The goal of this activity is to create a unified, cutting-edge biology curriculum that contains core and advanced coursework for students pursuing careers in health professions, biological research, biotechnology or teaching. Revision and development plans for all courses is carried out such that they meet a broad, but well-defined set of criteria and standards. Courses must:

• present an appropriate mix of established fact and leading-edge research within the scientific discipline area;
• incorporate considerations of relevant social, ethical, and environmental contexts;
• include segments which require students to learn the way scientists learn, e.g., by reading relevant research literature, defining problems, designing appropriate methods of investigation, and working in teams;
• incorporate quantitative methods;
• provide opportunities for students to improve verbal and written communication skills;
• use multiple methods of assessing student learning, and provide opportunities for student self-assessment;
• ensure that faculty and teaching assistants use appropriate strategies for creating positive, effective classroom environments for all students;
• integrate with the courses prior to and after it in the curriculum to ensure a comprehensive curriculum for all students.

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