Use of Course-based undergraduate research experiences model to enhance research interest of Hong Kong health professional undergraduate students

It has not been easy to recruit postgraduate students from graduates of health professional programmes in Hong Kong. Recent studies show that Coursebased undergraduate research experiences (CURE) not only promote students acquisition of research abilities and collaboration skills, but also changes their career choices and attitude. In this study, we attempted to offer CUREs to students of the Medical Laboratory Science Programme in our institute as extra-curricular activities to arouse their interest in scientific investigations. Students participated in learning research methods and laboratory techniques. They also acquire hands-on research experience. The outcomes were evaluated with the CUREs Survey developed by Prof. David Lopatto of Grinnell College and focus group discussion. Results of the CUREs survey reveal that students obtain positive gains from the CUREs programme with the relevant learning experience. Similar to previous studies, CUREs participants develop content knowledge, confidence, research skills and confirm their interest in pursuing science-research related educational or career paths.