A course on experimental design for different university specialties: experiences and changes over a decade

Authors: Martinez Luaces, Victor¹; Velazquez, Blanca²; Dee, Valerie²

Source: International Journal of Mathematical Education, Volume 40, Number 5, January 2009 , pp. 641-657(17)

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Abstract:

We analyse the origin and development of an Experimental Design course which has been taught in several faculties of the Universidad de la Republica and other institutions in Uruguay, over a 10-year period. At the end of the course, students were assessed by carrying out individual work projects on real-life problems, which was innovative for universities in this country. A concrete example of one of these assessment projects is described. Students produced high-quality work, some of which formed the basis of future papers. In a feedback loop, the student projects were used in later courses as examples to illustrate the use of different techniques and to provide teaching material tailored to the needs of different university specialties. The course has gone through processes of transformation and continuous improvement, which are reflected in students' positive opinions of the course. A detailed analysis of these opinions and students' suggestions is presented.

Keywords: experimental design; applied biostatistics; continuous improvement; action research

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00207390802567624

Affiliations: 1: Faculty of Engineering, Universidad de la Republica, Montevideo, Uruguay 2: Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Hygiene, Universidad de la Republica, Montevideo, Uruguay

Publication date: 2009-01-01

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