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Instructor: Mark A. Teece Contact: mteece@esf.edu : Tel: 470-4736 : Jahn 415 General descriptionIn this course we will explore the question “What are the implications of Global Climate Change?” We will explore this question through group discussions, written analysis, and presentation of scientific papers. Assignments and ExpectationsDuring this course, you will be expected to search for, read, and understand several scientific papers. You should be familiar with on-line search tools for finding scientific papers, all of which can be found at the Moon Library website http://www.esf.edu/moonlib/. You are expected to come to class every time the class meets and be prepared to discuss assignments or present a talk as required. You are expected to hand in assignments on time, all of which must be typed and hard copies handed in to my office 415 Jahn. One of the major components of graduate research is the understanding of scientific papers and the ability to judge whether a study was well planned and well presented. We will learn to critically evaluate scientific papers in this class and also learn how to present results from papers to a general audience, a skill that is sadly lacking in many of the world’s greatest scientists! There will be 5 assignments as outlined below, and you will be graded on each one as well as a grade for in-class discussion and participation. This means that you need to ask questions of speakers and be informed of the topics for the week. GradingParticipation in discussions 30% 5 assignments each worth 10% Attendance* 20% * each unexplained absence = 10% deduction ScheduleWe will meet on Tuesdays at 11am in 300 Bray Hall.
Details of assignments: Assignment #1: How to critically evaluate a scientific paper Write a one page summary outlining how to critically evaluate a scientific paper. Include what questions you should ask when reading a paper and how to determine whether the authors of a paper achieved their goal. To help in this quest, look at the following webpage http://www.biochem.arizona.edu/classes/bioc568/papers.htm but use other resources including Moon Library and other websites. Make sure that you reference at least 3 sources in your assignment. Assignment #2: Find a scientific paper that highlights the implications of Global Climate Change Find a paper that highlights the implications of Global Climate Change on an ecosystem, a defined population of people or animals, or a geographical area. Write a short paragraph describing the implications and the target ecosystem/population. If two people choose the same topic, then the second person to hand in their assignment will have 24 hours to provide a new topic. Assignment #3: Present the paper to the class (2 min. presentation) Present the paper to the class (2 minutes), explain the importance and the major implications of Global Climate Change relevant to the topic of the paper Assignment #4: Write a critical evaluation of a paper Using your guide to critical evaluation of a paper and in-class discussion (Assignment #1), prepare a 2-page evaluation of the paper you presented in Assignment #3. Assignment #5: Present a talk on the Implications of Global Climate Change aimed at the General Public (10 min) You will present a talk on your specific paper/area and aim it at an audience of the general public. Include references to the main paper and also at least 2 other papers. FCH797 Graduate Seminar (Fall 2007) What are the implications of Global Climate Change? |