Abstract: Objective To understand the cognition and demand of the “medical scientific research design” course among clinical medical undergraduates, in order to provide reference basis for offering the course in medical colleges and universities. Methods Clinical medical undergraduates were recruited from a medical university; the investigation was conducted by a self-designed questionnaire. Results Totally, 458 medical undergraduates participated in this investigation. 76.9% recognized the significance of participation in scientific research among medical undergraduates, 74.2% paid attention to the development of scientific research, 76.9% indicated their willingness to take part in scientific research. However, only 32.1% of the students have participated in scientific research. There was no difference in the willingness to participate in scientific research activities among different grades, but there was a difference in the actual participation in scientific research activities among different grades (P < 0.001). In the aspect of understanding of “Medical scientific research design” course, 67.5% considered it necessary to offer this course. 88.0% considered this course would be helpful to their future study. In the aspect of requirements of “Medical scientific research design” course, 78.7% considered this course should be offered before grade 3. 82.3% considered this course should be carried out through case discussion or project practice, only 15.3% considered this course should be carried out in the class. 89.1% considered the examination method for this course should be project design or writing review, only 6.8% preferred to paper examination. 69.0% considered the academic title of the teacher for this course should be associated professor or above. Conclusions It is necessary to offer the course of "medical scientific research design" among the undergraduates majoring in clinical medicine, but the teaching methods still need to be further explored, the students should be offered more opportunities to participate in scientific research.

Key words: medical undergraduates, clinical medicine, Medical scientific research design, questionnaire