Adam J. Smolka, Ph.D., Course Director
(smolkaaj@musc.edu)
19 August, 2008 to 13 March, 2009
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 8:30 am-11:30 am
Room 435, Basic Science Building
A guiding principle of Foundations of Biomedical Sciences is that students must develop depth of knowledge, and an understanding of how to extend that knowledge by asking relevant questions and designing experiments that give solid answers. Just as importantly, students must acquire skill in articulate, clear discussion of scientific principles and data. Thus, students and faculty are encouraged to develop scientific interchange through interactive discussion-based forums that are integrated into all nine Units. Full student participation is essential; all students are required to attend all classes, and absences must be cleared through the appropriate Unit Leader.
Foundations of Biomedical Sciences comprises five Units in the fall semester, and three Units in the first half of the spring semester. The fall Units (CGS 701) address the basic molecular mechanisms of biology, and are based on a metaphorical journey which begins in the cell nucleus, traverses the cytoplasm and its multitude of functional metabolic compartments, and emerges into the extracellular world of signals. The journey leads back into the cell through receptors, follows the cellular processing of signals, and culminates in regulation of gene expression and a survey of genetics and genomics. The spring Units (CGS 702) extend molecular understanding to cellular, tissue and organismal biology levels, from a consideration of cell structure and functions, through mechanisms of disease and defense, and finally to appreciation of integrated physiological systems.
Merit grades are assigned for Foundations of Biomedical Sciences CGS 701 and 702. The final grade for each Foundations of Biomedical Sciences course is the average of the Unit scores, and is predicated on completion of all elements of that course. Each Unit grade is derived from performance on graded In-Unit assignments, quizzes and interactive discussion-based forums, and from closed-book, in-class exams. All exams, tests, quizzes, written work, laboratory work and research activities at MUSC are conducted under the Honor Code, detailed at www.musc.edu/honorcode/honorcode.html.
First Year Curriculum students are required to maintain a minimum overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 and to attain a passing grade (70% or higher) in Foundations of Biomedical Sciences (CGS 701/702) Units according to the following guidelines:
- Studenets receiving less than a passing grade in any Unit are required to meet with their first year advisor. Students receiving less than a passing grade in a second Unit, or failing to maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 will be placed on academic probation.
- Students on academic probation are required to meet with their first year advisor and the chair of the Progress committee. The advisor and chair will make a report to the Progress Committee.
- To be removed from academic probation, students must pass all remaining Units and must attain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 by the end of the first year Spring semester
- First year students who remain on academic probation at the end of the Spring semester of the first year can be dismissed from the program. Students have the right to appeal this decision to the Progress Committee. Any decision by the Progress Committee can be appealed to the Dean.
As graduate students progress in their studies, becoming integral members of the academic community, they are encouraged to teach in the First Year Curriculum. Graduate student and postdoctoral fellow participation may include formal lectures, composition of exam questions, assisting Unit leaders with grading of student assignments/tests, and participation in flex-time activities (small-group discussions or technical demonstrations). Unit leaders determine the extent to which graduate students and postdoctoral fellows teach in their Units. Unit leaders review all graduate student and postdoc teaching participation for appropriate content, accuracy and professional delivery. A prerequisite for students and postdoc teaching in the First Year Curriculum will be completion of CGS 725 (Teaching Techniques, Dr. Patterson), or documented evidence of equivalent training or teaching experience.