An Online Pattern Recognition-Oriented Workshop to Promote Interest among Undergraduate Students in How Mathematical Principles Could Be Applied within Veterinary Science

Gabriel Molina-Cuasapaz, Sofía de Janon, Marco Larrea-Álvarez, Esteban Fernández-Moreira, Karen Loaiza, Miroslava Šefcová, David Ayala-Velasteguí, Karla Mena, Christian Vinueza Burgos and David Ortega-Paredes
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Gabriel Molina-Cuasapaz: School of Agricultural and Natural Resources, Technical University of Cotopaxi, Latacunga 050108, Ecuador
Sofía de Janon: Unidad de Investigación en Enfermedades Transmitidas por Alimentos y Resistencia a los Antimicrobianos (UNIETAR), Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Central University of Ecuador, Quito 170129, Ecuador
Marco Larrea-Álvarez: Facultad de Ciencias Médicas Enrique Ortega Moreira, Carrera de Medicina, Universidad Espíritu Santo, Samborondón 901952, Ecuador
Esteban Fernández-Moreira: Facultad de Ciencias Médicas Enrique Ortega Moreira, Carrera de Medicina, Universidad Espíritu Santo, Samborondón 901952, Ecuador
Karen Loaiza: Research Unit, Life Science Initiative (LSI), Quito 170102, Ecuador
Miroslava Šefcová: Research Unit, Life Science Initiative (LSI), Quito 170102, Ecuador
David Ayala-Velasteguí: Research Unit, Life Science Initiative (LSI), Quito 170102, Ecuador
Karla Mena: School of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics, Central University of Ecuador, Quito 170521, Ecuador
Christian Vinueza Burgos: Unidad de Investigación en Enfermedades Transmitidas por Alimentos y Resistencia a los Antimicrobianos (UNIETAR), Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Central University of Ecuador, Quito 170129, Ecuador
David Ortega-Paredes: Unidad de Investigación en Enfermedades Transmitidas por Alimentos y Resistencia a los Antimicrobianos (UNIETAR), Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Central University of Ecuador, Quito 170129, Ecuador

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 14, issue 11, 1-8

Abstract: Knowing the importance of mathematics and its relationship with veterinary medicine plays an important role for students. To promote interest in this relationship, we developed the workshop “ Math in Nature ” that utilizes the surrounding environment for stimulating pattern-recognition and observational skills. It consisted of four sections: A talk by a professional researcher, a question-and-answer section, a mathematical pattern identification session, and a discussion of the ideas proposed by students. The effectiveness of the program to raise interest in mathematics was evaluated using a questionnaire applied before and after the workshop. Following the course, a higher number of students agreed with the fact that biological phenomena can be explained and predicted by applying mathematics, and that it is possible to identify mathematical patterns in living beings. However, the students’ perspectives regarding the importance of mathematics in their careers, as well as their interest in deepening their mathematical knowledge, did not change. Arguably, “ Math in Nature ” could have exerted a positive effect on the students’ interest in mathematics. We thus recommend the application of similar workshops to improve interests and skills in relevant subjects among undergraduate students.

Keywords: observational skills; interest in mathematics; veterinary medicine students; online workshop (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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