Quantitative Learning Impact Modelling of AI-Integrated Module-Level Project-Based Learning in a Multimodal Data Omics Course: A Case Study

Authors

  • Mahadevaswamy Associate Professor, Dept. of ECE, Vidyavardhaka College of Engineering, Mysuru, Gokulam 3rd Stage, Mysuru
  • Pavithra G. Associate Professor, Department of ECE, Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering, Bengaluru
  • B. P. Pradeep Kumar Professor, Dept. of CSD, Atria Institute of Technology, Bengaluru
  • Shivashankar R. Assistant Professor, Dept. of ME, Vidyavardhaka College of Engineering, Mysuru
  • Shivaraju H. P. Associate Professor, Dept. of Environmental Sciences, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysuru

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.16920/jeet/2026/v39is2/26003

Keywords:

Assessment; Explainable AI; Multimodal Data; Project-based learning; Reproducibility; Student engagement.

Abstract

Multimodal omics courses require students to work with diverse biological data and construct reproducible analytical workflows, yet little is known about how AI-enabled tools influence learning in these settings. Prior work highlights the value of project-based learning but offers limited evidence on module-level outcomes that shape student performance. This study examines an undergraduate omics course in which six short projects-spanning genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, imaging, and clinical data-were taught using a counterbalanced Latin-square design. Each project was delivered either with and without AI-integrated scaffolds, including automated baselines, experiment tracking, containerised execution, calibration measures, and interpretability tools. Performance, concept-inventory gains, behavioural traces, and affective measures were analysed using mixed-effects modelling and mediation analysis.

Students in the AI-integrated condition showed higher technical performance, better calibration, stronger reproducibility, and good concept-learning gains. Qualitative feedback indicated that workflow tools supported iteration and clearer reasoning, though challenges with environment setup and over-reliance on automated outputs remained. The findings suggest that AI-enabled scaffolds can strengthen learning in data-intensive omics courses when paired with structured, module-level projects. The study offers a methodological template for evaluating instructional designs that combine PBL with modern analytical workflows.

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Published

2026-02-17

How to Cite

Mahadevaswamy, G., P., Pradeep Kumar, B. P., R., S., & H. P., S. (2026). Quantitative Learning Impact Modelling of AI-Integrated Module-Level Project-Based Learning in a Multimodal Data Omics Course: A Case Study. Journal of Engineering Education Transformations, 39(Special Issue 2), 21–29. https://doi.org/10.16920/jeet/2026/v39is2/26003

Issue

Volume 39, Special Issue 2, January 2026

Section

Articles
Crossref
Scopus
Google Scholar
Europe PMC

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