Engaging students in bioscience research to improve their learning experience

Summary Combining teaching and research is the definitive principle of ‘research-informed teaching’ (RIT) (Healey, 2005). RIT is pivotal for improving the student learning experience. All undergraduate students within the School of Science and Engineering, Teesside University (TU), can become RIT co-creators via their curricula-based Level 5 project proposal module and Level 6 research project. This case study illustrates how the authors used complementary, co-curricula methods to enhance student engagement with bioscience research utilising co-designed research projects and publication preparation. The success of student involvement in these initiatives was measured against six key personal attributes (Adaptable, Articulate, Aspiring, Creative, Critical, Confident), questionnaire responses from ten respondents, and a summary of tangible research outputs. An evaluation of staff involvement was made with semi-structured interviews.