Literature & History of the Biological Sciences

Course Details

Course Number: BIOL 5013  Section Number: 180

Fall 2010

Location: Bolin Hall

Classroom Number: 212

Days & Times:

TR 5:30 - 6:50 PM

Course Attachments

Textbooks

How To Write And Publish A Scientific Paper 6e  ISBN: 0313330271

Science as a Way of Knowing  ISBN: 0674794826
MSU Faculty Member
Dr. Michael M. Shipley   
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Course Objectives

Literature & History of the Biological Sciences is a graduate-level course designed to immerse students in the methods of scientific writing and publication along with the history of the discipline of biology. Goals include familiarizing the student with primary literature in the life sciences, including the editorial practices of biological journals, and exploring effective means of presentation of scientific results in written form. The rich history of the biological sciences will also be explored with the goal of allowing students to place their research interests and career goals in the context of a historical perspective.


Course Expectations

Final Exam12/7/2010  8:00 PM

Submission Format Policy


Note: You may not submit a paper for a grade in this class that already has been (or will be) submitted for a grade in another course, unless you obtain the explicit written permission of me and the other instructor involved in advance.

Late Paper Policy

5% will be deducted from the grade for every day any assignment is late.


Plagiarism Policy Plagiarism is the use of someone else's thoughts, words, ideas, or lines of argument in your own work without appropriate documentation (a parenthetical citation at the end and a listing in "Works Cited")-whether you use that material in a quote, paraphrase, or summary. It is a theft of intellectual property and will not be tolerated, whether intentional or not.

Student Honor Creed

As an MSU Student, I pledge not to lie, cheat, steal, or help anyone else do so."

As students at MSU, we recognize that any great society must be composed of empowered, responsible citizens. We also recognize universities play an important role in helping mold these responsible citizens. We believe students themselves play an important part in developing responsible citizenship by maintaining a community where integrity and honorable character are the norm, not the exception. Thus, We, the Students of Midwestern State University, resolve to uphold the honor of the University by affirming our commitment to complete academic honesty. We resolve not only to be honest but also to hold our peers accountable for complete honesty in all university matters. We consider it dishonest to ask for, give, or receive help in examinations or quizzes, to use any unauthorized material in examinations, or to present, as one's own, work or ideas which are not entirely one's own. We recognize that any instructor has the right to expect that all student work is honest, original work. We accept and acknowledge that responsibility for lying, cheating, stealing, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty fundamentally rests within each individual student. We expect of ourselves academic integrity, personal professionalism, and ethical character. We appreciate steps taken by University officials to protect the honor of the University against any who would disgrace the MSU student body by violating the spirit of this creed. Written and adopted by the 2002-2003 MSU Student Senate.

Students with Disabilities The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Disability Support Services in Room 168 of the Clark Student Center, 397-4140.

Safe Zones Statement The professor considers this classroom to be a place where you will be treated with respect as a human being - regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, political beliefs, age, or ability. Additionally, diversity of thought is appreciated and encouraged, provided you can agree to disagree. It is the professor's expectation that ALL students consider the classroom a safe environment.

Contacting your Instructor All instructors in the Department have voicemail in their offices and MWSU e-mail addresses. Make sure you add your instructor's phone number and e-mail address to both email and cell phone lists of contacts.

Attendance Requirements

You will be expected to attend all scheduled class meetings, to be punctual and attentive. Make‑up work is available only for those students who have an excused absence. Students should refer to the current MSU Handbook and Activities Calendar for university policy on academic dishonesty, class attendance, student rights and activities.


Other Policies

Grade Determination:

 

The grade for this class will be based on the student’s performance on the two lecture exams, discussion and oral report on history of biology, as well as the research proposal and curriculum vita. Additional assignments will be included throughout the semester. The breakdown for the grade is as follows: 

 

Exams (2)   - 40%

Research proposal  - 20%

Discussion   - 10%

Oral Report   - 10%

CV & other assignments  - 20%

                                            100%

 

There is no set standard for each letter grade in this course. This course will be graded on a competitive basis among all students from BIOL 5013.

 

Topical Outline:

You: The Budding Scientist

Why scientific writing?                                   Day: Ch. 1-3

Curriculum vita – Content and organization             Handouts, Day: Ch. 36

Assignment: CV and cover letter                                   

The Scientific Literature                                  Handouts           

Science databases: Literature searches            Moffett library with Allison Breen

The Scientific paper                                         Day: Ch. 4-6

Assignment: Research proposal

The Scientific paper                                         Day: Ch. 7-15

Tables and Figures                                           Day: Ch. 16-18

 

Organization & Submission                             Day: Ch. 19-20

Review and Publishing                                    Day: Ch. 21-22

                         Exam  I

                                Presentation of material                                    Day: Ch. 27-28

Your thesis                                                        Day: Ch. 35; Graduate Student Manual

                           Scientific Style                                                  Day: Ch. 30-34                       

 

                    Those That Came Before You: The History of Biology

                                       Assignment: Lead discussion on two chapters from Moore

 The Internet and Its History                             Handouts

                                Assignment: Short oral presentation on a noted biologist

                             Exam  II


Writing Proficiency Requirement All students seeking a Bachelor's degree from Midwestern State University must satisfy a writing proficiency requirement once they've 1) passed English 1113 and English 1123 and 2) earned 60 hours. You may meet this requirement by passing either the Writing Proficiency Exam or English 2113. Please keep in mind that, once you've earned over 90 hours, you lose the opportunity to take the $25 exam and have no option but to enroll in the three-credit hour course. If you have any questions about the exam, visit the Writing Proficiency Office website at http://academics.mwsu.edu/wpr, or call 397-4131.