Use of Course-based undergraduate research experiences model to enhance research interest of Hong Kong health professional undergraduate students

Abstract

It has been not easy to recruit postgraduate students from graduates of health professionals programmes in Hong Kong.  Recent studies show that Course-based undergraduate research experiences (CURE) not only promote students’ acquisition of research abilities and collaboration skills, but also changes in their career choices and attitude. In this study, we attempted to offer CUREs to students of Medical Laboratory Science programme in our institute as extra-curricular activities to arouse their interest in scientific investigations.  They participated to learn research methods, laboratory techniques and get hands-on research experience.  The outcomes were evaluated with the CUREs Survey developed by Prof. David Lopatto of Grinnell College and focus group discussion.  Results of CUREs survey reveal students obtaining positive gains from the CUREs programme with the relevant learning experience.  Similar to previous studies, CUREs participants develop content knowledge, confidence, skills in research and confirm their interest in pursuing science-research related educational or career paths.