Abstract: Objective To compare medical data science courses offered in comprehensive universities at home and abroad, and to provide references for optimizing the relevant curricula in Chinese universities. Methods A text analysis method was adopted. Curricula of medical-related programs from 25 comprehensive universities domestic and international were included. Programs containing medical data science courses were screened, and relevant information was extracted. Descriptive statistics were used to compare differences between China and other countries. Results A total of 225 medical data science courses were identified across the 25 comprehensive universities, including 112 in China and 113 abroad. Regarding target students, undergraduate courses accounted for 48.2% (54/112) in China, which was higher than 17.7% (20/113) abroad. In terms of course setting, compulsory courses represented 45.5% (51/112) in China, lower than 69.9% (79/113) abroad. Regarding credits, most courses in China were within the [2,4) credit range, very few courses worth 4 credits or more, whereas the vast majority of courses abroad were worth 4 credits or more. For course category, courses on data governance, ethics, and security accounted for only 1.8% (2/112) in China, significantly lower than 9.7% (11/113) abroad. Conclusions Although the number of medical data science courses is similar between China and other countries, notable differences exist. Chinese universities offer broader undergraduate access and a higher proportion of elective courses with a flexible credit configuration, which have the advantages of exposing students to data science at an early stage and providing curricular flexibility. However, they are insufficient in courses on data governance, ethics, and security.

Key words: Course, Comprehensive university, Medical data science, Comparison, Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Compulsory course, Elective course