(528b) Exploring Perceptions and Attitudes of Chemical Engineering Students Towards Data Science: Implications for Curriculum Integration and Industry Preparedness

Exposure to and expertise in data science becomes more important as the chemical engineering (CHE) industry incorporates novel analytics and large-scale computational techniques. With data science becoming increasingly important in the chemical engineering industry, it is crucial to understand how students view this field and its integration into their curriculum.

This study surveyed a sample of chemical engineering students from various class levels to assess their understanding of data science and their attitudes towards incorporating it into their coursework and future careers. The survey instrument was developed by our collaborators [1] and is composed of four constructs: interest, career, value, and self-efficacy. The survey included questions on students' prior exposure to data science concepts, their perceived importance of data science in chemical engineering, and their willingness to engage with data science tools and techniques. Senior and sophomore CHE students are surveyed at the beginning and end of the semester. Moreover, focus groups are interviewed and their responses are analyzed.

The results of the study revealed that while most students had limited exposure to data science in their coursework, they recognized its importance in the chemical engineering industry. The majority of students were interested in learning more about data science and were open to incorporating it into their coursework and future careers.

The study also identified barriers to incorporating data science into the chemical engineering curriculum, including the need for additional resources and training for both students and faculty. The findings of this study provide valuable insights for chemical engineering educators and industry professionals seeking to integrate data science into their curriculum and practices.

This talk will provide a detailed explanation of how the surveys and interviews were developed and analyzed, data distribution and findings. It will highlight the need for further research to better understand how to effectively incorporate data science into the chemical engineering curriculum, as well as the importance of preparing students to work in an increasingly data-driven industry.

1. Bonfert-Taylor, Petra, Laura Ray, Scott Pauls, Lorie Loeb, Logan Sankey, James Busch, and Taylor Hickey. "Infusing Data Science into the Undergraduate STEM Curriculum." In 2022 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition. 2022.