Together with the participating faculty and current students, I welcome you to the College of Graduate Studies First Year Curriculum.
We have an interdisciplinary curriculum because the complexity and interdisciplinary nature of science demands that scientists be well rounded and have a broad exposure to all the disciplines of the biomedical sciences. Furthermore, students can make an informed programmatic career decision only after they have had adequate exposure to all the basic sciences. This opportunity does not occur during undergraduate studies; therefore, the curriculum has been designed to ensure that first year students will be able to make informed decisions through a combination of exposure to all the research training programs as well as advice and guidance from the faculty.
The curricuum designed by the faculty is comprehensive, current, exciting and provides many novel educational experiences. The faculty have spent countless hours working to make this an outstanding and challenging curriculum. Their efforts are clearly evident as one reads the course schedule, syllabi and novel features that have been incorporated into this curriculum. As a student you will interact formally and informally with the faculty who are teaching this course. Our more senior students will also be involved in teaching various parts of the curriculum. This important educational experience for our senior students will also allow first year students to meet their senior peers. Our curriculum also prepares you to be successful for competitive extramural fellowships and scholarships via our Essentials of Scientific Practices courses. You will also learn about translational research through the Unanswered Questions in the Biomedical Sciences Seminar series.
By virtue of the fact that science is dynamic and constantly changing, the First Year Curriculum is responsive through yearly upgrades to the latest important new discoveries. Changes are dictated by at least two major criteria; 1) are the topics being well presented? 2) what is the latest cutting-edge science? Thus, a critical aspect of the curriculum will be your evaluation of the course content and its presentation by the faculty. Your input in this process is invaluable. Thus, we ask you to always fill out the WEbCt evaluations. The results of these evaluations are used to improve the course and also choose the finalists for the Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award. As a result of the constant reevaluation of the curriculum, this year the entire structure of the curriculum has been improved and streamlined.
As both faculty and mentors, we are excited about providing you with an outstanding research training experience. Before you know it, we will be calling you colleagues.
Finally, as your Dean, I want you to know that I have an open door policy and welcome your thoughts and suggestions on how to create for you the best possible educational experiences.
Perry V. Halushka, Ph.D., M.D.
Professor of Pharmacology and Medicine
Dean, College of Graduate Studies
BSB 102