Student Research Policy

This section outlines the Student Research Policy for undergraduate medical students at RLKU Medical College. The policy fosters a culture of research and scientific inquiry among students, providing valuable opportunities to engage in research projects during their academic journey. By actively participating in research, students will develop critical thinking skills, enhance their understanding of medical science, and contribute to advancing knowledge in medicine.

Objectives

The primary objectives of the Student Research Policy are as follows:

Promotion of Research Culture:

To promote a research-oriented mindset among undergraduate medical students and encourage them to participate in research activities throughout their academic years.
Skill Development: To provide students with the necessary resources and guidance to develop essential research skills, including study design, data analysis, scientific writing, and presentation.

Contribution to Medical Science

To facilitate students in conducting meaningful research projects that contribute to the existing body of medical knowledge.

Group Collaboration

To encourage teamwork and collaboration by assigning at least one research project to be conducted in groups, fostering effective communication and cooperation among students.

Research Project Guidelines

The undergraduate medical student at RLKU Medical College is encouraged to participate in a research project. However, Participation in a research project is voluntary in the first year, second year, and third year. In the fourth and final year, each student's participation in at-least one research project is mandatory.
Research projects can be conducted individually or in groups, depending on the complexity and scope of the project.
Research topics from various medical disciplines should be selected, and students are encouraged to explore basic science and clinical research areas.
Students are responsible for identifying a Research Supervisor(s) who will guide and oversee the research project. The Primary Supervisor should be at least Assistant Professor with expertise in the chosen research area.
The Research Committee at RLKU Medical College will provide a list of approved research topics and available faculty mentors to assist students in selecting suitable projects.
Research projects should be conducted ethically and with adherence to the institutional guidelines for research involving human subjects or animals.
Students must submit a research proposal to the RLKU Institutional Review Board (IRB) for approval before commencing the research project. The proposal should include a Study proposal that must include research objectives, study design, methodology, expected outcomes, and an ethical statement.
The duration of each research project will vary based on the complexity and nature of the study. However, students should complete their research projects within the designated academic year.

Research Project Evaluation and Assessment

Students must submit a comprehensive research report on a proforma (annexure 2) outlining their findings, methodology, analysis, and conclusions at the end of each research project.
The Research Supervisor will assess the research reports and provide valuable student feedback.
A research presentation day will be organized where students will present their findings to their peers and faculty members. The presentation will be followed by a question-and-answer session to evaluate the student’s understanding and engagement with the research.
Evaluation of research projects will consider factors such as research design, methodology, data analysis, scientific writing, and presentation skills.
The students' research Performa will be filled annually to review the progress of the students on research.

Recognition and Awards

Exceptional research projects may be recognized and awarded during annual college research symposiums.
Student researchers' contributions will be acknowledged through certificates, awards, and publications in the PMDC & HEC research journals.

Students Research Activities

The curriculum designed for undergraduate medical students at RLKU Medical College offers a comprehensive approach to research education, seamlessly integrated within a structured modular system spanning from the first year to the final year of the MBBS program. The journey of research learning for our students is thoughtfully orchestrated through each academic year, fostering a gradual progression of knowledge and skills acquisition:
First Year MBBS: In their inaugural year the students will be introduced to the fundamental terminology pertaining to research. This includes grasping the essentials of basic research terminology, understanding the types of research, and gaining insight into the purpose and functioning of the Research Advisory Committee.
Second Year MBBS: As students move into their second year, they will be exposed to the details of the research cycle and the foundational principles of research methodology. This will provide them with a solid grounding in the systematic approach to conducting research.
Third Year MBBS: Transitioning into their third year, students will advance to the practical aspects of research. They will learn to navigate the process of identifying research topics, honing the skills of critically reading scientific articles, and mastering the art of crafting a compelling research proposal.
Fourth Year MBBS: The fourth year marks a pivotal juncture in the students' research journey. They will actively participate in the process of selecting research topics that resonate with their interests, and further refine their abilities in developing comprehensive research proposals and conducting thorough literature reviews.
Final Year MBBS: Culminating in their final year, students will receive comprehensive instruction on the intricacies of research writing and the publication process. This will equip them with the proficiency to communicate their research findings to the broader medical community effectively

Conclusion

The Student Research Policy at RLKU Medical College aims to establish a passion for research in undergraduate medical students and foster a sense of responsibility toward advancing medical science. By actively participating in research projects, students will be better equipped to meet modern medicine's challenges and contribute to improving patient care and healthcare practices.