Biochemistry 460
scientific communication

Course Objectives

1. Learn the structure of three major types of scientific forms of writing: 1. a review article, 2. a research article, and 3. a grant application.

2. Learn how to organize and present ideas and scientific arguments clearly so your intended meaning can be conveyed to the reader.

3. Metacognition. Self-awareness of learning how you learn. Become aware of techniques you can use to approach a new learning situation.

As scientists, you will need to have a great deal of self-motivation to approach and learn new ideas and conduct research in novel areas. You will also need to communicate your ideas, refine your thoughts and be able to discuss, criticize and interact with others. This course will give you opportunities to explore these areas and help you develop and refine your skills but ultimately, it is you who will need to make the effort to take advantage of these opportunities.

Writing Assignments

Assignment 1: Personal Statement

Write a short statement (no longer than 2 pages) about yourself. Include why you are taking this course, what you hope to accomplish in this course (what are your learning goals) and what background you bring. Include any specific areas of interest in biochemistry or life, and what your future goals are. I hope to tailor the course to include your individual interests and goals so please include as much information as possible.

Assignment 2: Review Article

We will write a review article as a group with each person selecting a specific topic to include. The overall theme will be discussed and decided on in class. You will be required to turn in a first draft and a final, revised manuscript. You will receive credit for turning in the first draft and showing improvement on the final draft. Only the final draft will be graded for writing quality, strength of presentation, etc.

Assignment 3: Research Article

You will write a research article including abstract, introduction, materials and methods, results, discussion and references based on data to be presented in class by Stanley Wang. You will be required to turn in a first draft and a final, revised manuscript. You will receive credit for turning in the first draft and showing improvement on the final draft. Only the final draft will be graded for writing quality, strength of presentation, etc.

Assignment 4: Pre-doctoral Fellowship Grant

You will fill out an NIH Pre-doctoral Fellowship application to learn the basics of grant writing. Choose a "lab" you would like to work in. This may be a lab you are currently working in or one you would like to work in. You may also choose to work with Stanley Wang or Kevin Nelson. They will have "projects" for you to use in your proposal. Select several original research articles from the lab you choose and pick a research project you would like to work on. based on this, you will fill in the "Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award Individual Fellowship Application Form PHS416-1 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (NIH). You will NOT be required to turn in a first draft but you are encouraged to do so. You may contact myself or any of the TAs for help in editing or revising your work.

Assignment 5: Final Letter and Portfolio

You will write a letter stating what you have learned in the class and what you feel your final grade should be. Support your statement with evidence of your work from this class assembled into a portfolio. For example, you may wish to discuss how your writing improved with revisions and submit a first and final draft of your assignments.

Miscellaneous

Class participation: You will be expected to attend class and to participate
in discussions and activities.
Other: In-class assignments will be arranged as needed.
One minute papers will be written in class.