Course Highlights
A critical element of this course is the interactive discussion of issues among faculty and students. This means that: (1) students from a range of fields, backgrounds and levels, including postdoctoral associates, bring valuable perspectives to the discussion; (2) preparation for the case discussion by the students (as described in the Instructions for Case Discussions in the syllabus section) is very important; and (3) well thought-out and moderated discussion is essential for learning. Note that the lecture notes provide only a framework for discussion of the issues.
Course Description
This course is designed to provide graduate students and postdoctoral associates with techniques that enhance both validity and responsible conduct in scientific practice. Lectures present practical steps for developing skills in scientific research and are combined with discussion of cases. The course covers study design, preparation of proposals and manuscripts, peer review, authorship, use of humans and non-human animals in research, allegations of misconduct, and intellectual property. Also discussed are mentoring relationships and career options. Aspects of responsible research conduct are integrated into lectures and case discussion as appropriate to the specific topic. This course also satisfies the training grant requirements of the NIH for education in the responsible conduct of research.
Beginning in Spring 2004, this course will be titled "Survival Skills for Researchers: The Responsible Conduct of Research."
