Junior Science Seminar

 

 

I.                   BIOL/CHEM/ENVS/WDLF 397 Junior Science Seminar, 1 hr. semester credit

 

II.                Fall 2001, Dr. John Copeland, Office Hours are posted on office door, room 203 F-C Hall, 423-869-6225, jcopeland@inetlmu.lmunet.edu

 

III.             Course Prerequisite: Junior Classification

 

IV.            Course Description: Students are to plan a science topic inquiry, either through original or library research.  Each student will develop a scientific research proposal after consultation with appropriate faculty member.  The faculty member will be selected based on the research interest of the student.  A written research proposal with appropriate literature review is required.  Additionally, students will present orally their research proposals.

 

V.               Course Goals:

 

1.     To have students plan and design a research project.

2.     To instruct students how to conduct a literature review.

3.     To have students orally discuss their proposals with colleagues in a scientific setting, allowing for helpful criticism.

4.     To assist students in conducting actual research and analysis of data.

 

VI.            Relationship of this course to content area knowledge and skills of the TN matrix:

Students will learn how to plan, conduct, and analyze research.

 

VII.         Texts: None

 

VIII.      Units of Instruction: Students will be given assistance in planning and conducting research. Students are given one year in which to conduct the research, the results of which will be presented during Senior Science Seminar.

 

IX.            Required Readings: Scientific literature which is useful to their project.

 

X.               Suggested Readings: None

 

XI.            Methods of Instruction: The first few meetings will be organizational.  Research interests will be determined and tentative projects discussed.  Once a research topic or area of interest has been determined students will be directed to a faculty person who will assist the students with their project.

 

XII.         Course Requirements: Students are expected to attend all organization meetings.  Each absence will result in the lowering of the final grade by one letter grade.  Students will be evaluated based on their written research proposal and literature review as well as their oral presentation of their research proposal.

 

XIII.      Date of Revision: 8/20/01