260.609.01
Career, Academic, & Research Essentials

Location
East Baltimore
Term
3rd Term
Department
Molecular Microbiology and Immunology
Credit(s)
1
Academic Year
2024 - 2025
Instruction Method
In-person
Class Time(s)
Tuesday, 12:00 - 12:50pm
Auditors Allowed
No
Available to Undergraduate
No
Grading Restriction
Letter Grade or Pass/Fail
Course Instructor(s)
Kari Debbink
Contact Name
Kari Debbink
Frequency Schedule
Every Year
Description
Introduces participants to methods for building skills and mindsets needed to complete their thesis and future scientific writing projects. Supports participants in developing effective study skills. Emphasizes excellent writing practices including conducting comprehensive literature searches, using reference managers, outlining writing tasks, and organizing a laboratory-based thesis. Acquaints participants with the benefits of building peer networks. Builds career development skills including goals setting, using individual development plans, conducting job searches, considering career paths, and leveraging institutional career services.
Learning Objectives
Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  1. Utilize project planning skills to develop, outline, and organize a laboratory-based research thesis.
  2. Identify jobs or advanced educational programs in a field of interest and prepare competitive job or educational program application materials.
  3. Develop and implement an effective strategy for studying for academic classes and exams.
  4. Leverage peer networks to support success in common academic program activities.
Methods of Assessment
This course is evaluated as follows:
  • 50% Participation
  • 50% Assignments
Enrollment Restriction
Only MMI ScM students
Instructor Consent
No consent required
Special Comments

This cohort course will be offered to MMI ScM students in Terms 1 & 3, with different content with each term corresponding to the program timeline. For instance, Term 1 will be more focused on career development, academic skills, and getting accustomed to graduate school compared to Term 3, which will be focused more heavily on development of writing and thesis planning skills (outlines, comprehensive exam prep, literature searches and reference managers, etc...). However, the assessments will remain consistent throughout both terms, as specified in the assessments section.