Curriculum

PREP scholars will spend approximately 75% of the time in the research laboratory, and the rest of their time will be filled with courses and program activities.

The following graduate core courses, with tuition and fees paid by the PREP program, will enhance the academic backgrounds of PREP scholars:

• INTD 6037: Analytical Methods in Biomedical Research: This course will introduce students to fundamental methodologies used to analyze cells and biomolecules such as nucleic acids and proteins. Principles, procedures, advantages and limitations of routinely used as well as novel state-of-the-art methodologies will be discussed.
• CSAT 6005: Rigor and Reproducibility: This course will focus on two of the cornerstones of science advancement, which are rigor in designing and performing scientific research and the ability to reproduce biomedical research findings. The course will also emphasize the application of rigor that ensures robust and unbiased experimental design, methodology, analysis, interpretation, and reporting of results. The notion that when a result can be reproduced by multiple scientists, it validates the original results and readiness to progress to the next phase of research will be covered in this course. This is especially important for preclinical studies that provide the basis for rigorous clinical trials in humans. In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the need for rigorously designed published preclinical studies, to ensure that such studies can be reproduced. The aim of this course is to help attendees acquire the skills necessary to meet the need to enhance rigor and reproducibility in preclinical scientific research. Successful completion of CSAT 5095, or an equivalent approved by the Rigor & Reproducibility course director, is a prerequisite for this course.
• TSCI 5070: Responsible Conduct of Research: This course introduces students to core ethical content necessary for responsible research conduct. Through interactive seminars, students will learn about (1) scientists as responsible members of society (contemporary ethical issues in biomedical research and environmental/social impacts of research), (2) policies for research with human subjects and vertebrate animals, (3) collaborative research, (4) conflicts of interest (personal, professional, financial), (5) data acquisition and laboratory tools (management, sharing, ownership), (6) responsible authorship and publication, (7) mentor/trainee responsibilities and relationships, (8) peer review (9) research misconduct (forms of misconduct and management policies) (10) informed consent, privacy regulations, good clinical practice, and special populations in clinical investigations.