MCRO721 Refresher Training in the Responsible Conduct of Research

Rationale

NIH requires training in the Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) for all trainees funded by fellowships or training grants.  RCR training must be received at least once every four years.  Most Microbiology & Immunology students receive RCR training during their first year in BBSP.  NIH requires that students supported at any time by T32 training grants or by individual F30 or F31 predoctoral fellowships must receive RCR training, and the training grants are obligated to provide such training to their trainees.

Requirement

Therefore, as an educational best practice, MCRO721 is required for all senior (fifth year and above) students in the Department of Microbiology & Immunology, regardless of source of support or degree path.  To maintain compliance for T32 training programs affiliated with MCRO, senior students in other departments and postdoctoral scientists from any department who have received support from T32 training programs affiliated with MCRO also participate in MCRO721.

Students who have recently completed comparable RCR refresher training may ask the Director of Graduate studies to be excused from MCRO721.

MCRO721 is not a requirement for MCRO degrees.  Students who complete their degree prior to their fifth year as a graduate student do not take MCRO721.

Course Logistics

To avoid schedule conflicts, MCRO721 meets during the last five student seminar and last four faculty seminar times of the fall semester.

MCRO students enrolled in MCRO721 are not scheduled to give student seminars during the times that MCRO721 meets.  Such students have their attendance requirements for MCRO701 prorated to exclude MCRO721 class dates.

MCRO721 is directed and taught by MCRO faculty members affiliated with T32 programs.

Last updated 2/3/2025.