ELEC 5059: Introduction to Research Study Design
Course Instructors
Melanie Stone, DrPH, M.Ed., School of Medicine
Jason Rosenfeld, DrPH, MPH
Course Description
This course was developed in direct response to an identified need for medical student training in basic research methods and study design. This course is designed to complement and expand upon the core curriculum, which introduces the interpretation of medical literature and basic epidemiology to medical students during Medicine, Behavior, and Society. Our institution offers students opportunities to pursue distinctions in research, education and humanities, each of which requires knowledge of basic research methods and the skills to conduct independent research. This introductory course will equip students who decide to pursue a distinction or independent research with the knowledge and skills to write a study protocol and conduct basic research.
This course is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills to produce a complete study protocol by the end of the semester. Throughout the semester, students will receive individualized mentorship and counseling from the course faculty as they complete the different components of the research protocol or distinction proposal.
Course Objectives
- To appreciate literature through close reading
- To prepare for and process clinical experiences by relating them to reading assignments
- To engage in thoughtful and serious discussions with peers
Course Requirements
- · 1-hour didactic lectures twice per month· A total of 70 – 80 hours of engagment (10 – 11 hours per week), which includes:o Reading and preparation prior to each didactic lecture
o Independent work on distinction proposal
· Regular project check-ins on CANVAS and during in-person sessions
· Student presentation (PPT format, max 5 minutes)
- Please note Fall courses for MS2’s are for Spring and Spring course is for MS1
If you are interested in this course, please contact masti@uthscsa.edu or humanities@uthscsa.edu.