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Factors affecting student performance in an undergraduate genetics course
J Minick Bormann1, D W Moser, K E Bates
1Department of Animal Sciences and Industry, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA. jbormann@ksu.edu
Student success in genetics courses is influenced by several factors. Performing well in biology and taking it at Kansas State University, along with having a higher grade point average, are key indicators of success.
Area of Science:
- Genetics Education
- Agricultural Science Education
Background:
- Student success in genetics courses is crucial for various agricultural science programs.
- Understanding factors influencing performance can help optimize learning outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify key factors impacting student success in an undergraduate genetics course at Kansas State University.
- To provide data-driven recommendations for improving student performance in genetics.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective analysis of data from 1,516 students over seven years was conducted.
- Data included demographic information, academic history (GPA, ACT scores, transfer credits), course-specific details, and final genetics grades.
Main Results:
- Higher performance in biology, taking biology at Kansas State University, and higher grade point averages (GPA) positively correlated with genetics success.
- Students with sophomore standing or higher, preveterinary students, and those from the Kansas City metro area tended to perform better.
- Hometown population size showed a negative correlation with genetics scores.
Conclusions:
- Recommendations for maximizing student success include taking prerequisite biology at Kansas State University, achieving strong biology grades, and enrolling in genetics at sophomore standing or later.
- Academic preparedness, particularly in biology and overall GPA, are significant predictors of success in genetics.
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