GRAD 202: Racism in Science

Course Overview

The GRAD 202: Racism in Science course is offered by the Division for Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs (GEPA) for all first-year basic sciences PhD students.

Instructors

• Aimee Medeiros, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Humanities and Social Sciences
• D'Anne Duncan, PhD, Assistant Dean for Student Affairs, GEPA, Adjunct Assistant Professor of Social and Behavioral Sciences
• Shinyi Hsieh, PhD, Co-Instructor and Course Coordinator of GRAD 202, Student Program and Assessment Specialist, GEPA

Graduate Student Instructors

• Victor Alcala-Kellogg, PSPG PhD Student
• Alexzandria Simon, History of Health Sciences PhD Candidate
• Halle Young, Medical Anthropology PhD Student

Course Dates and Time

The course will take place from October 9th/10th to November 20th/21st, 2025, with sessions from 10 a.m. to Noon (Pacific Time).

Course Schedule

• Week 1: COURSE INTRODUCTION
• Week 2: KNOWLEDGE: Science and the Social Construction of Universal Truths
• Week 3: FUNDING: Powerful Players, Innovative Science, and the Quest for Medical Breakthroughs
• Week 4: RESEARCH: Health Equity research in the age of AI - Interview with Dr. Amrita Basu
• Week 5: KNOWLEDGE: Genetics - past, present, and future - Lecture by Dr. Ryan Hernandez
• Week 6: CAMPUS CULTURE
• Week 7: MENTORSHIP: Professionalism and Communication

Course Description

This introductory course explores the historical relationship between race and scientific research, examining how biases have shaped certain practices and outcomes over time. The course discusses the importance of understanding the historical context of these issues to promote fairness and equity in scientific inquiry.

Course Objectives

• Analyze the historical impact of racial bias in scientific research.
• Identify key examples of discrimination within the history of science.
• Examine how scientific practices have contributed to the perpetuation of societal inequalities.
• Apply principles that promote ethical and inclusive approaches to scientific research.
• Develop strategies to reduce bias and enhance diversity within scientific fields

Program Goals

The program aims to create opportunities to integrate student success as a core feature of the curriculum and training environment, improve the learning and research environment to remove barriers to access, and align students' personal and professional identities.

University of California San Francisco

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Overview:

University of California San Francisco (UCSF) is a renowned public research university located in San Francisco, California. It is a leading institution in the fields of health sciences, biomedical research, and patient care. UCSF is known for its commitment to innovation, collaboration, and its dedication to improving human health.

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Services Offered:

UCSF offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Academic Calendar:

Provides information on academic schedules and important dates.

Career Center:

Assists students with career exploration, job searching, and professional development.

Financial Aid:

Offers financial assistance to eligible students through scholarships, grants, and loans.

General Catalog:

Contains detailed information about academic programs, policies, and resources.

Library:

Provides access to a vast collection of books, journals, databases, and other research materials.

Registrar:

Handles student records, registration, and graduation.

Student Success Guide:

Offers resources and support services to help students succeed academically and personally.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

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Key Reasons to Study There:

World-Class Faculty:

UCSF boasts a faculty of renowned researchers, clinicians, and educators who are leaders in their fields.

Cutting-Edge Research:

The university is at the forefront of biomedical research, with groundbreaking discoveries and advancements in various areas of health sciences.

Exceptional Patient Care:

UCSF is home to a world-class medical center that provides comprehensive and compassionate care to patients.

Vibrant Campus Community:

UCSF offers a diverse and supportive campus community with a strong emphasis on collaboration and innovation.

Location in San Francisco:

The university's location in San Francisco provides students with access to a vibrant city with numerous cultural, entertainment, and career opportunities.

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Academic Programs:

UCSF offers a wide range of academic programs across its various schools, including:

School of Dentistry:

Offers programs in dentistry, oral health, and dental research.

School of Medicine:

Provides education and training in medicine, biomedical research, and public health.

School of Pharmacy:

Offers programs in pharmacy, pharmaceutical sciences, and drug discovery.

School of Nursing:

Provides education and training in nursing, nursing research, and healthcare leadership.

Graduate Division:

Offers graduate programs in various disciplines, including biomedical sciences, public health, and bioengineering.

Global Health Sciences:

Focuses on global health issues and provides training and research opportunities in this field.

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Other: