Results for BIOS 200: Foundations in Experimental Biology

This course is divided into two 3-week cycles. During the first cycle, students will be developing a 2-page original research proposal, which may be used for NSF or other fellowship applications. In the second cycle, students will work in small teams and will be mentored by faculty to develop an original research project for oral presentation. Skills emphasized include: 1) reading for breadth and depth; 2) developing compelling, creative arguments; 3) communicating with the spoken and written word; 4) working in teams. Important features of the course include peer assessment, interactive joint classes, and substantial face-to-face discussion with faculty drawn from across the Biosciences programs. Shortened autumn quarter class; class meets during weeks 1 through 8 of the quarter.

Introduction to foundations of rigorous, reproducible research in experimental biology and clinical research. Provides conceptual framework for linking hypotheses to experimental design, quantitative measurement, statistical analysis and assessment of uncertainty. Course combines lecture presentation and discussion of core concepts from statistics and reproducibility with hands-on exposure to best practices for reproducible workflows spanning design, data collection, annotation, analysis and presentation of results. Brief discussion of social, legal, and ethical issues with reproducibility in scientific practice, along with NIH grant requirements. Course provides foundations for future learning in these areas. Examples drawn from multiple areas of experimental biology and clinical research. Target audience: Students in BIOS 200 (Foundations in Experimental Biology), in Biosciences graduate programs or T32 training programs. Prerequisites: None