BISC 650

BISC 650 – Introduction to Research in Biological Sciences

(a.k.a. The Non-science of Science) Fall 2009

Course hours: Tuesday and Thursday 1:00 -2:15 pm (3 credits).

Place: 219 Shoemaker Hall.

Instructor: Dr. Tammy Goulet, 524 Shoemaker Hall.

Tel: 915-7457, e-mail: , Write BISC650 in e-mail subject line.

Office Hours: by appointment.

Course objectives:

To provide tools used in the multiple tasks of being a scientist.

After completing this course, a student will acquire the tools to:

  1. Know how to orally present science to: K-12, undergraduatestudents, and/or graduate students (teach), peers (seminars, scientific meetings), future colleagues (job interview and seminar).
  2. Know how to present science in a written format to: advisors (prospectus, thesis), granting agencies (grants), future colleagues (job dossier), scientific community (papers).
  3. Know how to prepare for a job interview.
  4. Know how to manage personnel.

Course textbook:

We will be using multiple texts that will be available for loan, in addition to handouts

Invited guest scientists:

During the semester, guest scientists will meet with the class. In preparation for the visiting scientist, the students will write three questions pertaining to the scientist’s career in science. The questions will be discussed with the visiting scientists. Additional scientists may be added. To date, the scientists that will visit the class include:

Dr. Laura D. Mydlarz, Department of Biology, The University of Texas, Arlington, TX. Feb. 7.

Dr. Malcolm Hill, Department of Biology, University of Richmond, VA, Feb. 14.

Dr. Denis Goulet, Department of Biology, University of Mississippi, Mar. 5 and 7.

Dr. John Z. Kiss, The Graduate School, Biology Department, National Center for Natural Products Research and the Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Mississippi, Mar. 21 and 26.

Course outline:

Date / Topic / Notes
Jan 24 / Library resources
Finding grants / Ms. Buffy Choinski Shoe 225.
Jan 29 / Introduction; Time management in Science
Role of TA/new course / Handouts
Jan 31 / What is a CV? / Bring your CV to class
Handouts
Feb 5 / Presenting science
Feb 7 / Career paths in Biology
Tenure & duties / Visit by Dr. Laura Mydlarz
Associate Professor
Feb 12 / Grants/prospectus / Find a grant that you can apply for.
Feb 14 / Career paths in Biology
Scientist as a CEO / Visit by Dr. Malcolm Hill
Assoc. Dean
Feb 19 / How to evaluate science
Feb 21 / Teaching & learning styles
Feb 26 / Ten Commandments of Effective Presentation
Feb 28 / Class presentations / discussions / Handouts
Mar 5 / Career paths in Biology
Powerpoint presentations / Dr. Denis Goulet
Mar 7 / Reference citations / Handouts Bring 5 of your references.
Dr. Denis Goulet (Shoe 225)
Mar12-14 / Spring Break / -
Mar 19 / Class presentations / discussions
Mar 21 / Career paths in Biology
The process of peer review / Dr. John Z. Kiss, Dean of the Graduate School, Ole Miss
Mar 26 / The process of peer review / Dr. John Z. Kiss, Dean of the Graduate School, Ole Miss
Mar 28 / Class presentations / discussions
Apr 2 / Web pages / Bring web page you like
Apr 4 / Class presentations / discussions
Apr 9 / Job Dossier
Apr 11 / Class presentations / discussions
Apr 16 / Academic Ethics
Apr 18 / Class presentations / discussions
Apr 23 / Equity in Science / Handouts
Apr 25 / Class presentations / discussions
Apr 30 / Job interview & negotiation / Handouts
May 9 / Class presentations / AT NOON

Course requirements:

Grade divided among the three categories:

1. 35% - Attendance and participation which include written critiques –

a. In the course (includes hand in peer critiques).

b. In departmental seminars (hand in critiques).

c. In one writing workshop (hand in 1/2 page summary). The link bellow is for the Fall 2012 semester. I will update when the Spring 2012 schedule is posted.

2. 40% - Written assignments –

a. Job portfolio (CV, teaching and research interests)

b. Prospectus, article, grant, as appropriate

c. Web page

3. 25% - Oral presentations -

a. 5 min. undergraduate level teaching

b. 12 min. presentation on research or research to be (in Powerpoint)

Written and oral assignments will be due throughout the semester. Due dates will be announced in class.

How the course fosters independent learning: A scientist independently manages their time to accomplish their responsibilities (research, teaching, overseeing a lab). This course will provide the essential tools to enable the students to independently address the responsibilities of a scientist.

Disability Accommodations:It is University policy to provide, on a flexible and individual basis, reasonable accommodations to students who have disabilities that may affect their ability to participate in course activities or meet course requirements. Students with disabilities, which have been verified through the Office of Student Disability Services, are encouraged to contact their instructors to discuss their individual needs for accommodations.

Academic misconduct and its consequences: According to UM Academic Conduct and Discipline policy: “Dishonesty, cheating, or plagiarism, or knowingly furnishing false information to the University are regarded as particularly serious offenses.” At the discretion of the instructor, the student can receive an F on the assignment or an F in the class.

This syllabus is subject to change at the discretion of the instructor to accommodate instructional, and/or student needs.

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