The University’s Medical School is updating its curriculum this semester at the graduate level to promote more interdisciplinary skills necessary for future scientists. The reconfigured curriculum will place a new emphasis on critical thinking and effective writing and speaking abilities.
The 42 students entering the program this fall will begin a 12-week core course in the Biomedical
Sciences Education Center in McKim Hall designed to help them enhance these skills, develop a strong scientific knowledge base and gain a sense of community with other students and faculty members.
“We realized that there’s so much content in terms of knowledge especially,” said Cell Biology Prof.
Douglas DeSimone. “It’s difficult for anyone to keep up. [There are] core concepts that are really important [and we] want to make sure the students have that.”
The focus this new curriculum places on writing sets it apart from the previous one and could be invaluable in ensuring University students’ future success, said Amy Bouton, associate dean of graduate and medical scientist programs.
“I think that we have not previously placed enough emphasis on writing, despite the fact that it is so critical to being a productive scientist,” Bouton said.
After the core program, students will be paired with three-person faculty teams to choose several different six-week courses that aim to prepare students for their future careers in science.
“We feel that we’re training them to become colleagues, they need to be equipped with content and skill,” DeSimone said.
Health & Science Editor Monika Fallon contributed to this article
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