AI in Biostatistics: a project-based approach

Music City Center 

The term "AI" was used loosely to describe computer bots in the past. Now, computers can perform complex tasks, and we must find ways to make a positive impact of using Artificial Intelligence in education. Through a project-based approach, students experience real-world applications of data analysis in Biology using technologies: AI, The R Program, and Adobe Portfolio. Students are guided to use free AI tools (i.e. ChatGPT) to generate biological research questions, simulate random data, and analyze the data using techniques and methods taught in class. With the help of AI tools, students learn to ask ChatGPT how to code their analysis using the (free) R Program and present their results through projects by creating a website using Adobe Portfolio. With measurable learning outcomes for the projects at the end of the semester and opportunities for formative feedback as "check points" throughout each project, students gain a better understanding of the process. This paper will discuss the project-based approach with student examples along with the results of a survey designed to gather student feedback to make enhancements in future semesters.

AI

Adobe Portfolio

Statistical Education 

Section on Statistics and Data Science Education