It is important to question how students' unique backgrounds might influence how they view the field of science and their personal capabilities to succeed in a complex science course. This research aims to understand how diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)-related material in a biochemistry class impacts student perceptions of themselves and science. A survey was given to students before and after completing one semester of biochemistry, and the results of how students’ responses changed over time were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics software. A Wilcoxon signed-rank test was performed to analyze changes in 70 students’ answers over time. So far, the numerical statistical data show significant changes over time for 60% of the survey questions. Data were disaggregated based on reported ethnicity and analyzed by students with European and non-European descent. These data show that 65% of students with non-European descent and 15% of students with European descent significantly changed their answers. Further analyses will be made to determine if there are any significant changes based on the students’ gender identities. This research suggests that course implementation of DEI-related material can impact student views and opinions of science.

How implementation of DEI-related material can change student perspectives on the field of science

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ACS Spring 2023

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