BIOL 160
INTRODUCTORY SEMINAR IN BIOLOGY
Catalog Entry
Biology 160. Introductory Seminar in Biology (2)
Two hours seminar.
Prerequisite: Declared Biology major and Freshman standing.
Designed for students new to the Biology major, this is a seminar course that will discuss various professional skills needed to succeed in the major. Topics may include: introduction to scientific literature, discussions of career options and expectations for biology majors.
Detailed Description of Content of Course
Working with scientific literature
Overview of library skills
Identifying Primary vs. secondary literature
Identifying literature in databases
Finding full text articles online
Writing and Reading in scientific format
Proper citation of references
Exploring Career Possibilities
What to do with a biology degree
Professional schools vs. graduate schools
Post-bachelor entrance exams
Expectations of the Biology major
Navigating the curriculum
Undergraduate research
Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
The course will be taught in classroom sessions. The sessions will be a combination of projects, discussions, presentations and group work as determined by the instructor, in coordination with instructors for other sections of the course.
Goals and Objectives of Course
Students successfully completing this course will be able to:
Distinguish between primary and secondary literature
Use the library to find scientific literature
Read scientific literature
Write in a scientific format
Identify potential careers
Set goals to prepare for potential careers
Understand the difference between graduate and professional schools
Understand the Biology curriculum and how it prepares students for future careers
Know how to approach faculty about undergraduate research
The biology department has emphasized reading critically and organizing talks and discussions as expected learning outcomes for biology majors. These will be a major component of the proposed course.
Assessment Measures
Assessment my include exams, quizzes, writing and presentation skills. Other assessment may be based on the instructor's observation of student participation in discussion and group work.
Assessment of whether the course is achieving its goals in the curriculum will be based on observations by instructors in upper level Biology courses.
Other Course Information
None
Approval and Approval
DATE ACTION REVIEWED BY
New Course October 16, 2007