An elective course to engage pharmacy students in research activities

Abstract

Objective. To implement problem-based learning exercises in a pharmacy research elective course and assess the impact on students' knowledge and confidence in their ability to analyze, design, and present basic research projects relevant to clinical areas. Design. Hands-on learning activities, including discussions on experimental design, development of collective diagrams, research planning, results analysis, data evaluation, and presentation design, were incorporated into the course and developed as team-based learning experiences. Assessment. Students gave a seminar presentation to peers and faculty members at the end of the semester and created posters for presentations at professional meetings. Students who decided to work on a continuation project during the following semester were expected to produce data that might be sufficient for the development of manuscripts for submission to scientific journals. Conclusions. Feedback from students revealed an appreciation and renewed interest in analyzing clinical issues with a much wider focus as well as increased understanding of and confidence in using data derived from basic science research.