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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.
• Recognize the components of the scientific method and the importance of it being central to the progression of any true science.
• Understand basic experimental design and the use of basic statistical methods for evaluating data.
• Read and analyze primary research papers.
• Develop and deliver an oral presentation

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.

Assignments:

• Homework: There will be homework assignments during the first three weeks of the class. These will deal with experimental design and statistics.



• Presentations: Each student will prepare and deliver a ten minute presentation based on a primary research paper. This presentation will concentrate on the experimental design of the research being conducted. You are encouraged to use Corel Presentations to deliver this presentation.

• Report: Each student will also prepare a 2 page written report. This will be on a topic of choice and will include a survey of the topic as given in a review article as well as the analysis of a primary research article.



• Participation: Participation in seminar discussions and analysis of seminars are important components of the seminar grade. You are expected to attend the weekly seminars and submit a thoughtful analysis of each one. There will also be an opportunity to discuss the seminars through the Bio/Chm 290 listserve. This listserve will be for the sophomore members of the seminar class and should be used as a forum for discussion.

Grading: Grading for this course is Pass/Fail. Students are encouraged to do more than the minimum needed to pass. You may be asked to prepare an assignment over if it does not meet minimum standards. Late assignments will result in the loss of a letter grade for each late report. A grade of F will be assigned to any student who does not complete all assignments satisfactorily. A grade of F will be assigned to students who do not attend all seminar sessions.

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