MS-2: Investigation & Discovery

August 16, 2023-December 6, 2023

Course Director
Peter Drain, PhD
Associate Professor
Department of Cell Biology and Physiology
drain@pitt.edu

Course Director
John Maier, MD, PhD
Assistant Professor
Department of Family Medicine
jsmaier@pitt.edu

Course Description

In Investigation and Discovery, students apply their critical thinking and literature-review skills to exploring an area of interest and developing a scholarly project proposal. They also select a faculty mentor to work with on the project.

Course Objectives

  1. Formulate a scholarly project proposal with the help of the faculty mentor and the Investigation and Discovery facilitators.
  2. Thoroughly review relevant background literature.
  3. Prepare a short written proposal for the scholarly project, and make a PowerPoint presentation of the project to present and discuss in class.
  4. Critically evaluate peer proposals and provide substantive feedback.
  5. Revise the written proposals, addressing critiques from faculty and peers, and make a PowerPoint presentation of the revised scholarly project proposal to the class.

Educational Methods

  • Self-directed learning
  • Small-group discussion
  • Development of a research proposal
  • Oral presentation using PowerPoint
  • Online modules

Evaluation

Evaluation for this course is based on written proposals and PowerPoint presentations, both initial and revised; participation in discussions; written critique of a peer scholarly project proposal; attendance and timely completion of all assignments.

Grading: This course comprises 100% of the grade for the Evidence and Discovery Block, Section 3. Grading for the block is Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory.


Requests for excused absences should be submitted here. Unexcused absences may result in grading penalties as outlined in the Policy on Absence and Attendance.