CHEME 6940

Discipline-Based Education Research Methods

Course Description

Course information provided by the 2025-2026 Catalog.

This graduate-level course is designed to introduce students to discipline-based education research (DBER) methods. DBER is unique from other social science traditions as it is defined by its deep integration of disciplinary content and expert knowledge. The course will include a survey of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches, as well as their assumptions, trade-offs, and limitations, and research applications in various disciplines. Students will learn to design and critique DBER studies aligned with quality standards. The course includes readings, discussions, and projects to apply learnings.

Enrollment Priority Open to: all graduate students, special permission for undergraduate students.

Last 4 Terms Offered (None)

Learning Outcomes

• Upon completion of the course student will be able to: Read, reflect on, and evaluate current discipline-based education research literature.
• Develop a repertoire of research methodologies used in discipline-based education research.
• Engage in professional and ethical design of discipline-based education research.

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