Instructor: Joseph P. Montoya, Associate Professor
ES&T 1244, 385-0479
Office Hours By Appointment
email: j.montoya@biology.gatech.edu

Meeting Times: W at 3pm, Cherry Emerson 322

Course Description and Goals:

Biology 8106 is intended to expose students to some of the tools they’ll need as scientists, as well as a variety of concerns and issues that affect all successful scientists and engineers. Early in the term, we will focus on topics such as presentation and writing skills, research ethics, and grantsmanship. The latter part of the term will be partly devoted to student presentations while continuing to explore topics such as career choices and pathways and the workings of a university.

Format of the Course:
We will meet for two hours each week for presentations and discussions. Student input will be critical in choosing topics and in leading many of the classroom discussions. Attendance is required and any unexcused absences will result in a failing grade.

Grading:
This class is graded pass/fail. The course grade will be based on attendance (required), participation in classroom discussions (also required), completion of the research proposal, and satisfactory performance in the classroom presentation.

Presentation:
Each student will make an in-class presentation on his/her research interests. We will allot 30 minutes for each presentation: 25 minutes for the presentation itself followed by 5 minutes for questions and discussion.

Proposal:
A research proposal in NSF format will be due at the last class meeting. This proposal should describe a three year project of interest to the student, and should include a realistic budget and all supporting documents required by NSF.