Course Descriptions

Prerequisites

Genetic Analysis I & II 01:447:384-385  or  Genetics (447:380)

Course Description

This is an active learning-based class designed to expose students to primary research literature and will provide them with the necessary tools to effectively read and understand research literature. Students will gain a deep understanding of the science behind techniques. They will also gain knowledge on steps of the research process, gain critical appraisal skills and learn how to effectively communicate complex principles: skills integral to success in both science-based and non-science careers. 

What is this class like?

This class will teach students how to read, interpret and analyze research articles. The class will follow an active learning format, where we will discuss seminal and recent research articles in depth: What was the scientific question or problem? What methods and strategies were used to address it? What were the findings and conclusions? What are the alternative interpretations and methods that could have been applied? What questions are remaining? 

This class will expose students to a diverse selection of research literature, involving genetic and molecular analyses in model organisms such as mice, worms, flies and yeast. The class series will begin with a research article presented by the teacher. During the majority of the class series, students will be divided into groups of 4-5. Each group will be assigned one research article and be required to work together to a) interpret, b) analyze and c) present the article in the form of an oral presentation to the class. Students will be graded on their ability to perform each of these tasks and on active participation during presentations by other groups. All groups will also be required to complete and be graded on a written discussion summary assignment at the end of each article discussion. This summary assignment may take many forms, e.g., preparation of a graphical abstract or a news and views article. 

Course Syllabus

Fall 2023 Syllabus

Course Learning Goals

• Learn to read, as well as critically and creatively analyze published research articles.
• Learn the concepts and methods involved in genetic and molecular analyses.
• Learn to think deeply about experimental strategies and scientific interpretations.
• Learn to communicate advanced scientific concepts through oral presentations.

Satisfies Departmental Learning Goals

• Use genetic information and ideas to critically analyze published research articles.
•  Integrate the material from multiple courses and research.

Course URL

Canvas

Exams, Assignments, and Grading Policy

Grades in this course are weighted according to the table below

Participation will be evaluated according to the following rubric:
A-range: Student participated thoughtfully in every, or nearly every, class discussion.
B-range: Student participated in most class discussions, but sometimes the contributions reflected only a surface-level engagement with class materials.
C-range: Student made relevant comments when prompted, but group dynamic and level of discussion are not affected by the student’s presence.
D or F: Student rarely participates or demonstrates a noticeable lack of interest.

Presentations will be evaluated according to the following rubric:
A-range: Student understood and presented the material clearly.
B-range: Student only partly understood the material and presentation was unclear.
C-range: Student made a poor effort to understand or present the material.
D or F: Student made no effort to understand and present the material.

Course Materials

None

Course Closed?

Please continue to monitor Web-Reg for openings.

Faculty

Devanshi Jain, PhD

https://thejainlab.org

** All information is subject to change at the discretion of the course coordinator.