Success in science requires a solid background in a scientific discipline in addition to extensive laboratory experience. However, for scientists to develop into accomplished professionals, a wide range of """"""""survival skills"""""""" also are needed. These skills include the ability to communicate both orally and in writing, secure employment and funding, manage stress and time, teach, mentor, and behave responsibly. Higher education focusses almost exclusively on the content of the scientific discipline and on research methodology. For the past 12 years, we have been developing a """"""""survival skills curriculum"""""""" in which trainees receive formal instruction in these and related skills. The unique features of our program include (1) an emphasis on the use of active scientists rather than individuals from other disciplines as instructors, (2) discussing ethical issues within the context of the skills to which they are relevant, (3) integrating topics of special relevance to women, minorities, the physically challenged, and others with special needs, (4) providing information regarding a broad range of employment opportunities and emphasizing the value of such work, and (5) extensive monitoring by an independent team of educational evaluators. Last year we began to disseminate our educational model to other institutions. We now request funding to further develop our model and continue to train faculty to provide this type of instruction. We seek to enable faculty to establish a course in survival skills at their institution by providing them with the information and materials necessary to do so, while minimizing the start-up effort required of them.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Type
Education Projects (R25)
Project #
5R25MH056194-04
Application #
2890856
Study Section
Neuropharmacology and Neurochemistry Review Committee (NPNC)
Program Officer
Goldschmidts, Walter L
Project Start
1996-09-30
Project End
2001-08-31
Budget Start
1999-09-01
Budget End
2000-08-31
Support Year
4
Fiscal Year
1999
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Pittsburgh
Department
Neurosciences
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
053785812
City
Pittsburgh
State
PA
Country
United States
Zip Code
15213