PREP-aring for Success in a Biomedical PhD Program

Catalog description

This course is designed to prepare NIH Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program (PREP) Scholars for the rigors of a biomedical PhD program. This is a two-semester series (with MGRD 401 offered in the fall) that will help PREP Scholars navigate the biomedical PhD program application and admissions process, improve their application credentials, and prepare them for success in top biomedical PhD programs throughout the nation. Students continue receiving scientific research training, instruction and experience in reading the primary literature, developing oral and written communication skills, and participating in professional development activities. This semester, students will learn the skills necessary for professional interviews. They will also be exposed to grant writing including determining the proper available grant funding mechanisms, developing a testable hypothesis, generating compelling aims, and searching of relevant literature. They will prepare professional presentation of a journal article. They will also prepare and orally present their own research at our Annual PREP Research Day. Students will be graded on their quality of their work and the overall level of participation in class.