Skip to main content

220.713.01
Doctoral Proposal Development III: Crafting Specific Aims, Rationale and Conceptual Framework

Location
East Baltimore
Term
1st Term
Department
International Health
Credit(s)
1
Academic Year
2026 - 2027
Instruction Method
In-Person
Class Time(s)
Tuesday, 12:00 - 1:20pm
Auditors Allowed
No
Available to Undergraduate
No
Grading Restriction
Pass/Fail
Course Instructor(s)
Contact Name
Frequency Schedule
Every Year
Prerequisite
No prerequisites for this course.
Enrollment Restriction
IH doctoral students
Description
Creates a focused, small group environment for the entering IH PhD students, which actively engages them in relevant content necessary for success in the PhD program. Supports and extends beyond those topics taught in the classroom setting. Provides an opportunity to engage with peers and faculty in the development of research ideas, components of a solid research proposal, writing for different audiences, and the development of skills in presenting research ideas to technical audiences. Engages students in the development of their thesis proposal, focusing on the writing of the Specific Aims and Rationale and development of a Conceptual Framework for their project. Teaches multiple study designs and methods and persuasive communication in different areas of research through multidisciplinary interactions and peer editing.
Learning Objectives
Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  1. Develop ideas for proposals for new studies, considering specific aims, rationale, design and methods.
  2. Develop a research proposal, focusing on the specific aims, rationale, conceptual framework, and make progress on the study design and methods, timeline and ethical considerations.
  3. Discuss and constructively critique their proposal and the proposals of other doctoral students.
  4. Present research ideas to different technical audiences.
Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
Methods of Assessment
This course is evaluated as follows:
  • 20% Participation
  • 40% Written Assignment(s)
  • 40% Presentation(s)