BSC 4931 - Senior Seminar in Biology

College of Natural Sciences

Credit(s): 1
Contact Hours: 17
Effective Term Spring 2012 (450)

Requisites

Permission of the Program

Course Description

This course is designed to provide transition for biology students as they complete their Bachelor degrees and plan to enter the workforce and/or graduate or professional schools. Students in this course will present a compilation of research projects developed throughout their program of study. This course will also present opportunities for discussion with biology faculty and students regarding current biological research and bio-ethical concerns.

Learning Outcomes and Objectives

  1. The student will compile a research portfolio based on research conducted throughout the course of study by:
    1. composing a research portfolio that presents work previously submitted as part of his or her biology coursework.
    2. discussing the research portfolio with a faculty member with knowledge of this discipline.
    3. preparing a multimedia presentation of the research portfolio using proper and effective graphic format.
    4. sharing the multimedia presentation with the seminar participants.
    5. engaging the seminar participants in a discussion related to the research portfolio.
  2. The student will lead a discussion related to the research portfolio and demonstrate critical thinking skills by:
    1. evaluating, critiquing and refining the research portfolio.
    2. composing questions for the seminar participants that require critical thinking.
    3. developing a list of questions suitable for further research.
    4. facilitating the interaction of the seminar participants during the presentation of the research portfolio.
  3. The student will compare and critique published research, independent research and peer research by:
    1. selecting, reading, analyzing and critiquing contemporary research.
    2. leading and participating in discussion of contemporary research.
    3. evaluating the relevance of his/her research portfolio and the research portfolios of peers to current published research.
    4. comparing and contrasting research portfolios amongst the peer group.
    5. collaborating with peers to strengthen and enhance the portfolios of the group.
  4. The student will develop skills necessary for successful transition into the workforce and/or graduate or professional schools by:
    1. exploring career opportunities within the biological sciences.
    2. composing a curriculum vitae.
    3. practicing taking standardized tests, such as Graduate Record Examination (GRE), Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) , Dental Admissions Test (DAT) or Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT).
    4. producing job and/or school applications.
    5. discovering effective interview techniques.

Criteria Performance Standard

Upon successful completion of the course the student will, with a minimum of 70% accuracy, demonstrate mastery of each of the above stated objectives through classroom measures developed by individual course instructors.

History of Changes

C&I 10/12/2010, BOT 11/16/2010, Effective 20102(0435).
C&I Approval: 06/14/2011, BOT Approval: 10/01/2011, Effective Term: Spring 2012 (450)

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