Applications of R Language in the Teaching of Preventive Medicine in China’s Universities

Abstract

Objective: Under the background of the era of big data and the construction of “New Medical Science”, this study aimed to analyze the applications of R language in the teaching of preventive medicine in China’s universities, and provide basic data for the teaching reform of preventive medicine. Methods: We randomly selected six universities with the major of preventive medicine as the research sites to investigate the applications of R language in the teaching of preventive medicine, as well as the use, learning status, and professional needs of R language among students. Results: Only 2 of the 6 universities offered R language courses for preventive medicine students, and the students who took the courses had a high degree of recognition of the R language course in their own universities. On the whole, preventive medicine students had a great demand for the R language in the learning process. However, their self-evaluation of familiarity with the R language was insufficient. They thought the ways to learn the R language were scattered, and the self-study was difficult. Conclusion: R language is a necessary tool and content in the teaching of preventive medicine in China’s universities, but it is relatively lacking in integration at present. It is suggested that universities may need to offer R language courses for preventive medicine students to improve their ability to use R language to solve practical professional problems and help cultivate high-quality applied medical talents.