Undergraduate Seminar BSC 4931

 Dr. Suzanne Koptur

Course Objectives

Scientific Communication Competency

     familiarity with scientific literature

     understanding of the scientific method

     fundamentals of logic, inference and causality

Oral Communication Competency - two 15 minute presentations

     Presentation 1:  Recent Advances in Biological Research

     review scientific advances in a particular field of biological research since 2004

     Presentation 2:  Case Study of Scientific Discovery and Original Research Proposal

     present the critical data and analysis from a breakthrough study reviewed in Presentation 1, and 
    include your own proposal for work that will advance the field covered in Presentation 1

Written Communication Competency

 abstract and outline [click on this link to see examples] of each presentation will be posted on the web

     each student's presentation will be evaluated by their peers

Computer Communication Competency

     searching and retrieving information from electronic databases

     electronic mail functionality and etiquette

     creating and posting text on your web site

Preparation for Life after/outside the University

    locating opportunities for internships, fellowships, and grants

    preparing the best resume for different purposes

    job interview skills