BB 317

Prerequisite: BI 213 or equivalent

Course content: Topics covered will include:

1. Designing experiments
2. Interpreting data
3. Presenting and formatting data
4. Communicating with scientists and non-scientists (in print and speech)
5. Funding sources — basic and applied research
6. Government appropriations and foundations
7. Writing proposals
8. Planning for careers

In the class, students will learn how to identify and define research projects, frame questions, and design experiments to test their hypotheses. Students will analyze data from published scientific sources and use computer tools to plot and format information for oral and written presentations. An emphasis will be placed on helping students to design communications specific for their audiences, both scientific and non-scientific. The section covering grants will guide students in locating and applying for funding for their topic of interest. The discussions on career options will help students weigh the merits of post-graduate studies versus work experience upon receiving their B.S. Career options discussed will include numerous alternatives to bench science, including scientific writing, editing, administration, precollege teaching, and other options.

Testing will involve writing assignments relating to each topic above. BB 317 is approved as a Writing Intensive Course (WIC) and is cross-listed as BI 317.

Text: No text required.

Curricular purpose of the course: To help prepare students for careers in the biological sciences.

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