Core Competencies of the Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences

The Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences has concluded that six competencies are central to successful doctoral training. We integrate these competencies into its curriculum and research training programs. Proficiency in these objectives is assessed in the Qualifying Exam, at each annual TRAC meeting, and at the Dissertation Defense.

1. Scientific Knowledge and Critical Thinking: Learners are conversant in a common set of biological/biomedical principles.

• Describe, recognize, classify, organize, and apply substantial and up to date knowledge of broad areas in basic biomedical, translational, or clinical research applicable to their field.
• Analyze, assess, and critically evaluate their own scientific work and the work of others.

2. Problem-Solving Ability: Learners recognize and address important biomedical problems.

• Articulate scientific questions, hypotheses, and discovery goals
• Demonstrates advanced knowledge and application of a range of technical and conceptual approaches used in biomedical research.
• Design, execute, and interpret research projects that generate new knowledge which advances the biomedical sciences and human health.

3. Specific Expertise: Learners independently develop, organize, and demonstrate comprehensive knowledge their chosen field, interest area, specialty or discipline.

• Articulate the significance of their body of work and place it in the context of their field.
• Demonstrate mastery and appropriate application of a range of technical and conceptual tools used in their field.

4. Communication: Learners successfully engage in written and oral discourse with peer and lay audiences

• Compose and deliver accurate, organized oral and written communications of scientific ideas, analyses, and arguments to a variety of audiences.

5. Responsible Conduct of Research: Learners comprehend and apply ethical standards to research and decision-making

• Produce, present, and accurately describe scientific information with appropriate rigor and reproducibility.
• Use appropriate attribution.

6. Career Actualization: Learners demonstrate capacity for lifelong independent decision-making

• Independently acquire and organize knowledge about career pathways of interest.
• Set self-determined career goals and acquire resources needed for goal achievement.