请帮我分析一下这句话的结构,在线等~~
They tend to be more independent, which is a very important factor in academic study and research, as well as giving them an advantage in terms of coping with the challenges of student life.
这句话中“giving them an ……of student life” 是否是与 “ a very important factor ……and research”并列, 同时作为 which 的表语?