We're excited to host the GRAD 202: Racism in Science course for all first-year basic sciences PhD students, offered by the Division for Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs (GEPA).
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
Course Collaborators
Shinyi Hsieh, PhD
Collaborative Instructor and Course Coordinator of GRAD 202
Student Program and Assessment Specialist, GEPA
Victor Alcala-Kellogg, PSPG PhD Candidate
Chesa Cox, Global Sciences PhD Candidate
Paige Logan Prater, Sociology PhD Candidate
Course Dates and Time
Fall 2026 | October 1st/2nd to November 12th/13th | 10 a.m. – Noon (Pacific Time)
| October 1/2 | In-person Session at Mission Bay |
| October 8/9 | In-person Session at Mission Bay |
| October 15/16 | In-person Session at Mission Bay |
| October 22/23 | In-person Lecture at Mission Bay |
| October 29/30 | Asynchronous Session |
| November 5/6 | In-person Session at Mission Bay |
| November 12/13 | In-person Session at Mission Bay |
| November 19/20 | Final Due |
Note: No sessions on November 19 & November 20, 2026.
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. GRAD 202 discusses the importance of understanding the historical context of these issues to promote fairness and equity in scientific inquiry. The course also considers the impact of underrepresentation and implicit bias in science, offering strategies to ensure that research serves all communities and reflects a commitment to excellence and inclusivity.
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
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 – KNOWLEDGE: Genetics - past, present, and future - Lecture by Dr. Ryan Hernandez
Week 5 – RESEARCH: Health Equity research in the age of AI - Interview with Dr. William Brown Iii
Week 6 – CAMPUS CULTURE: Professionalism and Communication
Week 7 – MENTORSHIP: Mentorship and Everyday Interactions