Some of the sessions are part of the SBU course on Responsible Conduct of Research and Scholarship (RCRS, formerly known as GRD 500). During the course, major contemporary issues in legal and regulatory arenas associated with scientific research are discussed. The course introduces students to the history behind the regulations that safeguard human subjects, and educates students in detail about their responsibilities as clinical investigators. Using an interactive case based format the topics covered include: justification for human research and reasonable balance of risk versus benefits; the use of animals in research; informed consent; the ethical challenges of clinical research; ethical concerns associated with genetic testing and screening; research in minors and adults of questionable capacity to consent; conflict of interest; investigator responsibilities with regard to fulfilling government regulation; scientific fraud and whistle blowing; the scientific community and mentoring; authorship and attribution; special populations and inclusion of minorities; and emergency research-related special requirements.