Significant Difference In Academic Performance Research Articles

Deciphering the Nexus: Exploring Learning Styles and Academic Success Among Medical Students Through a Comprehensive Study.

In the dynamic landscape of medical education, recognizing and catering to the diverse learning styles of students are pivotal for fostering academic success. This study investigates the intricate relationship between learning styles and academic performance among medical students. A sample comprising 201 second-year Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) students from two batches participated in this cross-sectional study. Utilizing the Grasha-Riechmann Student Learning Style Scales, students were categorized into six distinct learning styles: independent, avoidant, collaborative, dependent, competitive, and participatory. Academic performance was assessed through cumulative scores at the end of the academic year. Statistical analyses, including descriptive statistics, Spearman's correlation analysis, and theKruskal-Wallis H test, were conducted using IBMSPSSStatistics for Windows, Version 25, (Released 2017; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States). The findings revealed a rich diversity of learning styles among medical students, with independent learning emerging as the most prevalent style. However, intriguingly, no statistically significant difference in academic performance was discerned across the various learning styles. Nonetheless, correlation analysis uncovered weak positive correlations between independent, dependent, and participatory learning styles with academic performance, while an equally weak negative correlation was observed for the avoidant style. These results underscore the necessity for tailored educational strategies that can accommodate the heterogeneous learning preferences exhibited by medical students. While certain learning styles may be favoured by students, their adoption does not guarantee academic success. Thus, educators are urged to embrace flexible teaching methodologies to accommodate the diverse learning styles present within medical education, ultimately fostering student engagement and achievement. This study illuminates the imperative of understanding and addressing diverse learning styles among medical students, laying the foundation for further research into optimizing teaching methodologies in medical education.

Comparison of student pharmacists’ academic performance with and without required attendance in a pharmacotherapy course

Background: Studies evaluating the association between absenteeism and academic performance have had mixed results; some demonstrate a positive correlation between course attendance and academic performance. Objective: To compare student pharmacists’ performance in a cohort with graded attendance and those without a graded attendance in a pharmacotherapy course and to evaluate student performance within the required attendance cohort on course learning objectives. Methods: All students enrolled during Fall 2021 and Fall 2022 were included in this study. Attendance data for the graded attendance cohort and the Assessment performance data for both cohorts were exported. With the student’s t-test, the average examination performance on college-level learning outcomes (CLLOs) between groups was compared. Results: The comparison between the graded and ungraded attendance cohorts demonstrated a significant difference in academic performance for all three levels of Bloom’s taxonomy, and one CLLO on Examination One and in all categories on Examination Two. Within the graded attendance cohort, comparing students who met unit attendance competency with those who did not resulted in a significant difference. Conclusion: The results of this study support graded attendance in a pharmacotherapy course. Student pharmacists demonstrated better academic performance when attendance was graded than a cohort without a graded attendance requirement.

Research on the impact of the socio-educational environment on the academic performance of college students: the mediating role of study motivation.

Enhancing the academic performance (AP) of college students can contribute to the overall scientific literacy among this population, thereby fostering societal progress. The study investigates the correlation between college students' AP and the socio-educational environment (SEE, including family, roommates, and teachers), study motivation (SM, including self-efficacy and study behaviors). Based on the research findings, recommendations are offered to students, educators, and school administrators. Utilizing a stratified sampling approach, data was collected by selecting a sample of 330 first-year computer science students from a specific local university in Hebei Province, China. Data will be collected through a hierarchical sampling method. Using correlation analysis, difference analysis, and structural equation modeling (SEM) as data analysis methods. The data passed reliability and validity analysis (Cronbach's Alpha = 0.88, KMO = 0.88, χ2/df = 1.49RMSEA = 0.04). The independent sample T-test results showed that female students had higher academic performance than male students (p < 0.001), and there was no significant difference in academic performance between students from single parent or orphan families and students from normal families (p = 0.14), from non urban areas and from urban areas (p = 0.67). The results of the mediating effect analysis indicate that SM exerts complete mediation in the association between SEE and AP, with a mediating effect value of 0.18. The educational disparity between urban and rural areas in China is gradually narrowing. Support policies for students from impoverished families in higher education institutions are showing initial effectiveness. The conducive learning environment and educational atmosphere for students can indirectly influence their psychological state, thus impacting their academic performance during their university years.

IMPACT OF E-LEARNING ON THE ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

E-learning has recently grown in importance and usage among educational institutions worldwide due to the expansion of internet technology. Web-based learning, online learning, dispersed learning, computer-assisted education, and internet-based learning are all used to describe e-learning. E-learning is an online learning platform that gives users, or students access to information or expertise. Because e-learning is intangible and digital, poor time management, the learning model's newness and the lack of physical monitoring of students' progress can lead to university students failing academically. Thus, this study aims to determine the effect of e-learning on students' academic performance. A quantitative survey-based research approach is used in this study. The populations in this study are STML final-year students in UUM. The methodology used a quantitative questionnaire type of Google form with a total sample of 150 people. A Google form survey was distributed via Telegram, WhatsApp, and Facebook to collect the information from respondents. The data analysis technique used in this study is Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS). Based on the findings of this research, e-learning was determined by four aspects (usability, easy-to-use, quality of education system, and quality of information). The results show that e-learning has a positive relationship with academic performance. Also, the results across gender, age groups, and academic programs demonstrate no significant differences in academic performance under e-learning.

Poor Sleep Quality Linked to Lower Academic Performance in Dental Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: Sleep is essential for both physical and mental health. Studies have shown that sleep problems are prevalent among university students. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between sleep quality and academic performance among dental students at a Malaysian university. Methods: All dental students of the university were invited to participate in this cross-sectional study, which used a self-administered Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scale and the psychological health domain of the Lifestyle and Habits Questionnaire- Brief. The academic performance was determined by their Grade Point Average (GPA). Descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, Pearson’s Chi square test for independence, and ANCOVA tests were used to analyse the data. Results: A total of 341 students (233 females and 108 males) participated in the study, with 36.7% reporting poor sleep quality (PSQI &gt; 5). There was a significant difference in academic performance between students with good and poor sleep quality. Controlling for gender and psychological health, poor sleep quality was associated with lower GPA in both preclinical (adjusted mean GPA: 2.84 for poor sleepers, 3.28 for good sleepers, P &lt; 0.001) and clinical year students (adjusted mean GPA: 2.99 for poor sleepers, 3.13 for good sleepers, P = 0.003). Conclusion: Dental students with poor sleep quality performed worse academically than students with good sleep quality after controlling for gender and psychological health. This finding was consistent in both the preclinical and clinical phase groups.

Effectiveness of case-based learning in medical and pharmacy education: A meta-analysis

Case-based learning has drawn a lot of attention in medical education because it is a student-centered teaching model that exposes students to real-world situations that they must answer using their reasoning abilities and prior theoretical knowledge. The purpose of this meta-analysis is to see how successful case-based learning is in medical and pharmacy education. For that purpose, the PubMed and Medline databases were searched for related research through April 2023, and the qualifying papers were chosen using a thorough selection procedure based on PRISMA technique. 21 randomized controlled trials comparing case-based learning to other teaching methodologies used to educate medical and pharmacy students were found as a result of the current search. The highest percentage of selected studies has been conducted in USA (33%) followed by China (24%). The comprehensive analysis of each parameter from chosen studies revealed a high level of heterogeneity (I&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt;=93%, p&amp;lt;0.00001). Between case-based learning and traditional learning, random effects models revealed a significant difference in academic performance. Case-based learning, when compared to other techniques, can increase medical and pharmacy undergraduate students’ academic performance as well as their capacity to analyze cases. It can be concluded that case-based learning is an active teaching method.

Improving the Academic Performance and Mental Health of Non-Traditional University Students Through a Shorter Delivery Model: Exploring the Impact of the Southern Cross Model

University students are often depicted as carefree young adults; however, many students struggle to manage the “normal” stresses of university life and may experience high rates of psychological distress. This study compared a traditional delivery model to a shorter delivery model (i.e., the Southern Cross Model) in terms of students’ psychological distress, their perceived time pressure, and academic performance. The results indicated a significant difference in academic performance and psychological distress between the shorter delivery model and the traditional delivery model, with students in this shorter delivery model experiencing lower levels of psychological distress and enhanced academic performance. No significant difference in time pressure was found between the delivery models. This study indicates that the Southern Cross Model may enhance students’ academic performance and help them to better manage the normal stresses of university life.

The Impact of Holistic Review of Urology Residency Applications on Selection for Interview During the COVID-19 Pandemic

To investigate the impact of a holistic review of urology residency applications on interview selection at our institution during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the 2019-2020 cycle, applicants were filtered by a Step 1 score of 230 and whether they applied from selected east coast medical schools. For the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 cycles, we implemented a scoring system which focused on desirable attributes based on our program training needs and resources. We compared applicant and interviewee demographics and United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) scores using descriptive statistics and 1-way analysis of variance tests. A total of 282, 300, and 367 students applied to our residency program with 50, 45, and 52 selected for interviews during the 2019-2020, 2020-2021, and 2021-2022 cycles, respectively. Compared to 2019-2020, the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 interviewee cohorts comprised of more non-tri-state applicants (36%, 55.6%, and 46.2%, respectively). Underrepresented minority representation increased for the 2020-2021 interviewee cohort; however, this was not observed in 2021-2022 (16%, 24.4%, 15.4%, respectively). Additionally, USMLE Step 1 and 2 scores were similar between interviewee cohorts in 2019-2020, 2020-2021 and 2021-2022, respectively (Step 1: 244.2 ± 8.8, 242 ± 12.1, 242.8 ± 12.4, P = .624) (Step 2: 249.1 ± 11.5, 251.5 ± 10.5, 254.4 ± 10.8, P = .143). Utilizing a comprehensive review resulted in a geographically diverse interview pool and no significant difference in academic performance among interviewees. Holistic review provides an alternative, balanced evaluation of residency applicants which may increase diversity in urology.

Gamified Digital Game-Based Learning as a Pedagogical Strategy: Student Academic Performance and Motivation

Digital game-based learning (DGBL) and Gamification are emerging methodological strategies in education. This research aims to analyze the effects on academic performance and motivation after an experience combining DGBL and Gamification in university students. The sample comprises 126 students, of whom 38 were in the experimental group. Three measurement instruments have been used: an evaluative test to measure academic performance, the Questionnaire on Motivation for Cooperative Playful Learning Strategies (CMELAC) and a questionnaire with three open-ended questions, which complement the measurement of motivation. This analysis is conducted using independent sample t-tests. We undertook a Bonferroni adjustment to the alpha level (new p = 0.017). The results show significant differences in academic performance between the control and experimental groups. Motivation shows high values among all participants. No significant differences were found between the two experimental subgroups when the competition was added to the dynamics. In conclusion, the results of the present study support the gamified DGBL method as an exciting teaching tool that corresponds to students’ active learning and provide valuable immediate feedback on students’ attempts, improvements in academic performance and a high level of motivation.

Physical Exercise Improves Academic Performance: Based on CNKI Meta-Analysis Evidence

Background. It has long been a major source of debate in academic circles whether physical activity has a positive or negative effect on academic performance. Although this subject has been covered in several studies at various levels, only a small number of researchers have examined and supported the data found in the literature. Methods. A meta-analysis is used to thoroughly examine the literature on physical exercise and academic performance included in the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) database. After three rounds of searching, screening, and according to the criteria of literature inclusion, 13 valid documents are obtained for analysis with 90 final indicators. Results. (1) Physical exercise has a significant effect on academic performance; (2) physical exercise has a significant effect on single-subject performance, and there are no group differences in academic performance between different subjects; and (3) different exercise intensities have a significant effect on academic performance and significant differences in academic performance. Conclusions. (1) Physical exercise can improve academic performance and should increase students’ physical education participation; (2) physical exercise in different disciplines should hold physical education as equal to other cultural subjects; and (3) sports exercise with different sports intensities has different benefits for academic performance, and sports should be scientifically designed to achieve the maximum effect on academic performance.

The Effect of Mental Health Intervention before English Test on College Students' English Test Scores.

It is necessary to pay attention to and study the physical and mental health development of college students. On the basis of statistical analysis of the questionnaire, this paper studies the impact of pretest mental health intervention on college students' English test scores, summarizes the problems and characteristics of college students' mental health, and explores the reasons for psychological problems. Based on the research results and related survey data of the mental health status of college students by scholars, this paper believes that these reasons mainly include students' personal reasons, school and social environment pressure, and insufficient family support factors. The data analysis shows that in the relationship between English education and mental health in colleges and universities, the amount of mental health intervention of students' extracurricular exercise has a stable and low negative correlation with the scores of each factor of SCL-90 (Symptom Checklist 90) and is negatively correlated with the scores of each subscale. The experimental results show that there are extremely significant differences in academic performance (F = 5.084, P < 0.01), and there is a certain linear relationship between students' mental health level and students' English exercise feeling. The lower the fatigue score, the higher the mental health level of the students, which effectively promotes the mental health development of college students.

Examination of Students’ Academic Performance in Selected Mechanical Engineering Courses Prior-to-and-During COVID-19 Era

Advances in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) as well as the present challenges of COVID-19 have led to a new paradigm causing an absolute or partial transition from in-person classroom teaching-learning to online. There is little information available on research efforts that investigated the impact of an online learning approach on the academic performance of students in mechanical engineering-based courses. Therefore, the objective of this paper is the impact study of online learning mode as compared to in-person on academic performance of students in selected mechanical engineering courses in one of the Universities in South Pacific Islands prior-to-and-during COVID-19 Era. Data on grades obtained for 178 students that offered Fluid Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Heat Transfer, and Advanced Thermofluids (FTHA) courses were subjected to descriptive and non-parametric (Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis) statistical tests. Although descriptive analysis showed that online mode of instruction might influence a better academic performance in FTHA courses in comparison with in-person mode of instruction, the outcome of Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests at specific p-values and corresponding z-values generally exhibited p-values higher than of 0.05, implying insignificant difference in performance between the two modes of learning investigated. Though the non-parametric statistical test results showed there was no significant difference in academic performance of students when online and in-person modes of learning were used, this, however, does not imply that a difference does not exist at all. Although the difference may be very trivial, descriptive analysis has shown that the online learning mode has at least exhibited better students’ academic performance when compared to in-person. It can be inferred from the foregoing that the online learning mode does not yield a negative response in respect of the performance of students who offered all four mechanical engineering courses. Based on the findings of this study, online is considered a reliable alternative to in-person or at least a suitable complement to in-person in the in-person-online hybrid mode during the ongoing COVID-19 era and other inevitable constraints in the future. Doi: 10.28991/esj-2022-SPER-017 Full Text: PDF

Students' Motivation and Perception in Learning Social Science Using Distance Learning Modality during COVID-19- Pandemic

Aims: This paper assessed the motivation and perception of Grade 12 public school students in learning social science during the pandemic. It also investigated the difference in their motivation and perception.&#x0D; Study Design: Descriptive-comparative design.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: School Division of a Component City in Northern Negros Occidental, between January 2021 to July 2022.&#x0D; Methodology: The study utilized the descriptive-comparative design. The study was assessed by 436 stratified randomly sampled students. The assessments were gathered using the modified motivation and perception questionnaires. In analyzing the data, mean, standard deviation, Mann Whitney, and Kruskal Wallis were employed.&#x0D; Results: Generally, the motivation (M=3.83, SD= 0.67) shows an agreeable result. The extrinsic goal orientation (M=4.15, SD= 0.88) is rated highest with an agreeable result, and social engagement (M=3.46, SD= 0.92) is the lowest with a neutral result. Meanwhile, they have agreeable perceptions (M=3.69, SD= 0.65) with perceived value (M=3.79, SD= 0.79) as highest and perceived teachers' attitude (M=3.46, SD= 0.89) as lowest. Moreover, there was no difference in their motivation when group according to sex [U=21954.5, p=0.721] and track [U=22104.0, p=0.875]. While a significant difference in academic performance [χ2(4)=53.069, p=0.000]. In terms of perception, it found no difference when grouped according to sex [U=22309.0, p=0.771] and track [U=22163.0, p=0.912]. While a significant difference in academic performance [χ2(4)=32.042, p=0.000].&#x0D; Conclusion: The study implies the need to address students' motivation and perception issues to ensure their quality learning of social science.

Effect of A Resilience Programme Through Group Dynamics on the Academic Problems of Grade 7 Students, Chiang Mai University Demonstration School

Background:Early adolescents may encounter adverse situations that could cause stress and anxiety. To prevent mental health problems and promote mental health, resilience should be promoted in early adolescents.Objectives:The objectives of this study were to develop a resilience program and evaluate the effectiveness of such a programme on the academic problems of Grade 7 students of the Chiang Mai University Demonstration School, Chiang Mai, Thailand.Methods:This quantitative research used a quasi-experimental design, which was a controlled study with a pretest and post-test. The purposive selection was used to choose 70 participants from the Grade 7 students, the academic year 2021 from the Chiang Mai University Demonstration School. The criteria were students who had the lowest resilience inventory score from the student population. The participants were classified with stratified random sampling into the experimental groups (n=35), who received a resilience program through the group’s dynamics once a week for 11 weeks at 60 minutes each time, and the control groups (n=35), who received a resilience knowledge sheet and had a normal life. Two participants in each group withdrew, leaving a total of 33 participants per group. The data were collected by assessing before and after participating in the programme with a general information questionnaire, the Canadian Occupational Performance Measures (COPM), and Resilience Inventory. Descriptive statistical analysis, an independent t-test, and paired t-test were used to analyse the data.Results:This resilience programme had an overall consistency index of 0.78. After treatment, the experimental group and control group had a statistically significant difference in the pretest and post-test resilience scores. (p &lt; 0.01 and p &lt; 0.05). The experimental group had pretest and post-test significant differences in academic performance and satisfaction (p &lt; 0.01), while the control group had no statistically significant difference. There was a statistically significant difference in the post-test academic satisfaction between both groups. (p &lt; 0.01), while academic performance displayed no statistically significant difference.Conclusion:This resilience programme, through the groups’ dynamics could contribute to the resilience, academic performance, and academic satisfaction on academic problems.

A comparison of the academic performance of graduate entry and undergraduate entry pharmacy students at the course exit level

IntroductionGraduate entry (GE) pharmacy students are trained in a shorter timeframe than undergraduate entry (UE) students. This study compares the academic performance of GE and UE pharmacy students at the course exit point. MethodsA retrospective analysis of final exam grades in written and objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) was performed between GE and UE students from three graduating cohorts. Final written examination contained clinical case study questions, whereas OSCE involved role play with simulated patients or doctors. Statistical analyses were performed by t-test and one-way analysis of variance at .05 significance level and Pearson's correlation coefficient. ResultsNo significant difference in academic performance was seen between GE and UE groups at course exit (P > .05). There was a trend for GE students performing marginally better in OSCE than UE students. Females showed better performances in verbal communication than males. GE males showed significantly lower empathy scores than all other groups. No significant difference was seen in problem-solving scores amongst all groups. Both UE and GE groups scored significantly better in written examinations compared with OSCE. ConclusionsGraduate entry pharmacy students from accelerated learning pathway and UE students performed similarly at the course exit point, providing empirical support for non-traditional graduate entry pathway as a viable option.

Interactive Response System to Promote Active Learning in Intelligent Learning Environments

This research used a comparative quasi-experimental design to investigate the impacts of an IRS in the ILE on students’ academic performance, cognitive load, and satisfaction with the lesson. A total of 31 middle school students were divided into the experimental group and the control group. Mann–Whitney U tests yielded three major results. (1) Significant differences in academic performance were noted between the two groups. The knowledge test scores of comprehensive questions showed significant differences between the two groups but those of the strict memorization questions did not. Students in the experimental group had overall higher knowledge test scores than those in the control group. (2) Significant differences in cognitive load were observed between the two groups; specifically, students in the experimental group had lower total cognitive load than those in the control group. (3) Significant differences in satisfaction with the lesson were observed between the two groups; specifically, students who studied with the IRS were more satisfied with the lesson than those who studied without the IRS. These findings imply that the IRS is a useful tool that could promote active learning amongst students in ILEs and help to promote teaching and learning efficiency in ILEs.

The impact of English-medium instruction on university student performance

ABSTRACT During the last two decades, universities around the world have increased the adoption of English-medium instruction (EMI) as a way to enhance internationalisation and global competitiveness. EMI adoption presents a wide range of opportunities, but it also presents some challenges, being one of them the potential impact on students’ academic performance. This paper analyses the impact of EMI on the academic performance of the students in a Spanish university. The objective is to extend previous research, that shows contradictory conclusions. In the first part of the paper, using a multiple linear regression model to control key covariates, we have compared the performance of 229 EMI vs 635 Non-EMI students, corresponding to cohorts 2013–2014 to 2017–2018, considering the average grade in the 10 subjects of the first course. In the second part, we focus on the 2017–2018 cohort (49 EMI vs 116 Non-EMI students), carrying out a longitudinal study of its behaviour during two academic years in four different subjects. The results show that there are no statistically significant differences in academic performance between EMI and non-EMI students, ie language of instruction does not play a relevant role in academic performance.

Smart Slate Game and Students Academic Performance in Educational Technology, University of Calabar, Nigeria

The study examined the effect Utilization of Smart Slate Game (SSG) on year two students’ academic performance in Educational Technology in the University of Calabar, Nigeria. Two purpose of the study and two null hypotheses were formulated to guide the study, Quasi-experimental research design using pre-test posttest non-randomized control group design was adopted for the study. The population is made up of all Educational Technology students in the University of Calabar. A sample of 131 year two students of educational technology comprising of 66 students (26 males and 40 males) in the experimental group and 65 students (28 males and 37 females) in the control group were purposively sampled for the study. The Smart Slate Game and Educational Technology Performance Test (ETPT) were the instruments used for data collection. The results of the study were analyzed using Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA). The results revealed that there is a significant difference in academic performance of educational technology students taught with smart slate game and those taught using expository method, there was also a significant difference in performance between male and female students taught using the Smart Slate Game, there was no significant difference in cognitive abilities of Educational Technology students when using Smart Slate Game. It was therefore recommended smart slate game technology should be used always to promote students academic performance in educational technology and that teachers should effectively design their lesson plans with Smart Slate Game to foster group task and have fun while learning.

Questionnaire-Derived Sleep Habits and Academic Achievement in First Year University Students.

This study aimed to determine the effect of sleep quantity and quality via the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) on students’ academic achievement in their first year of university study. In this cross-sectional study, 193 students (102 female, 91 male, mean ± SD; age = 19.3 ± 2.9 y) from an undergraduate Health degree in New Zealand completed the PSQI four weeks prior to the end of the semester in their first year of university study. Results from three core subjects in the first semester were averaged and correlations between the PSQI and academic success were evaluated using Spearman’s rho (ρ). The group were also trichotomized using a PSQI global score of ≤5 as the threshold for “good” sleepers (n = 62, 32%), a score of 5–8 for “moderate” sleepers (n = 63, 33%) and a score ≥8 to characterize “poor” sleepers (n = 68, 35%). Overall, students averaged 7 h 37 min of self-reported sleep duration with an average bedtime of 22:55 p.m. and wake time of 8:01 a.m. There was a significant, small inverse relationship between academic performance and bedtime (p = 0.03, ρ = −0.14), with those going to bed earlier having superior academic success. The trichotomized data demonstrated no significant differences in academic performance between students with poor, moderate and good sleep quality (p = 0.92). Later bedtimes were associated with lower academic performance in a group of first year university students. However, there were no other relationships observed between academic success and self-reported sleep quality or quantity as determined by the PSQI. Enhancing awareness of the impact of sleep timing on academic success should be prioritized and strategies to improve sleep hygiene should be promoted to university students.

Data science in undergraduate medicine: Course overview and student perspectives

BackgroundDespite the growing interest in health data science education, it is not embedded in undergraduate medical curricula and little is known about best teaching practices. This paper presents a highly innovative course in a UK university that introduces undergraduate medical students to data science. It also discusses a study on student perspectives on the learning and teaching of health data science. MethodsThe pedagogical design elements of the Data Science in Medicine course are discussed, along with its syllabus, assessment methodology and flipped classroom delivery. The course has been offered to approximately 630 students over three years. Student perspectives were investigated through three focus groups with the participation of 19 students across different study years in medicine. An experiment was conducted regarding instructor-led vs. video-based modalities of online programming labs, with the participation of 8 students. ResultsThe course has led to improved data competency among medical students and to a positive change in their opinions about data science. Motivating the course and showing relevance to clinical practice was one of the biggest challenges. Statistics was perceived by focus group participants as an essential data skill. Including data science in the medical curriculum was perceived as important by Year 1 students, while opinions varied between Year 4/5 participants. Video-based online labs were preferred over instructor-led online labs, and they were found to be more useful and enjoyable, without leading to any significant difference in academic performance. ConclusionsTeaching data science to undergraduate medicine students is highly desirable and feasible. We recommend including statistics in the curriculum and practical skill development through simple and clinically-relevant data science tasks, supported through video-based online labs. Further reporting on similar courses is needed, as well as larger-scale studies on student perspectives.