Often hailed as the penultimate exemplar of objective science, the application of modern biomedicine occurs in a complex environment of subjectively competing forces, interests, and realities. Along with physiological and biological factors - cultural values, attitudes, and belief systems play an important role in shaping our notions of illness and health. This seminar will acquaint students with the major social, cultural, and behavioral phenomena that guide and influence health- related behaviors and outcomes - including our perceptions of what constitutes health and illness.

What is medical culture, and how do we become accustomed to it? Shadowing is both an orientation to the "culture of medicine" and a guide for aspiring physicians who hope to make that culture more equitable and just. We prepare to shadow with an interdisciplinary introduction to humanistic critiques of Western medical culture, including insights from the history of medicine, narrative medicine, and the visual arts. Next, we observe clinical settings through a series of creative and directed exercises that help us attend to social determinants of health.

The SPARK program, a collaboration between the Center on Health Equity Transformation (CHET) and the Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCTS), offers research training for a diverse cohort of undergraduate students from the University of Kentucky and Kentucky State University. Students, known as "SPARKlers," receive mentorship, training, and funding to conduct research on health disparities in local communities. Through BSC 390: Health Equity Research Foundations, SPARKlers learn research fundamentals, develop protocols, and submit IRB applications.

Clinical scientists need a sound understanding of the ethical principles guiding the conduct of research projects. This course will address issues relevant to ethically sound study design, responsible conduct of research and scientific misconduct. Students will also complete human subjects protection training and learn to conduct research in an ethical manner. During this course, students will engage in both in-class lecture and discussion sessions as well as out of class learning activities (outlined below).

This course is designed to support clinical and translational science students in acquiring an applied understanding of the biostatistical tools and techniques commonly used in the conduct of clinical and translational science research. Through a combination of lectures, readings, demonstrations, discussions, and self-study modules, students will understand and appreciate measurement and statistical challenges that are common to clinical and translational science.

A survey of the field of health psychology. It will explore the ways in which social and psycho- logical research contribute to an understanding of health and illness behavior.

This overview course is designed to introduce the student to the major methods and technologies of clinical and translational science (CTS) with an emphasis on human subjects research. Students learn these core methodologies through classroom discussions, readings, and written portfolio activities that challenge them to apply methodological concepts to their own areas of research interest.

This course will introduce students to the processes involved in the development and implementation of interdisciplinary research. Students will be introduced to key aspects of the leadership, communication and teamwork involved in interdisciplinary research. Students will also be introduced to the structure and functioning of the NIH and the NIH grant application and review process.

This seminar course is designed to orient students to clinical and translational research community and activities at the University of Kentucky and to incorporate a multidisciplinary cooperative approach to clinical and translational research. Students are expected to apply their knowledge of effective scientific communication, responsible conduct of research, and methods and technologies of clinical and translational science to ongoing discussions. The course will consist of 7 evening seminars focusing on different topics of clinical and translational research.

This course on racism and health disparities is designed to support graduate studies in the social sciences, allied health, and medical disciplines.