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Student Learning Outcomes -

• The student can critically analyze a topic covered in the course.
• The student can identify and critically evaluate appropriate sources of information.
• The student can use new vocabulary relevant to topic covered in the course.

Description -

A seminar in directed readings, discussions and projects in biology. Specific topic to be determined by the instructor. This advanced honors course is open to all majors.

Course Objectives -

1. analyze the selected topic in a skillful and thorough manner
2. discuss the selected topic critically with instructor and other students
3. explain the importance of the selected topic to the discipline of biology
4. use new vocabulary relevant to the selected topic
5. identify and critically evaluate information resources appropriate to the selected topic

Special Facilities and/or Equipment -

Course Content (Body of knowledge) -

1. Readings, discussion, and critical analysis of the selected topic
2. Use of primary, secondary, and other important monographs as appropriate
3. Critical evaluation of sources of information
1. Internet resources
2. Written publications
1. Scholarly
2. Popular

Methods of Evaluation -

1. Participation in class discussions
2. Cooperative learning assignments
3. One or more oral presentations
4. One or more written papers

Representative Text(s) -

Disciplines -

Method of Instruction -

1. Weekly classroom discussion of instructor- and/or student-selected readings.
2. Small group lecture activities introducing and emphasizing new concepts.
3. Student-led oral presentations, followed by analysis and discussion.

Lab Content -

Types and/or Examples of Required Reading, Writing and Outside of Class Assignments -

1. Weekly reading assignments as appropriate to topic. Publications may include primary scientific literature, reviews of scientific literature, secondary literature, web resources. Will be used to drive weekly class discussions.
2. Preparation of at least one oral presentation of the topic to be supported by and documented with appropriate resources.
3. Preparation of at least one research paper on the topic to be supported by and documented with appropriate resources.