Program Overview

Introduction to Data Literacy at Ruhr-Universit‰t Bochum

The Ruhr-Universit‰t Bochum (RUB) recognizes the importance of Data Literacy, also known as data competence, in today's data-driven world. Data Literacy encompasses the skills necessary to collect, manage, evaluate, and apply data in a critical manner. From the outset, RUB students learn these essential skills.

Three-Stage Concept for Data Literacy and Data Science Education

The university's approach to teaching Data Literacy and Data Science is structured into three stages:

Stage 1: Basic Module for Sensitization

• The basic course "Data Literacy Foundations for Survival in the Data World" is offered through the optional area.
• This course is designed as a ring lecture by teachers from various disciplines, covering topics such as:
  • Artificial Intelligence & Algorithms
  • Research Ethics & Data Protection
  • Science and Data-Related Communication on the Internet
  • Data Generation, Data Types & Data Availability
  • Analysis Methods and Their Application Possibilities (including Data Mining)
• Application examples from various fields of study are also included.

Stage 2: In-Depth Module Data Science Toolbox

• This stage consists of two components:
  • The Method Center develops an offer for students that includes practical technical skills (such as programming in R or Python) and handling databases, as well as topics like Web Scraping, quantitative content analysis methods, Text Mining, or Ethics and Data Protection.
  • Teachers are given the opportunity to develop short learning units together with the Data Science expert from the Method Center for their own teaching events, where students can learn and practice data-related skills in a subject-related manner.

Stage 3: Research Module Data Science

• In this stage, students have the opportunity to engage with questions on the topic of Data Science in their own research projects.
• Students go through the complete research process in the sense of research-based learning and are advised and supported by teachers.
• For the development of corresponding teaching formats, the university program "Research-Based Learning" was supplemented by the focus area "Data Science".

Digitalization in Teaching

The integration of Data Literacy into the curriculum reflects RUB's commitment to digitalization in teaching, ensuring that students are well-prepared for the challenges of the digital age.