BIOL 397 Outline

THE KING'S UNIVERSITY

TERM:

2021-22 Winter

COURSE NUMBER:

BIOL 397

COURSE TITLE:

Research Methods in Biology

NAME OF INSTRUCTOR:

Dr. Heather Prior

CREDIT WEIGHT AND WEEKLY TIME DISTRIBUTION:

credits 3(hrs lect 3 - hrs sem 0 - hrs lab 3)

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Explores the contexts for the discipline of biology, including historical, methodological, ethical, and societal dimensions, as well as current biological topics of interest in basic research, industrial, and environmental settings. Ethical and professional responsibilities for biologists in industrial, research, and academic settings will be addressed, as well as other topics that explore the interface between biology and society. Research methods and skills in biology will be emphasized, including literature review, experimental design, scientific writing, scientific communication, and mentorship. A key requirement of each student is the preparation of a project proposal, and the review and critique of each others work. Students, faculty, and visiting speakers will give presentations. It is required by all three-year, and four-year biology majors, and is a prerequisite for conduct an undergraduate research, either a Biol 494 or Biol 497.

Prerequisites: 9 credits in Biology or Environmental Studies at the 300 level

REQUIRED TEXTS:

No assigned textbook but readings are available on the course website. Student may wish to secure a copy of Webster (2003) Thinking about Biology (refered to as TAB throughout).

MARK DISTRIBUTION IN PERCENT:


Research Project	24%
Reflections on "Thinking about Biology"	16%
Peer Review/Participation	10%
Library and References	8%
Excel Assignment	7%
Oral Presentation	15%
Poster Presentation	10%
Final Exam	10%

	100%

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

Appreciate the process of research in biology.
Learn and model the peer review process.
Demonstrate knowledge of the ethical and social implications of biological research.
Demonstrate personal and professional integrity by respecting diverse points of view and the intellectual contribution of others, and demonstrate a commitment to sustainability and accessibility in scientific practice and society at large.
Build skills using common software for data organization and scientific communication.
Accurately and effectively communicate scientific ideas, arguments and analyses, to a range of audiences, in graphic, oral and written form
Develop and execute a question driven, collaborative experiment, analyze the results, and communicate your findings via a scientific paper

COURSE OUTLINE:

Topics:

Chapter 1: Facts
Chapter 2: Reductionism
Chapter 3: Evolution
Chapter 4 Biology and Animals
Chapter 5: Controversies in Biology
Chapter 6: Making sense of genes
Chapter 7: Biology and politics
Chapter 8 Research Ethics

Skills:

Library
How to read a scientific paper
Zotero
Scientific questioning and the peer review process
Designing experiments
Recording observations
Research skills
Visualizing data
Scientific writing
Communication - poster
Communication - presentation

Required texts, assignments, and grade distributions may vary from one offering of this course to the next. Please consult the course instructor for up to date details.