Curriculum development for quantitative skills in degree programs: a cross-institutional study situated in the life sciences

Matthews, Kelly, Belward, Shaun, Coady, Carmel, Rylands, Leanne, and Simbag, Vilma (2016) Curriculum development for quantitative skills in degree programs: a cross-institutional study situated in the life sciences. Higher Education Research & Development, 35 (3). pp. 545-559.

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Abstract

Higher education policies are increasingly focused on graduate learning outcomes, which infer an emphasis on, and deep understanding of, curriculum development across degree programs. As disciplinary influences are known to shape teaching and learning activities, research situated in disciplinary contexts is useful to further an understanding of curriculum development. In the life sciences, several graduate learning outcomes are underpinned by quantitative skills or an ability to apply mathematical and statistical thinking and reasoning. Drawing on data from a national teaching project in Australia that explored quantitative skills in the implemented curricula of 13 life sciences degree programs, this article presents four program level curricular models that emerged from the analysis. The findings are interpreted through the lens of discipline-specific research and general curriculum design theories to further our understanding of curriculum development for graduate learning outcomes. Implications for future research and to guide curriculum development practices in higher education are discussed.

Item ID: 39430
Item Type: Article (Research - C1)
ISSN: 1469-8366
Keywords: curriculum development; graduate learning outcomes; quantitative skills; life sciences
Funders: Australian Learning and Teaching Council
Projects and Grants: Quantitative Skills in Science: Curriculum Models for the Future
Date Deposited: 06 Aug 2015 00:45
FoR Codes: 39 EDUCATION > 3901 Curriculum and pedagogy > 390102 Curriculum and pedagogy theory and development @ 50%
39 EDUCATION > 3901 Curriculum and pedagogy > 390109 Mathematics and numeracy curriculum and pedagogy @ 25%
39 EDUCATION > 3901 Curriculum and pedagogy > 390113 Science, technology and engineering curriculum and pedagogy @ 25%
SEO Codes: 93 EDUCATION AND TRAINING > 9303 Curriculum > 930302 Syllabus and Curriculum Development @ 70%
93 EDUCATION AND TRAINING > 9304 School/Institution > 930403 School/Institution Policies and Development @ 30%
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