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Text: Ambrose, H.W., Ambrose, K.P. 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
•  Prepare and deliver a group presentation on a topic of current scientific interest
•  Prepare a review article on a selected topic

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 :

•  Presentation: Each student will prepare and deliver a forty five minute presentation based on a 2-3 primary research papers as part of a group. This presentation will concentrate on an analysis of the research being conducted. You are required to use presentation software to deliver this presentation.

•  Paper: Each student will also prepare a written paper on a topic of choice which will provide a survey of the topic as given in a review 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 390 listserve. This listserve will be for the junior members of the seminar class and should be used as a forum for discussion. Asking questions is also an essential part of a seminar. You will be expected to ask thoughtful questions and this will be reflected in your participation grade.

Grading : A letter grade will be assigned for this course. 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. Grading will follow the following scale:

And will be based on the following:

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