Engaging Undergraduates in Research: Designing and Developing a One-Semester, Course-Based Research Project

Abstract

How do you prepare students in a world of changing information and professional practices? The scientific approach encompasses problem solving, critical thinking, and the ability to interpret and apply scholarly information. Conducting original research at the undergraduate level is a meaningful experience, because the overall process, developing questions and systematically finding the answers, presents a mechanism for students to develop and practice the necessary skills. The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) curriculum standards for didactic programs emphasize the importance of these skills, because students must understand research methods, interpret research findings, and translate external findings into evidence-based practice. 1 Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics. 2012 Standards for Didactic Programs in Nutrition & Dietetics. Adopted February 24, 2012. Updated March 31, 2015. http://www.eatrightacend.org/WorkArea/linkit.aspx?LinkIdentifier=id&ItemID=6442485378&libID=6442485356. Accessed September 13, 2015. Google Scholar The value of these skills is also documented across other related disciplines, including biology, psychology, and public health, 2 American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Curriculum. https://www.asbmb.org/accreditation/curriculum/. Accessed August 25, 2015. Google Scholar , 3 American Psychological Association. APA principles for quality undergraduate education in psychology. 2011. http://www.apa.org/education/undergrad/principles-undergrad.pdf. Accessed August 25, 2015. Google Scholar , 4 Council on Education for Public Health. Accreditation criteria for standalone baccalaureate programs. 2014. http://ceph.org/assets/SBP-Criteria.pdf. Accessed August 25, 2015. Google Scholar and has been widely endorsed by the Association of American Colleges and Universities as a high-impact learning practice. 5 Association of American Colleges and Universities. High-impact educational practices. https://www.aacu.org/leap/hips. Accessed June 28, 2016. Google Scholar Introducing original research activities early also prepares students for the expectations of leading research at the Master’s level. 6 AbuSabha R. Developing research knowledge and competence in Master’s students: individualizing group research projects. J Acad Nutr Diet. 116(3):389-391. Google Scholar However, faculty struggle to provide enough individual research opportunities because of increasing workloads. Broader, course-based options are becoming a popular alternative to reach more students. Faculty offer course-based research activities equally across disciplines, ranging from social sciences (49%) to science, technology, engineering, and math (commonly referred to as “STEM” [36%]). 7 Douglass JA, Zhao C. Undergraduate research engagement at major US research universities. Center for Studies in Higher Education. 2013. http://www.cshe.berkeley.edu/publications/undergraduate-research-engagement-major-us-research-universities. Accessed August 25, 2015. Google Scholar The purpose of this article is to present a semester-long undergraduate research project in a junior-level Lifecycle Nutrition course as a model to highlight the learning opportunities gained by conducting original research at the undergraduate level. Additional evidence from the literature informs implementation considerations and recommendations.