65.9 %). An unexpected finding was that 63 participants expressed readiness to immediately pursue a BSN degree, indicating a strong latent demand for advanced nursing education. ConclusionThe study highlights the eagerness of LPNs to advance their education, contingent on receiving credit for previous coursework, financial aid, tuition reimbursement, and flexible schooling options. These findings suggest the need for tailored educational programs and support systems to facilitate LPNs' transition to higher educational levels, addressing both the motivators and barriers identified.

Self-perception of the acquisition of transferable competencies by the participants in a research congress for undergraduate students: A cross-sectional study

ContextSeveral curricular initiatives have been developed to improve the acquisition of research competencies by Health Science students. ObjectivesTo know how students self-perceived of whether their participation in the XIV National Research Congress for Undergraduate Students of Health Sciences had helped them in the acquisition of 36 research-related transferable competencies (TCs) common to Health Science degrees. MethodsA survey design (Cronbach's alpha = 0.924), using a self-administered questionnaire, was conducted among undergraduate students who voluntarily participated in the Congress. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 25 and Statgraphics 19. Statistical significance was considered for P < 0.05. ResultsEighty-one students from 12 Health Science degree programs responded. Key findings are presented in a structured manner, using a Likert-5 scale. Twenty-five of the competencies surveyed obtained an average ≥ 4 highlighting: “Critically evaluate and know how to use sources of clinical and biomedical information to obtain, organize, interpret, and communicate scientific and health information”; “To be able to formulate hypotheses, collect and critically evaluate information for problem solving, following the scientific method”, “Critical analysis and research” and “Communicate effectively and clearly, orally and in writing with other professionals”. Significance was found in 15 competencies. The development of the competencies “Teamwork”, “Critical reasoning” and “Analysis and synthesis abilities” was considered to be of greater "personal utility" by the respondents. ConclusionParticipation in this event contributed to the development of research-related TCs, critical analysis and information management and communication, especially in relation to learning the sources of clinical and biomedical information, to know, following the scientific method, how to formulate hypotheses that allow students to solve problems in their professional activity. The experience was significantly influenced by the respondents’ year, the type of participation in the event and the gender of the students. Limitations and suggestions regarding future research are discussed to encourage further exploration of the topic.

Tools that Eliminate Gender Differences in the Academic Self-Concept

Despite critical thinking supporting a deeper understanding of the scientific process, university activities prioritize lower cognitive processes, such as remembering skills. Also, it is unclear whether gender biases in interest toward science exist in university science degrees. These hinder students from achieving their goals effectively since students’ test scores and motivation improve with project-based learning. The main goal of this study is to examine the influence of active methodology based on research project-based learning (RPBL) on students’ overall perception and its variation across gender groups in relation to the acquisition of higher-order cognitive skills. The RPBL activity will consist of a straightforward microbial ecology project in which the students will use conventional and affordable lab equipment. The project will address all higher-order thinking skills levels included in Bloom’s taxonomy. We evaluated students’ perception of their learning outcomes on lab and cognitive skills, including the effect of gender, using two online surveys we passed before and after the RPBL activity. The results displayed that the students’ opinion regarding the project was decidedly favorable. Most of the students view the potential effort required for these activities positively, as it pertains to the subject matter and enhances their learning. However, the gender differences that were observed prior to the project’s implementation disappeared once the activity was carried out. Female students lacked confidence in their statistical skills while they had high confidence in their laboratory skills compared to male students. After attending our RPBL activity, female students gained confidence in statistics, and male students gained confidence in laboratory skills. This project reveals that a straightforward and affordable RPBL activity, which would not suppose a substantial additional workload for university lecturers, holds the potential to serve as a valuable tool to eliminate gender segregation, enhancing students’ academic self-concept, and improving their prospects for success. Additionally, it emphasizes higher cognitive skills, particularly the critical thinking skills that are essential within the university environment.

Exploring the Effectiveness of Problem-Based Learning in an International Undergraduate Program in Veterinary Sciences: Students' Satisfaction, Experience and Learning.

The systematic evaluation of the integration of problem-based learning (PBL) into educational programs in Italy is scarce and there are no published reports of its use in an Italian Bachelor of Veterinary Science degree program. This paper aims to assess the satisfaction of second-year students on an international Bachelor of Veterinary Science degree program after implementing two weeks of PBL with a multidisciplinary approach. Moreover, the impact of this methodological approach on the students' performance and their perceptions concerning their learning experience was investigated. The results showed that students expressed a high level of satisfaction and a positive attitude towards learning through PBL. A significant increase in the perception of students' soft skills was also found, based on self-evaluation. Moreover, a significant improvement was seen in the students' perception of their learning and teaching experiences and general life competencies, assessed using the validated questionnaire HowULearn. Negative effects were also identified, requiring further design modification of the tutors' feedback and pedagogical orchestration. Based on our findings, when planning bachelor's degree programs in veterinary science, PBL modules or activities should be considered to promote active learning, engagement among students, and the improvement of problem-solving and team-working skills.

Learning Styles and Academic Achievement of Distance e-Learning University Mathematics Students: A Case of a University in Zimbabwe

This article reports on a study to determine whether there was a relationship between the learning styles and academic performance of university mathematics students learning through distance e-learning. 26 students studying for a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics and Statistics at a university in Zimbabwe participated in the study. The study revealed a statistically significant relationship between the students’ learning styles and academic performance. The researcher recommended that the methods used in instructing distance learners should be designed and structured to accommodate all students despite their different learning styles. The learning content should be provided in multiple formats, allowing students to share and discuss concepts. The researcher also recommended an intentional mismatch between the mode of instruction and the students’ learning styles. The mismatch helps to make the students versatile. Online workshops and seminars on using e-learning methods were also recommended to equip the students with study skills that suit their learning styles

Design, Testing, Evaluation, and Implementation of an Arduino-based Mosquito-Repellent System

Aims: The primary objective of this research drive is to design, develop, and evaluate an Arduino-based mosquito-repellent system. This work underscores the importance of developing sustainable and eco-friendly solutions for mosquito control.&#x0D; Study Design: An Arduino microcontroller board is used, and an assembly language program is developed to repel mosquitoes from the surroundings. This system uses piezoelectric disks, LED lights, LCD monitor along with the Arduino board and produces ultrasonic sound to protect humans and the environment from mosquitoes.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: The research effort was steered by the authors in a group under the supervisor of a faculty member as a part of the course capstone project work of the Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree in Computer Science and Engineering at the American International University Bangladesh (AIUB), Dhaka, Bangladesh. The authors performed their research tasks at AIUB from May 2023 to January 2024.&#x0D; Methodology: The innovative mosquito-repellent system uses an Arduino Mega 2560 microcontroller to generate a cutting-edge solution to tackle the problem of mosquito infestations. The system can produce an electric signal that can emit mechanical ultrasound signals to be harnessed using a series-connected eight piezo-electric discs. To power up the system, it uses four Li-ion rechargeable batteries charged by using solar energy from the home solar system. Besides, it uses LEDs to indicate the status of the repellent system.&#x0D; Results: The generated ultrasonic signal is observed on the oscilloscope screen and its’ value is exhibited on the LCD screen to evaluate the system performance. Testing confirms that the system can drive away mosquitoes within its 3 m surroundings in 2-3 minutes. Besides, the system parameter and cost comparison show that this scheme suggests a worthwhile and sustainable result for making a mosquito-free environment.&#x0D; Conclusion: The development of a mosquito-repellent system using ultrasonic sound waves based on an Arduino microcontroller offers a sustainable and effective alternative to traditional methods of mosquito control. Since the system is chemical and health-hazard-free, it is eco-friendly and makes human life more comfortable. The system is portable and cost-effective, making it suitable for use in various settings.

Theoretical aspects of the formation of the individual styles of teachers of choreographers in the process of obtaining second-level educational and third-level educational and scientific degrees in higher education

The article concretizes the scientific idea of professional training of choreographers. The specifics of the choreographers were determined, and the features of their professional activities were identified. The essence and structure of the individual style of the teacher-choreographer are revealed. The means that contribute to the formation of the individual style of teacher-choreographers in the process of professional training at a university have been identified. A system for forming individual handwriting has been developed for teachers and choreographers, and its use has been tested in the process of professional training. This article is devoted to analyzing the role of choreographic art in the formation and development of human personality. The author concludes that choreographic art acts as a sociocultural factor of creative activity and the development of a person's personality. It is established that the choreography is not only contributes to the development of an emotional feeling in the personality of the beauty of the real world but also to strengthen health, shapes posture, develops attention, memory, positively affects the general physical condition, and has a positive effect on the spiritual improvement.

Collegiate Aviation Student Perceptions of Racial Influences in Aviation Education

The U.S. aviation industry has grown significantly in the last several decades, but existing literature identifies a gap between progress for the industry and representation of minorities (Ison et al, 2016; Stevenson et al, 2020). According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2019, out of the 141,000 persons employed as either “aircraft pilots” or “flight engineers,” 2.6% were Black, 3.4% were Asian, and 2.2% were Hispanic or Latino, while 93.7% were White (BLS, 2019). What has yet to be investigated, however, is how that gap is perceived by students preparing to enter the aviation industry. This exploratory study examines the perceptions of collegiate aviation students, who represent the next generation of the aviation industry, and the impact race may have had on their choice to pursue an aeronautics or aeronautical science degree. Interviews were conducted with students currently enrolled in an aviation career degree program. Results indicated that while a slim majority of participants did not perceive race to be a barrier in aviation education, many participants identified examples of where racial barriers have played a role, in some form, during their aviation education career. In addition, several participants described the U.S. aviation industry’s lack of diversity as an obstacle after beginning their collegiate aviation program. This case study provides an opportunity for institutions to consider how current diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts are impacting students, and what else may need to be done to increase minority representation within the aviation industry.

Evaluation of the Quality of Sustainable Entrepreneurship Education in Universities Based on the Grey Correlation Algorithm

In order to strengthen the evaluation of the quality of sustainable entrepreneurship education in universities, a study was conducted to calculate the correlation degree of the quality of sustainable entrepreneurship education in universities based on the grey correlation algorithm. The study also constructs an evaluation index system and evaluation model from three aspects: the foundation of the entrepreneurship education environment, the allocation of entrepreneurship education resources and the performance of starting an undertaking education result. The result that the evaluation model is more similar to the actual situation indicates that the evaluation indexes have a certain degree of scientificity. The evaluation method of starting an undertaking sustainable education in C&amp;U based on the grey correlation degree algorithm has higher accuracy, recall, and F1 value compared with the traditional way. Therefore, the method has a better evaluation effect for the quality evaluation of entrepreneurship sustainable education in C&amp;U.

Graduate entry nursing students’ well-being and transformation in becoming registered nurses: Phase three of a longitudinal case study

BackgroundGraduate entry nursing (GEN) programmes offer an accelerated entry to practice pathway for people with a non-nursing degree. Characteristics and motivations of students enrolling in these programmes differ from those in nursing undergraduate programmes. AimTo explore the experiences of students on completion of a graduate entry Master of Nursing Science degree. MethodsWe report the findings of phase three of a longitudinal study conducted at the completion of a GEN program. Semi-structured interview recordings were transcribed and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Reporting of the study followed the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Studies. FindingsWe constructed three themes, sustaining well-being, perceptions and misconceptions, and transformation. Sustaining well-being encompassed students navigating challenges in maintaining work/study/life balance, physical health, and psychological well-being. Perceptions and misconceptions included students developing an awareness of the reality of nursing, programme intensity, and negative perceptions of nursing as a career. Transformation transpired through the students learning and recognising what it takes to succeed and develop their professional identity. DiscussionParticipants balanced supporting well-being with the sacrifices that were required to complete a demanding accelerated programme. Their life and previous study experience supported development of their growing self-identity as nurses. Understanding the experiences of GEN students during the later stages of their entry to practice education provides an opportunity to understand their transition to the profession and inform both programme development and graduate nursing programmes. ConclusionEnsuring GEN students are supported to transition to practice will contribute to addressing the global nursing workforce shortage.

Writing like a scientist: a research assignment for undergraduates inspired by the publishing process.

Students that graduate with degrees in science may pursue a variety of career roles. Many of these roles may require them to read primary scientific literature (PSL) or even write up their own manuscripts for submission. While literature has recognized the importance of integrating PSL into undergraduate curriculum, it is also important for students to recognize the writing process that one may need to take part in if they seek to disseminate their own publications. This article will go through a research assignment that was given to an introductory journal club class for biology majors at a large R1 Hispanic-serving Institution. This assignment was designed to mirror the publication process at many journals including drafting a manuscript, integrating editor recommendations, and drafting a letter to the editor. In the end, students produce a review paper while becoming more familiar with the traditional publication process. In turn, this can prepare them to eventually seek to publish their own manuscripts.

Social Support and Motivation in STEM Degree Students: Gender Differences in Relations with Burnout and Academic Success

Existing research underscores the importance of both social-environmental factors (e.g., social support) and psychological factors (e.g., motivation) as buffers against attrition, low performance, and psychological maladjustment in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) degree programs. Female STEM students in particular contend with additional academic challenges that can hamper their motivation and performance. This study investigated the relations between social support (personal vs. academic) and well-being, persistence, and academic outcomes as mediated by self-determined motivation and moderated by gender. Structural equation modelling with 221 STEM undergraduates showed significant indirect paths between personal support and STEM career intentions via autonomous motivation. Multigroup analyses further showed male STEM students to benefit more from both personal and academic supports, as well as from greater autonomous motivation, with the academic risks of controlled motivation observed primarily for female STEM students. Implications for motivationally supportive teaching practices in STEM degree programs are discussed.

Classroom to escape room: an innovative experience to prepare and test students

Paramedicine is a rapidly evolving profession and teaching strategies need to be creative and forward thinking to meet the ever-changing demands of the role. Educational escape rooms incorporate a variety of learning environments in which students participate in a range of simulation-based activities based on solving puzzles and retrieving codes, which result in finding a prize. A mixed methods action research study was undertaken to ascertain whether an escape room approach can increase engagement and attainment in year-one paramedic science degree students at a UK university. The results showed that 100% (n=52) stated they would recommend this activity, 100% (n=52) agreed it helped them to review their teamwork skills and 98% (n=51) said that it improved their communication techniques. Non-technical skills enable the development of technical skills and knowledge within the workplace and are an overarching factor in providing good practice and reducing errors. An escape room approach is arguably an effective teaching method when the activities are based on learning outcomes.

Nutritional and Scientific Research on Chinese Culinary Foods Based on Big Data Analysis

Abstract The current Chinese cooking nutritional and scientific degree is not high. Chinese cooking technology has made it difficult to meet people’s health needs. This paper explores the path of nutritional scientificization in digital cooking. The FCM algorithm based on MapReduce has been found to have a good clustering effect and execution efficiency. Based on big data processing for fuzzy clustering application research, the samples are preprocessed using big data processing techniques to determine the functions in the sample descriptions. The data analysis is completed using Mapreduce-based parallelized FCM, and the rules for optimizing the objective function are given. The method proposed in this paper can efficiently and accurately complete the data analysis, as evidenced by examples. Residents can choose the cooking technique that best suits their nutritional needs by reducing the ABT antioxidant capacity and FRAP antioxidant capacity of coriander by 42.67% and 44.21% by boiling and high pressure. Big data analysis-based cooking techniques outperformed traditional cooking techniques in all dimensions, ensuring a balance between food flavor and health and wellness.

"BORN INTO THE WRONG FAMILY": NAVIGATING BEING A BLACK MALE IN STEM

The underrepresentation of African Americans in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) degree programs and professional spaces has been a national concern for years. This phenomenon has prompted the development and implementation of various programs and initiatives to increase access to and sustain their participation in STEM. Of considerable importance, African American men only represent three percent of the scientists and engineers working in the field. However, there are few studies that have explored the academic and professional experiences of African American men through critical, holistic perspectives. This project utilizes critical race theory (CRT) and phenomenological variant ecological systems theory (PVEST) to magnify the experiences of Black men in STEM across academic and professional ranks. Through this combined CRT and PVEST lens, analyzing the challenges and navigational strategies of Black men in STEM, we reveal that Black men in STEM minimize their vulnerability to stereotypes and biases through resistance and resilience. Moreover, the utilization of a virtual counterspace as the research context for conversation between the participants provided a unique interventional approach that fostered rich intergenerational dialogue that enhanced both navigational and resistance capital for the participants. Implications for research and praxis are provided.

Strengthening Undergraduate Information Systems Education in an Increasingly Complex Computing Disciplines Landscape

There are concerns that even at times when overall computing degree enrollments are increasing, IS bachelor’s degree programs and enrollments continue to decline. IS programs differ from other computing programs in that they include highly interrelated business and technology components. This inherent interdisciplinarity is the source of its value but also one of its challenges. This paper uses the Australian higher education sector as a case study to examine overall computing degree offerings including IS offerings using the ACM/AIS curriculum models and classification of computing disciplines. We find that IS program offerings are indeed trending down and that computing offerings are dominated by Computer Science and Information Technology degrees. IS is not widely present as a “base” discipline, nor is it providing a platform for the integration of new technologies, such as AI and Cyber Security into “business” settings. To strengthen UG IS programs and perceptions, we recommend that higher education providers develop structure and processes that support interdisciplinary UG IS program development and delivery and that professional bodies and curriculum models be revised to reflect and recognize the business outcome focus of IS. These actions, together with clearer messaging around the value of IS competencies, will improve the image of IS.

Effects of Career Adaptability, Work Volition on the Perceived Life Satisfaction and Moderating Role of Gender of Undergraduates in State Universities, Sri Lanka

Education has become a top priority in labour market in Sri Lanka. As a result, high competition develops within each individual undergraduate in selecting a career path. The main aim of this research paper is to recognize relationship between identified constructs relating to career and life satisfaction of state sector university undergraduates who enroll to Social Sciences and Humanities degree programmes. A structured questionnaire-based survey was used to conduct a quantitative study, and 174 state sector university undergraduates, who were looking for jobs, were included in the qualified sample. Data was analyzed by using software such as SPSS version 22 and AMOS. The study was supported by three laid down hypotheses, and findings identified that career adaptability, life satisfaction and work volition are having positive relationship. Having noticed that work volition is partially mediated, hypothesis four was also used in further analyzing of data. The empirical investigation showed that there is no any gender influence on undergraduates’ career adaptability and perceived life satisfaction. The last hypothesis was not supported as gender which does not consider as a moderator.

The role of employability capitals in supporting nutrition science graduate outcomes: an international qualitative study.

The study sought to explore nutrition graduates' employability and role of employability capitals in supporting nutrition science graduate outcomes. In-depth semi-structured, audio-recorded interviews were conducted with nutrition graduates who had completed a nutrition science degree between 2015 and 2021. Interpretivism guided this study, which endeavoured to co-construct meaning with participants. Transcribed interviews were thematically analysed, whereby data were coded, themes identified and discussed by all authors. The data were further mapped against the graduate capital model (GCM) by deductively coding against the five graduate capitals (human, identity, social, psychological and cultural). Ireland and Australia. Forty-two nutrition graduates from across nine universities in Ireland and twenty-two from a single university programme in Australia. All elements of the GCM were identified with human, social and identity capital most dominant and identified as significantly influential on employability. Presence or absence of these capitals could be clearly identified within each graduates' experience. Formation of professional identity and connection to the profession was strongest amongst Irish graduates. However, more than half of the Australian cohort perceived barriers to professional identity formation, including lack of regulation, imposter syndrome, presence of non-qualified individuals and comparison to dietetics. Both psychological and cultural capitals were rarely spoken about. The development of human, social and identity capital is observed among nutrition science graduates. Further investigation is required to enhance the process of identity development and ascertain potential remedies for obstacles. The absence of psychological and cultural capital, therefore, poses a significant issue for the resilience and comprehension of prospective graduates.