2024/25 Teaching Excellence Award Winner
Dr. Muhammad Azhar
Department of Applied Data Science

Dr. Azhar enhances data science education by integrating real-life data collection from the Shue Yan University campus into his coding courses. He designs assignments that require students to gather authentic, observable data—such as the number of campus buildings, floors, gym facilities, and canteens—using official university sources and on-site observation. This approach grounds learning in a familiar environment and helps students understand how real datasets are formed.

In class, students transform the collected campus data into structured datasets and use Python to clean, analyze, and visualize the information. Coding activities are highly interactive, with students encouraged to ask questions and discuss issues such as data accuracy, consistency, and limitations. These exercises reflect real-world industry workflows rather than relying on artificial or pre-generated data.

Through this approach, Dr. Azhar addresses the challenges posed by Generative AI by ensuring students engage deeply with authentic data. His method shifts learning from passive coding practice to active problem-solving, strengthening practical skills, critical thinking, and responsible AI use.

His interview can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCmjftzL9Y0