Preceptor: to be identified by the student
Contact: Kelly V. Ruggles, PhD, Kelly.Ruggles@NYULangone.org
Telephone: 347-510-6960
Prerequisites: none

Description

The Longitudinal Research Elective provides students with the opportunity to gain elective credit for research completed in addition to their required Summer Research Fellowship (6-weeks) and Areas of Concentration Stage 3 Scholarly Project. Students will spend at least 35 hours (equivalent to 1-week elective credit) doing research in their chosen field. Students may not claim more than 2 weeks (70 hours) of elective credit through Longitudinal Research Electives. Unlike traditional two-week introductory electives that provide an intensive but brief experience, this longitudinal format allows students to complete research over time and in a variety of contexts.

Credits gained through this course count toward general elective credit. Weeks gained through the Longitudinal Research Elective also count toward the maximum 12 weeks of research elective time available to 3-year and plus-1 students, and toward the 4 weeks maximum for MD/PhD students.

Objectives of the Elective

By the end of this elective, students will be able to:

1. Design a research proposal that is realistic and specific, with clearly defined goals. 
2. Develop and apply technical research skills (e.g., ability to follow methods and procedures; collect data; and/or conduct statistical analysis)
3. Analyze the significance and contribution of the results obtained to the field of study
4. Critically evaluate research papers in the field
5. Demonstrate professionalism in a research environment by participating in the intellectual life of the research team, collaborating with other members of the team, and being ethical in decision-making
6. Demonstrate strong written and oral communication skills by writing clear, concise abstracts, proposals, and papers, and speaking clearly and precisely during talks, group meetings, presentations, and poster sessions

Key Responsibilities of the Student While on Elective

Over the course of the year, required activities include:

1. Coordinate with preceptor(s) to conduct research that totals approximately 35 hours/week over the academic year
2. Adhere to all institutional policies related to confidentiality, professionalism, and research ethics
3. Submit documentation of completed hours and preceptor verification at the conclusion of the elective

Key Responsibilities of the Preceptor/Residents/Faculty While on Elective

By accepting your enrollment in this longitudinal elective, the preceptor has agreed to:

1. Clearly communicate their expectations of you
2. Maintain a supportive learning environment 
3. Facilitate Skill Development: Support the development of critical thinking, data analysis, literature review, and scientific writing skills and provide insights into the design and implementation of the research project
4. Regular Meetings and Feedback: Maintain regular (at least bi-weekly) meetings with mentees to monitor their progress on research and scholarly work and provide ongoing constructive feedback
5. Career Support and Networking: Offer information about the field of work and career journey and introduce mentees to key individuals and groups that can contribute to the advancement of their research and career
6. Support in Scientific Communication and Writing: Review student scholarly products and assist in the writing and submission of peer reviewed publications associated with student research (when appropriate)
7. Encourage participation in scientific discussions, research meetings, and collaborative projects
8. Ethical and Professional Conduct: Familiarize mentees with professionalism and ethical guidelines, including informed consent, IRB, privacy protection, and proper data handling
9. Administrative Support: Ensure all necessary administrative tasks, such as IRB approval and EPIC access for research, are completed in a timely manner

Method of Evaluation

Pass/Fail

Students will receive one or two weeks of elective credit if they complete all required hours and components of the elective.

Scheduling Information

Months offered: all year
Elective duration: longitudinal running from June of the penultimate year until graduation
Students per elective block: unlimited