Biomedical Sciences Program

 

Program of Study

The program of study is designed according to student learning goals and research opportunities. It blends depth and breadth of preparation by providing broad core requirements with electives promoting specialization in a "parent" discipline. This is recognized on program documentation by a Doctorate in Biomedical Sciences/"specialization" area. For example, Doctorate in Biomedical Sciences/Reproductive Biology.

Student Learning Outcomes

The Biomedical Science (BMS) program provides a unique array of formal courses and informal discovery experiences focused on ensuring aptitudes, behaviors, and skills necessary for leadership and competitive success in the biomedical science arena. Although the foundation enabling innovative, independent thinking and knowledge discovery is deep discipline knowledge, the BMS program is also designed to promote student competency in information assessment, synthesis, and integration, communication, and translation to the broader community, teamwork, leadership and project management.

The BMS program trains graduates to be competent, skilled experimentalists, problem solvers, critical and independent thinkers, an expert in their field, with both depth and breadth of knowledge.

In addition, the program aims to instill characteristics that are essential to long-term professional success, preparing scientists who are effective and dedicated mentors and teachers, organized administrators, exemplars of high ethical standards, and effective collaborators. Upon completion of the program, graduates will demonstrate:

• Independent, critical thinking skills

• Ability to identify appropriate biographical resources

• Knowledge of recent advances in discipline and related areas

• Understanding of a broad spectrum of research methodologies and their applications

• Ability to critically analyze research findings

• Ability to design and independently execute research

• Ability to use appropriate information technology to record, manage, and disseminate information

• Understanding of issues related to researcher and subject rights

• Motivation and aptitude needed to acquire knowledge

• Communication skills that are appropriate for a range of audiences and purposes

• Ability to construct and articulate arguments to a wide range of audiences

• Ability to effectively support the acquisition of knowledge by others when teaching or mentoring students

• Willingness to assume responsibility for their work

• Ability to design and teach undergraduate or graduate courses

• Ability to publish single/first-authored papers in peer-reviewed journals

Please see Developing a Program of Study for further information.

Research & Teaching

Research

Students are expected to conduct original, innovative research leading to a publishable dissertation. The alternate format (publishable chapters written as journal articles) is the preferred dissertation format for this program. Students will need to demonstrate lead authorship on articles to be published from their dissertation.

Certificate in College Teaching

Meaningful teaching is a vital component of student training regardless of the ultimate career goal. It reinforces understanding, expands perspective, encourages content application in diverse contexts, promotes communication, logic, and teamwork. In short, it enhances the transition from novice to expert scholar.

All students will participate in an authentic teaching opportunity during their program and will be encouraged to participate in the Certificate in College Teaching program at the discretion of the Dissertation Committee.

 

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