Catalog of Electives

Description

This elective gives students interested in biomedical research an opportunity to participate in an active research program for 4-8 weeks. Students gain direct exposure in an area in which the curriculum only provides direct exposure through electives or summer programs. The student is given a small project and is encouraged to research literature and develop new ideas. All research projects are centered on topics with evident clinical relevance.

Course objectives

To allow students interested in research to carry out a sample project which will allow them to experience immunological research under the guidance of experienced clinical immunologists.

Instructional methodology

The student will carry out experimental work, will be required to read extensively about the topic of his research, will keep records and discuss his results with the instructor. At the end of the course, the student will be expected to turn in a short written report on his work.

Description

This electives will give the student interested in academic medicine and/or medical education in general, the opportunity to be involved in the design, preparation, and evaluation of innovative teaching tools, including problem solving exercises, review materials, syllabi, etc. The student will have an opportunity to review some aspects of the basic sciences in depth, to devise pedagogic approaches aimed toward a better integration of basic and clinical sciences and to polish their problem solving skills. In addition, their creative input in the process of creating new teaching tools will be strongly encourages.

Course objectives

• To develop and test computer programs for the teaching of microbiology and immunology which will emphasize clinical correlations and problem solving

• To develop review material with characteristics which should enhance student learning and retention

• To involve interested students in the teaching program in a variety of capacities (small group leader, clinical problem writer, programmer, reviewer of available programs, etc.)

Instructional methodology

Students taking the elective during the fall semester will participate in ongoing activities as small group leaders and evaluators of new approaches tried in the ongoing courses. Students taking the course in the spring and summer will be mainly involved in the development of new teaching tools, computer-based cases and reviews, problem solving exercises, syllabi, etc. They will receive individual assistance from senior faculty members involved in the Department's teaching program in the form of one-on-one daily contact.