PREP scholars will experience a variety of formal learning experiences that will instill in them knowledge about responsible conduct of research and scientific ethics generally.
These are as follows:
- Some PREP, scholars will participate in a course entitled
Academic Success Skills and Ethics. PREP students may also participate
in a scientific integrity component of the summer program
orientation. PREP students will also be invited to activities related
to Academic Integrity Week held at UTMB each February. Finally, this
fall, the GSBS will host small group sessions to discuss the many
integrity issues present in the recent novel "Intuition" by Allegra
Goodman.
- During a week in the second term of each year, PREP students are required to take a GSBS intensive, formal course, Ethics of Scientific Research (MEHU 6101)
that is directed by faculty in UTMB's Institute for Medical Humanities
(IMH). The IMH faculty and numerous other UTMB faculty members provide
lectures, lead panel discussions, and facilitate small group
discussions using case scenarios and extensive required reading. Small
group discussions are prevalent, and the topics addressed include
authorship, plagiarism, honesty, accuracy, data handling, intellectual
property, and professional responsibility. For the group activities,
we will give the students the option of joining a PREP specific
discussion group lead by a PREP faculty mentor or joining a general
group based on their preference.
- All UTMB students are required to undergo annual compliance training. Courses can be taken online and require 30-90 minutes each to complete.
- UTMB offers MS and PhD training in its Clinical Science graduate program. As part of the curriculum, a section of the course Clinical Research Tools and Techniques
is entitled "Regulation and Ethics in Clinical Research". We will
require PREP students conducting clinical or translational research to
take this section of the course.
- In addition to the formal coursework, at least 2 journal
clubs each term will be devoted to a topic that addresses and
emphasizes the "responsible conduct of research".