Student-led seminars as a teaching-learning method: evidence of effectiveness of a modified format

To [i] modify SLS to a new, more interactive and student-centered format that would align better with the learning outcomes and [ii] assess student perceptions regarding SLS sessions. SLS were redesigned into a presentation followed by quiz format, to make them more interactive and student-centered. The students were seated in teams during the whole session. They were assessed on their own seminar presentation as well as team performances in the quizzes after the seminars. The new format was implemented midway in Year 1 of the MBBS program. Student perceptions regarding SLS sessions in the new and the old formats were surveyed using an anonymous questionnaire and scored using a Likert-like scale. Statistical significance [p

Employment prospects for holders of GMU's bachelor's degree in biomedical sciences or master's degrees in medical specialties

To ascertain the employment opportunities that are likely to become available to graduates of a: i. Bachelor's Degree in Biomedical Sciences, and ii. Master's Degree in selected medical and clinical specialties. Personnel in Human Resources divisions and Hospital Administrators in hospitals, clinics and health centers in Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah and Sharja responded to a structured questionnaire that an assistant handed over to an identified staff member in the respective divisions. Opinions were sought on the employment opportunities as regards the Bachelor's in Biomedical Sciences [4 years' duration], and the Masters programs in Human Reproductive Biology [2 years' duration] and in Clinical Sciences [3 years' duration] in the specialties of Internal Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pediatrics, Diagnostic Imaging and Anesthesiology. Eighty seven questionnaires were available for analysis. The respondents' perceived assessment of the current/ expected employment opportunities available to the graduates were tallied under Low, Considerable, High and Very High categories. The perceived opportunities for employment are considered satisfactory by the Human Resources administrators of the healthcare facilities. At least 85% of the respondents rated the prospects as being considerable or higher for each program, with Pediatrics and Obstetrics and Gynecology receiving higher assessments any of the other specialties. All programs were perceived to offer good employment opportunities, with those in Internal Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pediatrics, Diagnostic Imaging and Biomedical Sciences being likely to have much higher prospects than the others