Human Development and Family Studies; and Public Health

Group of students in an active learning environment.
This is a partnership of several HHS departments; see the Data in Health and Human Sciences page for more details.

Students will gain expertise in data collection, management and analysis directly related to research within their field of study through faculty-mentored research experiences and coursework with data science foci. HDFS and PUBH related research includes collection of human subjects data from randomized trials, surveys, assessments, and observation. Students learn to manage and analyze data using modern databases. Additionally, students will be exposed to quantitative statistical software such as Excel, SPSS, STATA, SAS, or R and/or qualitative software such as Nvivo and Atlas. Students will work with HDFS or PUBH faculty on ongoing research projects and/or projects of their own design.

Current Purdue students are able to apply for 2021-22 learning communities from October 1, 2020 until January 31, 2021. Incoming students to Purdue can apply beginning January 15, 2021.

Eligibility

Students majoring in a program offered by the departments of Public Health or Human Development and Family Science are preferred. Students with majors in other departments are also eligible if they are studying in related fields. (first-year students and continuing students are both welcome)

Residential Component

  • Living in Hillenbrand Hall is recommended but not required. Hillenbrand Hall
  • Your roommate (in most cases) will be a member of The Data Mine
  • If you want to live on campus, it is necessary to complete a housing contract. (Completing a housing contract is a separate process from applying for a learning community.)

Duration

Fall and Spring semesters

Required classes for all students when participating in The Data Mine

The information below is subject to change.

Fall
  • PUBH 49000C (2 credits; CRN 24477-003), Global Health (could also be taken in the Spring semester)
  • Either HDFS 39000 or PUBH 49000 (1-3 credits; section and CRN depend on faculty member) Special Topics In HDFS or Special Topics in Public Health Research
  • STAT 19000, 29000, 39000, or 49000 (1 credit; 5 sections available) The Data Mine I or III or V or VII
Spring
  • Either HDFS 39000 or PUBH 49000 (1-3 credits; section and CRN depend on faculty mentor) Special Topics In HDFS or Special Topics in Public Health Research
  • STAT 19000, 29000, 39000, or 49000 (1 credit; 4 sections available) The Data Mine II or IV or VI or VIII

Events and Activities Included

  • Weekly dinners with Data Mine participants
  • Faculty and graduate student office hours onsite in Hillenbrand
  • Seminars by visiting speakers, including practicing data scientists
  • Social gatherings with Data Mine members
  • Meals with campus and community leaders
  • Game / recreation nights
  • Career and graduate school panels
  • Hackathons / data competitions
  • Professional development activities
  • Tour of Purdue's computational facilities