title: Student scientific inquiry in the core curriculum.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To design and implement a required student-driven research program as a capstone experience in the doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) curriculum.
  
  
  METHODS
  A research proposal in the form of a competitive grant application was required for each of 65 fourth-year students in an inaugural PharmD class at Touro College of Pharmacy in New York. The focus of the proposals was on hypothesis-driven research in basic science, clinical research, health outcomes, and public health.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Students' research proposals were graded using a standardized grading instrument. On a post-experience survey, most students rated the overall experience positively, indicating increased confidence in their research skills. About two-thirds of faculty members were satisfied with their students' performance, and the great majority thought the experience would be useful in the students' careers.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The capstone research project was a positive experience for fourth-year students.
authors.affiliation: Touro College of Pharmacy, New York, New York.
authors.forename: Georgeta D
authors.initials: GD
authors.lastname: Vaidean
authors.forename: Sandeep S
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Vansal
authors.forename: Ronnie J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Moore
authors.forename: Stuart
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Feldman
mesh_terms: D035843:Biomedical Research; D003479:Curriculum; D004512:Education, Pharmacy; D004521:Educational Measurement; D006801:Humans; D013339:Students, Pharmacy
keywords: curriculum; research; scholarship; student research