Date of Award

12-14-2022

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Biology

First Advisor

Laura Carruth

Second Advisor

Aakanksha Angra

Third Advisor

Jonathan Sylvester

Abstract

This thesis aimed to discover factors that affected academic performance and determine if there was any significant change in student performance before the Covid-19 pandemic (Spring, Summer, and Fall 2019) and during the Covid-19 pandemic, specifically the Spring and Fall 2020 semesters. Data was collected from Georgia State University undergraduate biology students who completed three foundational courses: Principles of Biology I, Principles of Biology II, and Molecular Cell Biology. Student resources were identified via survey, while academic performance was measured via iCollege grades and engagement data. Independent samples t-tests comparing the final grades between 2019 and 2020 revealed an increase in grades for Principles of Biology I & II. Spearman correlations revealed a weak positive relationship between grades and engagement data for 2019 and 2020. While student grades increased during the pandemic, the impact on student performance will not be seen until students have completed upper-level courses.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.57709/32640331

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