Integrating Investigative Research into the Classroom: Foundational Experiences for Both Science Majors and...

Few students at institutions that do not have scholarly research as central to their mission have the opportunity to explore experimental design and data analysis through investigative research. Laboratory courses are often the only opportunities to apply scientific knowledge, but traditionally rely on "cookbook" labs that often only demonstrate concepts. Much of the discussion regarding the need for research experiences in undergraduate education has focused on the impact on encouraging science students into research careers. However, it is clear that the need for opportunities in investigative research is just as critical for pre-health professional students as it is for students entering into primarily research careers, for future evidence-based practice and translating research to practice. Thus, healthcare pre-professionals need exposure to experimental methodologies prior to their professional education, as a foundation for their coursework and eventual practice. The challenge is to provide such experiences at community colleges and primarily undergraduate institutions. To assist faculty in implementing research into their undergraduate curriculum and to expand the discussion, we propose models for implementing research into the curriculum-course contained; multi-semester experience; research paired; course adjunctive; and independent study/club activity-and provide case studies used in courses taken by science majors and pre-health professionals.