A Student-Taught Course bringing Research to the Introductory Biomedical Curriculum

Final Paper pdf 617KB

In the first year of study for the Undergraduate School of Engineering and Applied Sciences at the University of Virginia (UVa), there are few opportunities for students to explore the field of the biomedical sciences and build research skills. In order to set a precedent for undergraduate teaching and address this shortcoming of the undergraduate BME curriculum, a 1000-level, 1-credit, pass-fail course was designed entitled “Introduction to Regenerative Medicine.” Led by a two-student team with one faculty advisor, the focus of the course is to synthesize and contextualize peer-reviewed scientific literature, covering both basic science and clinical applications. Leadership by undergraduate instructors provides a unique perspective on the needs of peers and allows instructors to hone their own research skills. The critical impact of this course is an early introduction to BME and research, and encouragement for younger students to appreciate the value of interdisciplinary interactions.

Author(s):

Daniel Tavakol    
Biomedical Engineering
University of Virginia
United States

Cara Broshkevitch    
Biomedical Engineering
University of Virginia
United States

William Guilford    
University of Virginia
United States

Shayn Peirce-Cottler    
Biomedical Engineering
University of Virginia
United States