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: tlgoulet@olemiss.edu, 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, undergraduate students, 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.
http://www.uta.edu/biology/mydlarz/index.htm
Dr. Malcolm Hill, Department of Biology, University of Richmond, VA, Feb. 14.
http://biology.richmond.edu/faculty/mhill2/#
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.
BISC 650
Course outline:
DATE
Jan 24
Jan 29
Jan 31
Feb 5
Feb 7
Feb 12
Feb 14
Feb 19
Feb 21
Feb 26
Feb 28
Mar 5
Mar 7
Mar1214
Mar 19
Mar 21
TOPIC
Library resources
Finding grants
Introduction; Time management in Science
Role of TA/new course
What is a CV?
Presenting science
Career paths in Biology
Tenure & duties
Grants/prospectus
Career paths in Biology
Scientist as a CEO
How to evaluate science
Teaching & learning styles
Ten Commandments of Effective Presentation
Class presentations / discussions
Career paths in Biology
Powerpoint presentations
Reference citations
Spring Break
Mar 26
Class presentations / discussions
Career paths in Biology
The process of peer review
The process of peer review
Mar 28
Apr 2
Apr 4
Apr 9
Apr 11
Apr 16
Apr 18
Apr 23
Apr 25
Apr 30
May 9
Class presentations / discussions
Web pages
Class presentations / discussions
Job Dossier
Class presentations / discussions
Academic Ethics
Class presentations / discussions
Equity in Science
Class presentations / discussions
Job interview & negotiation
Class presentations
NOTES
Ms. Buffy Choinski Shoe 225.
Handouts
Bring your CV to class
Handouts
Visit by Dr. Laura Mydlarz
Associate Professor
Find a grant that you can apply for.
Visit by Dr. Malcolm Hill
Assoc. Dean
Handouts
Dr. Denis Goulet
Handouts Bring 5 of your
references.
Dr. Denis Goulet (Shoe 225)
Dr. John Z. Kiss, Dean of the
Graduate School, Ole Miss
Dr. John Z. Kiss, Dean of the
Graduate School, Ole Miss
Bring web page you like
Handouts
Handouts
AT NOON
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BISC 650
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.
http://cwr.olemiss.edu/writing-centers/workshops/
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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