***This syllabus is subject to change!!**
Course:Research Experience in Biology (BIOL 477), Fall 2013
Time:arranged
Credit:1-12 hours; only 3 hours can be applied to Biology Major.
Prerequisites:C or better in allBOT 200, MICRO 200, & ZOO 200 (Intro sequence),
sophomore standing (30 credit hours), and
permission of instructor.
Instructor:Dr. Shawn Meagher (Ph.D.)Office Hours:T: 9-10, W: 11-12, TH: 1-3
Office:230 Waggoner HallBy appointment
Phone:298-2409
Objective:The purpose of this course is to help the student determine whether they would like to pursue research as a career. The science-derived information in biology textbooks is the result of hard work by many people, but that work is generally not appreciated by undergraduate science students.
The goal of BIOL 477 is for to the student to learn about the realities of participating in a research project. Generally, these realities include the importance of organizational skills, attention to detail, and the completion of repetitive tasks in an appropriate time frame. Particular tasks required in this course may include data collection, data entry, data analysis, report writing, and poster/talk presentation.
An important additional skill necessary to all researchers is the ability to read, interpret, and communicate about findings in the primary literature. To that end, there will be a weekly lab meeting in which the student(s) will discuss (1) the project (trouble-shooting methodological issues), and (2) articles related to the project under investigation (to see how the student's research fits with other work in the general research area).
Particular projects and duties will vary by semester, and must be discussed with Dr. Meagher before registration.
Evaluation:I expect 3 hours of "work" per week for each hour of credit earned
(2 credits = 6hrs/week; 3 credits = 9hrs/week).
As described above, "work" may entail data collection, entry, or analysis; preparation for, and attendance at, weekly meetings; and preparation and presentation of research at scientific symposia.
Grades:A: fulfill time commitment (hrs/week/credit) & participate in weekly lab meetings (attendance mandatory)
F: do not fulfill time commitment
Academic dishonesty/Plagiarism:Rules concerning student conduct will be strictly enforced. No appearance of dishonesty (such as plagiarism) will be tolerated. Such work will be taken and assigned a grade of “0” (zero).
Details (forms, definitions, & time-lines) that you are responsible for are on WIU's web sites:
Students Rights and Responsibilities:
Academic Integrity Policy:
Other administrative sites: You should also be familiar with the forms, definitions, & time-lines at these web sites:
Final Exam Policy:
Grade Appeal Policy:
Special needs:Students with disabilities who require special arrangements for exams or emergency situations should see me immediately (I cannot ask you!). Please contact Disability Resource Center (298-2512) to learn all of your options.
RESsyll.doc