Text:   Ambrose, H.W.; Ambrose, K.P., Emlen, D.J.; Bright, K.L. A Handbook of Biological Investigations, 6^th ed. ; Hunter Textbooks, Inc.: Winston-Salem, 2002

 Outcomes:  The objective of this course is to integrate the sciences in a systematic study of scientific communication - both oral and written.  Upon successful completion of this course, a student should be able to:

•             Demonstrate an understanding of the nomenclature and terminology peculiar to specific scientific disciplines.

•             Recognize the different types of scientific literature and forms of communication.

•             Identify different sources of information storage and retrieval and understand their use and limitations.

•             Demonstrate the ability to correctly cite and reference the scientific literature.

•             Participate in seminar discussions.

 

Attendance:  Attendance is mandatory at all seminar sessions.  Unless prior arrangements have been made with the instructor, an absence may only be excused for an extraordinary reason and the student must be able to document this reason.  Students are expected to arrive on time for class.  Attendance, timeliness, and participation all make up part of the passing grade for this course.  The instructor reserves the right to assign a failing grade to any student whose attendance does not demonstrate a commitment to the class.

 Assignments:  There will be written assignments at the beginning of the semester.  You will also be expected to write evaluations of the junior and senior seminar presentations.  These evaluations should include a written evaluation, not just a rating of each element of the presentation.

 Grading:  Grading for this course is Pass/Fail.  Students are encouraged to do more than the minimum needed to pass.  You will be asked to prepare an assignment over if it does not meet minimum standards.  Late assignments may result in a failing grade if the instructor does not have enough time to return unsatisfactory work for correction.  A grade of  F  will be assigned to any student who does not complete all assignments to the satisfaction of the instructor.   

 Schedule:

January 29                    Introduction to the course

Feb 5                           What is science?

Feb 12                         Communicating science

Feb 19                         Introduction to the Library & the use of reference materials

Feb 26                         Library work

Mar 4                           Science and pseudoscience

Mar 11 – Apr 1            Junior presentations

Apr 15 – May 6           Senior presentations