Navigating the UCLA Biomedical Research Minor: A Comprehensive Guide

The Biomedical Research Minor at UCLA is an innovative program designed to provide undergraduate students with essential scientific research skills. It's a free-standing minor, meaning students from any major are eligible to apply. This guide provides a detailed overview of the requirements, application process, and course options available within the program.

Program Overview

The Biomedical Research Minor is designed to equip undergraduate students with essential scientific research skills. The associated courses teach students the logic of scientific inquiry in addition to developing skills in scientific writing, presentation of research data, analysis of primary research literature, and proficiency in experimental techniques. These curated courses allow students to explore the convergence of science, policy, ethics, history, and philosophy, thus broadening students’ perspectives and fostering a well-rounded educational experience.

The program aims to teach students the logic of scientific inquiry in addition to developing skills in scientific writing, presentation of research data, analysis of primary research literature, and proficiency in experimental techniques. Students also explore the convergence of science, policy, ethics, history, and philosophy, thus broadening students’ perspectives and fostering a well-rounded educational experience.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the Minor is competitive. You must submit an application no later than the end of the first quarter of your third year, or by Winter Quarter of your third year if you are a transfer student. Applications are accepted in Fall, Winter and Spring quarters. Quarterly Applications open Monday of Week 4 and deadline to submit application is Friday of Week 7.

Prerequisites

Before you apply to the Minor in Biomedical Research, you must take one of the following introductory courses. Aside from this introductory course, there are no other prerequisites. Prior research experience is not a requirement for application to the program.

Introductory Courses

These classes use different formats to expose you to concepts central to scientific research. Each class is designed to be accessible to beginning students as early as their first year of college. Check the course catalog for more complete descriptions.

Biomedical Research 1A: Science in your Time (5 units): This is a General Education Course involving the exploration of current topics in biology from media sources like news organizations and TED Talks, tracing information back to primary research. Students learn to critically evaluate primary sources. There will be discussion of primary research on the academic STEM education and research system from K-12 through tenured faculty, including medical training and national science funding. Lecture, three hours; discussion, one hour.
Biomedical Research 5HA - Biomedical Research: Concepts and Strategies (4 units): In this “research deconstruction” course, outstanding research faculty are invited to deliver a seminar on cutting edge research recently conducted in their laboratory. The instructor uses each seminar as a platform for a series of classes that explore fundamental concepts and experimental approaches employed in the research. Topics may include cancer, rare genetic diseases, metabolic disorders, etc., as well as more basic research in cell and molecular biology.
Biomedical Research M6H: Experiments in Cell and Tissue Culture (4 units): This course will discuss the fundamentals of how cells and tissues are cultured in a research setting, and how experiments use these cells/tissues to make important discoveries. You will gain practical knowledge and tools to understand how to design and carry out successful experiments, how to interpret results, and how to work through experimental challenges that arise. Problem solving will be emphasized throughout the course. Cross-listed as MCDB M6H. Synchronous. Lecture, three hours.
Biomedical Research 10H - Research Training in Genes, Genetics and Genomics (6 units): This discovery-based research course gives students hands-on experience in a laboratory research environment. The course focuses on topics including (but not limited to) molecular and developmental biology, Drosophila husbandry and genetics, fine tissue dissection, fluorescence microscopy, and data analysis. Scientific writing and thinking skills are expanded as students incorporate their own novel data into a grant proposal and research manuscript. Two 90-minute lectures and two 3-hour lab sections per week. Limited to 24 students. Basic training in biological research, including techniques in use of model organisms, genetics, and scientific writing and presentation skills. Part of Undergraduate Research Consortium in Functional Genomics.
Honors Collegium 70A - Genetic Engineering in Medicine, Agriculture and Law: This course is designed to introduce non-life science majors to basic principles of molecular biology, their applications to areas such as genetic engineering, diagnostic screening and forensics, and the ethical and legal questions that arise from this work. Sponsored by Dr.
Molecular Cell and Developmental Biology 30H - Collaborative Undergraduate Research Laboratory in Yeast, Genetics, and Molecular Biology: This course is limited to 24 students in a Collaborative Undergraduate Research Laboratory (CURL), sponsored by Howard Hughes Medical Institute Professors Program.

Core Curriculum

The Biomedical Research Minor includes specific courses required for completion:

Biomedical Research 5HB: Biomedical Research: Essential Skills and Concepts (4 units): Exploration of scientific concepts and experimental approaches through seminars by UCLA faculty members on their cutting-edge research. Topics may include areas of study such as cancer, stem cells, and infectious disease, the biology of aging, as well as more basic research in cell and molecular biology. Student investigation of one or more laboratories on campus and presentation of brief synopsis of single research project from one laboratory. Limited to Biomedical Research minor students. Designed for freshmen/sophomores. Lecture, three hours; discussion, one hour.
Biomedical Research 193H: Journal Club Seminars: Current Topics in Biomedical Research (2 units): Presentation and discussion of recent papers from primary literature in biosciences. Limited to Biomedical Research minor students. Seminar, three hours.
Biomedical Research 194H: Research Groups Seminars: Data Presentation in Biomedical Research (2 Units): Preparation of oral presentations based on student laboratory research at UCLA. May be repeated for credit. Limited to Biomedical Research minor students. Seminar, three hours.

Additional Requirements

Laboratory Research: Students need to complete 4 Quarters (totaling 16 units) of letter-graded laboratory research (e.g. 198 or 199 course).
You must participate in at least one conference or poster session.

Course Options

Beyond the core curriculum and introductory courses, students can further tailor their minor by selecting from a diverse range of courses that align with their interests. These courses often explore the intersection of biomedical research with other disciplines, providing a well-rounded educational experience.

Interdisciplinary Course Examples

The following is a list of courses that may be relevant to the Biomedical Research Minor, exploring the intersection of research with various disciplines:

AF AMER 110A. Race, Science, and Society.
AF AMER 110B. Reproducing While Black: Politics of Black Reproduction.
ANTHRO 124P - Human Behavioral Ecology.
ANTHRO M126N. Genes, Disease, and Culture.
ASIA AM M161. Ethnic, Cultural, and Gender Issues in America’s Healthcare Systems.
CLASSIC 148. Early Greek Medicine and Thought.
COM HLT 100. Introduction to Community Health Sciences.
COM LIT 180.
ENGCOMP 131C. Specialized Writing: Medicine and Public Health.
ENGR 183EW. Engineering and Society.
ENGR 185EW. Art of Engineering Endeavors.
ENV HLT 100. Introduction to Environmental Health.
GENDER 134. Gender, Science, and Theory.
GENDER M180B/HIST M180B - Historical Perspectives on Gender and Science.
GRNTLGY M108. Biomedical, Social, and Policy Frontiers in Human Aging.
HIST 179A. Variable Topics in History of Medicine.
HIST 179B. History of Medicine: Foundations of Modern Medicine.
HIST 179C. Medicine and Society in 20th Century America.
HIST 180A. Topics in History of Science.
HIST M180B. Historical Perspectives on Gender and Science.
HNRS 105. Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Healthcare.
HNRS 141.
HNRS 174. Future Impact of Nano in new Technologies.
HNRS 177. Biotechnology and Art.
HNRS M183.
NEUROSC 142. - Neurophilosophy: Introduction and Assessment from Neuroscience Perspective.
NEUROBIO M169. History of Neurosciences.
PHILOS 122.
PHILOS 124. Philosophy of Science: Historical.
PHILOS 125. Philosophy of Science: Contemporary.
PHILOS 137. Philosophy of Biology.
PHILOS 155. Medical Ethics.
PSYCH 124K.
PSYCH 188B.
PUB HLT M106. Health in Chicano/Latino Population.
PUB HLT C150. Fundamentals of Public Health.
SOC GEN M102. Societal and Medical Issues in Human Genetics.
SOC GEN 105B.
SOC GEN M136.
SOC GEN 150XP.
SOC GEN 180.
SOC GEN 188.
SOC GEN 191. Variable Topics Research Seminars: Perspectives in Society and Genetics.
SOCIOL 143. Human Health and Society.
SOCIOL M144/SOC GEN M144. Stress and Society: Biology and Inequality.
SOCIOL 191V.

Independent Research

Independent research is one of the most exciting educational experiences you can have at college. Our faculty work closely with each student to facilitate their placement in an established research lab at UCLA that aligns with their scientific interests. Under the mentorship of esteemed UCLA faculty and lab members, students conduct cutting-edge science that contributes meaningfully to ongoing research in the lab, many of them earning authorship on one or more peer-reviewed publications. Students then share their progress and research findings at public presentation events. As students graduate, the culmination of their experience in the program comes in the form of a thesis detailing their undergraduate research accomplishments. After you enroll, our faculty help to place you into the laboratory of one of the many participating faculty from the College, School of Medicine or School of Engineering, where you conduct at least four quarters of research, culminating in a senior thesis.

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Biomedical Research 5HA: A Closer Look

Biomedical Research 5HA - Biomedical Research: Concepts and Strategies is an introductory course required to apply to the Minor. In this “research deconstruction” course, outstanding research faculty are invited to deliver a seminar on cutting edge research recently conducted in their laboratory. The instructor uses each seminar as a platform for a series of classes that explore fundamental concepts and experimental approaches employed in the research.

Student Experiences and Professor Insights

Student reviews offer varied perspectives on Biomedical Research 5HA, particularly when taught by Dr. Fluitt. Some students found the class very easy with a light workload. However, some students have described the professor and her self-described "snarky" attitude, where her assignment guidelines were not clear and she acts very condescending when students ask the "wrong" questions, making being in her class for ten long weeks extremely unpleasant. It is suggested to take this class with a different professor.

Other students found Dr. Fluitt made this class very enjoyable. In this class you get to listen to people discuss their research that is sometimes completely new. Professor Fluitt then assigns problem sets based off of the research seminars. The problem sets can be challenging so it is important to start early and go to office hours to ask questions and listen to other people's questions. Participation is part of your grade and Dr. Fluitt is easy to talk to, funny, and kind, so attending office hours is great even if you don't have questions. Even if you don't get into the minor, this was the most relevant class I have taken so far. Dr. Fluitt is a very good professor and you could tell she cares about her students (make sure you attend her office hours).

Some students with only LS7A under their belt (had no previous science experience before) and managed to get an A, but I did work for it and this really gave me insight on what biomedical research is about. After this class, I was able to decide if I really wanted to pursue biomed research and I think I rather not. So if you don't know if you would like to pursue biomed research, take this class to dip your toes. The minor is really meant for students who are passionate about (not just to make yourself look good for med school or anything like that), and it is super highly competitive to get in.

The subjects covered in this class change every quarter, but this quarter we got to learn about hot-off-the-press research on CAR T cell therapy and stem cell diabetes treatment. Super interesting stuff if you're into biomedical research! Dr. Fluitt is a fun lecturer and she has really cute cats. Don't worry about exams.

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This class is great if you want to learn how research works. You go extremely in-depth into two research projects that professors here are currently working on and it's quite amazing. Every single assignment in this class you're allowed to work with classmates so it's not that hard to do well. This class is a pretty easy A, but you do have to sit down with the material and make sure you understand exactly what's going on and what she wants. Go to office hours! Do the assignments early! She will often give great insight into what she's looking for in office hours. Attend a few before you turn in your work and you're solid. Even if you don't attend class, it's bruincasted.

Other students have found that Amy is the worst teacher I have ever had. She is the most boring lecturer, literally everyone is either asleep or on their computer during class. She is also a VERY harsh grader and will take off a substantial amount points on subjective and vague questions with absolutely no explanation or feedback. Attendance is not taken but participation is worth a good chunk of your grade (100 pts) so you need to be asking questions in class constantly. Fluitt cares about participation, so you would have to end up going to office hours for this class. However, her problem sets and exams are extremely difficult especially for someone with little to no research background. It felt like she was testing more on scientific concepts rather than actual research strategies, often the homework took a lot of time to complete. Also the seminars themselves are pretty difficult to understand, along with her deconstructions. I don't know how I feel about Amy Fluitt. She seems really nice, but just isn't great at explaining what she expects for the problem sets and exams. Her office hours are only marginally helpful. I stressed so much about each problem set, and worried about my grade throughout the quarter. This is an easy class, and it's also really interesting. You get to listen to two seminars on different topics and split the quarter into two halves during which you study each seminar's content individually. Additionally, Dr. Fluitt is really nice. Be sure to attend her office hours to get help on the work she assigns. Although the wording on the assigned material can often be somewhat confusing, she sometimes drops some major hints to help people out during her office hours. Just don't wait until the last moment to do the work, even if it seems really easy. So basically, just take this class.

Key Takeaways from Student Reviews

Difficulty: Student opinions on the difficulty of Biomedical Research 5HA vary. Some find it an easy A, while others struggle, especially with the problem sets and exams.
Professor Fluitt: Experiences with Dr. Fluitt are mixed. Some students appreciate her teaching style, approachability, and willingness to help. Others find her lectures boring, grading harsh, and explanations unclear.
Office Hours: Attending office hours is consistently recommended, regardless of the professor. It's seen as a valuable opportunity to clarify concepts, get help with assignments, and improve participation grades.
Relevance: Many students find the course relevant and insightful, providing a good introduction to biomedical research and helping them decide if the minor is right for them.

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