About the Research Elective
The Research Elective Course (MDD 5895) is an 8-credit, non-clinical elective offered at Belmont University’s Thomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine. It provides medical students with hands-on experience in biomedical, evidence-based medicine, or humanities research. Students will conduct research with mentors at Belmont University, hospitals, and national research institutions to formulate research questions, collect and analyze data, and present their findings. Students are encouraged to continue developing their research for publication in academic journals. All questions regarding the Research Elective Course should be directed to Dr. Bin Liu (bin.liu@belmont.edu)
Eligibility & Prerequisites
- Completion of Belmont University CITI Training
- Compliance with any additional training modules required by the sponsoring institution
- Some projects may require an up-to-date immunization record
- Research and Scholarship Opportunities for Summer 2026: Students can select from the following external institutions or independently seek out a research opportunity for approval: HERE
- Additional opportunities are welcomed granted they meet the requirements outlined in the syllabus.
Course Schedule & Requirements
Week 1
- 1-hour asynchronous introduction (Course Director)
- 40 hours research activities (Research Mentor)
Weeks 2-7
- 40 hours research activities per week (Research Mentor)
- Bi-weekly 30-minute check-ins (Course Director)
Week 8
- 40 hours research activities (Research Mentor)
- 60-minute research abstract writing and poster preparation (Course Director)
- 30-minute project longitudinal plan review (Course Director)
Step-by-Step Research Guide
- Identify Research Interests – Explore clinical and scientific questions that interest you.
- Select a Research Program – Choose a partnered institution and apply.
- Develop a Research Proposal – Work with your mentor to outline objectives and methodology.
- Conduct Research – Follow approved research protocols, document findings, and analyze data.
- Analyze Data – Perform statistical and qualitative assessments.
- Write an Abstract – Summarize your work in a structured format.
- Create a Poster – Present your research visually for conferences and symposiums.
- Present Your Work – Participate in research presentations and submit findings.
Evaluation & Grading
The course is graded on a Pass-Fail basis, with a total score out of 100 points. A minimum of 70% is required to pass. Assessment is based on:
- Participation in research activities (35 points)
- Participation in scheduled activities with the Course Director (15 points)
- Final research deliverables (abstract, poster, longitudinal plan) (50 points)
MDD 5895 Syllabus
Please find the 2025 syllabus for the Research Elective (MDD 5895) for reference: HERE
Bin Liu
Email: bin.liu@belmont.edu
Office Location: FCOM 5706
Contact Us
Thomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine
1900 Belmont Boulevard
Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: 615.460.6191