4th year research presentations

Just got back from watching 6 groups of 4th year physiology students present the results or their research projects at a competition.

There were a few things that struck me:

• The “examiners” were all clinicians with few research credentials
• Many of the the students who presented had little understanding of the results they presented, especially those who made use of statistics (the examiners were just as clueless)
• Most of the studies were methodologically flawed, a point that was lost on the examiners
• Our students really struggle with confidence and presentation skills, which comes across clearly when pitted against students from other universities (there seems to be an inferiority complex that they inherit when they arrive…many complex socio-economic factors involved)

All in all I think our students did well and am proud of their achievements.