What is the Biochemical Sciences Tutorial Program?
The Biochemical Sciences Tutorial Program was established in 1926 and continues to
this day as a mandatory tutorial program for CPB and MCB concentrators. The
Biochemical Sciences Tutorial is a not-for-credit program that complements the
curriculum by providing individual instruction with an emphasis on helping students
learn to think critically about problems and experiments in modern biological sciences.
Mentoring on career choices, research opportunities, and other academic subjects are
logical extensions of the tutorial.
Who is part of the Board of Tutors in Biochemical Sciences?
Our tutors have in common a terminal degree (MD, PhD, MD-PhD) but represent a
diversity of career trajectories from academic and industry scientists, educators,
consultants, etc.
When does the tutorial program begin for CPB-MCB concentrators, how often do
tutors meet with their tutees each semester, and how long does it last?
Newly declared concentrators are assigned a tutor at the end of sophomore Fall and
start meeting with their tutors in sophomore Spring. Tutors meet 4-6 times each
semester with their tutees. Concentrators keep the same tutor until they graduate, which
allows establishing a long-term mentoring relationship.
What do students discuss with their tutors in their tutorial meetings?
One of the major learning objectives of the MCB-CPB concentration is that students
should be able to critically review scientific literature and evidence. At the core of the
tutorial meetings is a close reading of primary scientific literature. You may hone in on
an interest area to pursue your undergraduate research, or dive deeper in your research
area of interest. You may even explore new fields with your tutor. For example, some
tutorials may start with primary literature to learn about a basic science discovery and
then venture into topics like ethics or commercialization. You may discuss postgraduate
plans and career trajectories. You may also discuss/present your research/thesis and
seek advice on troubleshooting or writing. If meeting in small groups, participants can
rotate presenting their paper of choice.
What is the appropriate professional etiquette for Tutorial Meetings?
Our tutorial format has several advantages. It allows for professional development in a
low-stakes, high-reward environment but only when both tutors and tutees are actively
invested. Since the tutorial is not for credit, it does not occupy course slots in your plan
of study. The long-term nature of the program gives students the opportunity to learn
how to nurture and develop a professional relationship while they are in college!
Send any papers or material ahead of time giving all participants enough time to read.
Do not cancel meetings at the last minute; no-shows are not acceptable! The tutorial is
a mandatory component of the CPB and MCB concentration requirements. We may
reach out to your tutor to ask about your participation in tutorial when determining
English honors.
For Tutees
The onus is on the student to reach out to their tutor at the start of each semester to
schedule tutorial meetings for the semester. Scheduling is challenging as all of us have
many commitments and so we recommend identifying time slots for all the meetings for
the semester that work for both tutors and tutees at the start of the semester.
For Tutors
While we prefer in-person meetings, you may meet with your tutees on Zoom. For in-
person meetings, you may meet in your office or use one of the rooms in the CPB-MCB
Undergraduate Office at 95 Sherman Fairchild Building (7 Divinity Ave). Please reach
out to Claudia Galeas if you want to reserve one of the rooms in our office. Claudia can also
arrange for a parking pass as needed for your tutorial meetings.
Our students come from a diverse range of preparatory backgrounds. Our tutorial offers
a unique opportunity to prepare our students towards the goal of being able to critically
read scientific literature in a safe environment without the pressure of grades.
