BIO 4015 - RESEARCH IN BIOLOGY

credits: 0.0
This course is credit variable for zero or 1.0 credit. The goal of this course is to familiarize students with the practical aspects of conducting research in biology. Theoretical aspects of the scientific method covered in several classes will be applied to practical scientific problems in contemporary science. The students will learn how to synthesize several observations described in scientific literature into a series of hypotheses attempting to explain these observations, and subsequently test these hypotheses in the laboratory or field and write-up the results in a paper. Results will be presented at a scientific meeting. Objectives: A) Use published literature to summarize present knowledge in a field of science; B) Develop ability to synthesize pre-existing data to formulate falsifiable hypotheses; C) Practice capacity to formulate experimental designs to test hypotheses; D) Acquire skill in accurate collection of precise data; E) Develop ability to draw proper conclusions from acquired data; F) Improve skills in writing, revising, and oral presentation. Method of Instruction: Individual instruction, extensive use of the library and scientific literature. Lab and-or field work. Method of Evaluation: 60% lab participation, 20% lab notebook, and 20% poster or presentation.

Prerequisite(s): INSTRUCTOR’S SIGNATURE REQUIRED.