Student Research Electives
INTD 4210, 4211, and 4212
The goal of the Medical Student Research Elective is to immerse students in a rich, mentored research environment and provide an opportunity to fully engage in the research process, from writing the proposal to collecting the data to disseminating research results.
We recognize that students cannot begin, implement, and complete a research project in four weeks. We anticipate that students may enter this rotation at three possible stages in the research process. Each section of the elective represents these three stages: (4210) developing a new project, (4211) continuing work for an ongoing project, or (4212) completing data analysis and write-up of a completed project.
This elective is offered every block and early applications are encouraged. Your application will be reviewed by Dr. Lathrop, Associate Dean of Undergraduate Research, and either accepted or returned with suggestions for improvement. Our goal is to help you succeed as much during your research elective. Therefore, applications much be submitted four-weeks prior to the start of the Block.
To be eligible to enroll in the Research Electives, students must have successfully completed the CBSE (Comprehensive Basic Science Examination).
Students must submit their completed application for the elective rotation no later than four weeks prior to the start of the rotation to allow adequate time for Dr. Lathrop to review applications. Late applications will not be accepted. Click here to view the AY 2022 – 2023 Block Schedule.
Step 1. Applications must be submitted via SurveyMonkey Apply and must include (1) a plan for conducting research by the student and (2) a mentoring plan endorsed by the mentor. Students will use this Research Work and Mentoring Plant template: MSR_Elective_Work_Mentoring_Plan_Updated 2022
- Research Work Plan: The Work Plan will cite the project’s specific aims, significance, innovation, approach, and timeline. The timeline must be specific.
- Mentoring Plan: The Mentoring Plan will cite the mentor’s expectations for the student’s work, the resources to be made available to the student during the rotation, a supervision plan, and a signed agreement to serve as the student’s mentor during this rotation. NOTE: The faculty mentor is responsible for ensuring that students working on projects are in compliance with regulatory requirements and UTHSCSA policies (i.e., training in human subjects protection, clinical research training, IRB and IACUC policies and procedures, etc.).
Step 2. Once the application has been submitted no later than four weeks prior to the start of the block, Dr. Lathrop will review the applications. If suggestions for improvements are needed, the student will be emailed by the Senior Program Coordinator. Students whose applications have been approved will be emailed and enrolled in the course in My Student Center and Canvas by the Senior Program Coordinator. A confirmation will be emailed to the student confirming the approved application and enrollment.
Step 3. After the student has received a confirmation email from the Senior Program Coordinator, the student will then enroll themself in My Student Center. If students do not enroll themselves in My Student Center, they will no longer be able to enroll in the block. Students will begin their research project and submit the final course items no later than two weeks after the block end date.
At the end of the research elective, students must complete a Refection and submit an Hour Log signed by the student’s mentor. These items will be submitted in Canvas and are due no later than two weeks following the end of the elective (or prior to your last official class day if the research elective is completed within two weeks of your graduation).
- Hour Log – Students are expected to spend 50-100 hours on research over the course of the 4 week block. Students will log their research activity. The time spent must be related to research and meet the goals and objectives set in the student’s Work and Mentoring Plan. This form must be signed by the student’s mentor. The template can be found in Canvas.
- Reflection – Students are expected to reflect on their research project and work. The relfection will be completed in Canvas.