"Liberal
learning flourishes in an atmosphere of sustained inquiry. To learn deeply
requires that we unleash ourselves to the protocols and discipline of systematic
investigation. A substantial research project heightens and hones all
of the faculties through which we apprehend the world. The open-ended
questing fostered by research addresses some of our deepest intellectual needs;
our need to explore, assess, understand, and explain."
Dr. David Shi, President of
Furman University, quoted in the Council on Undergraduate Research Quarterly,
September, 2001.
Instructor:
Karen Hicks
Fischman 102 ; PBX 5379
email:
hicksk@kenyon.edu
Office Hours: MWF 2-3 PM, Tu 9-11 AM, and by appointment.
About this class:
The hallmark of this course is the original research students conduct in collaboration with members of the Biology Department faculty. Students learn how to do science in two ways: (1) Through conducting experiments themselves, and (2) Through exposure to and critical analysis of the research of other scientists. The course seeks to address both aspects of scientific training through the following goals:
To embark on a research project for the course,
you should discuss areas of potential interest with Biology
Department faculty members. This
is ordinarily done during the semester before one takes the course. Students
are responsible for initiating their projects and maintaining research progress
during the semester. Of course, your faculty mentor will be available to help
plan your project and assess your progress, but the initiative must be yours.
To enroll in the class, you must submit a completed MENTOR
APPROVAL FORM to the course instructor to receive permission.
Student responsibilities:
Do Research Constantly ("sustained inquiry"). This is a research class, and it differs in many ways from a traditional class. Ongoing participation in active research is the primary requirement.
Doing Research constantly includes (but is not necessarily limited to):
Attend Biology Seminars. Students
must attend 4 of the 5 biology department research seminars.
Be sure to sign the attendance sheet at each seminar. If you have an excused
absence that conflicts with your ability to attend the requisite number of seminars,
please see the instructor.
Attend class meetings. The schedule of class meetings will be determined during the initial meeting of the semester. All students should attend and participate actively in all class meetings. Meetings will typically involve brief presentations of books, primary literature and/or recent results by selected students.
Submit a final written report. The
final report should be a detailed description of your research project results.
This paper should be written in the standard format of a scientific manuscript.
Sections should include: (1) An Introduction that presents the
background and significance of the project, (2) a Materials and Methods
section that describes how the experiments were conducted, (3) A Results
section that presents the data, and (4) a Discussion section that interprets
the data in light of expectations and the published findings of others, (5)
a section listing the References cited, and (6) an Acknowledgments
section that details sources of assistance or funding. Depending
upon issues of style and content, it may be appropriate to combine the Results
and Discussion into a single section. It is strongly recommended that
you have your faculty mentor read a draft of the final paper before submission.
Click here for additional guidelines.
Evaluation and Grades:
Grades will be determined collaboratively by the course instructor and research mentor in consultation with the Biology Department faculty. The best way to succeed in the course is to actively pursue your project, week in and week out. While data and productivity are the ultimate measures of success in research, success in this course depends more upon the process than the outcome. Students who work diligently but unsuccessfully to troubleshoot a difficult experiment will be judged more favorably that those who get good data despite a haphazard or lackadaisical approach.
40% Research performance and
progress, as indicated by weekly
electronic reports and the judgment
of the mentor.
20% Final report.
20% Attendance and active vocal
participation in class meetings.
20% Attendance at department
seminars. Asking questions of the speaker is noted very favorably.
Tuesday, September 2 : Organization meeting
of the course to be held at 11:10 (COMMON HOUR) in Higley 111, the reading room.
Additional course meetings will be scheduled at this time. BRING SIGNED
MENTOR APPROVAL FORMS TO THIS MEETING.
Friday, Sept. 5: First on-line progress report is due at noon. Weekly progress reports are due each subsequent Friday throughout the semester.
Sept ?: Student Research Plan: Players to be named
Sept ?: Student Research Plan: Players to be named
Dec ?: Student Research Progress: Players to be named
Dec ?: Student Research Progress: Players to be named
Friday Dec. 12: Final reports are due at 4:00 PM.
This class will follow the official
Kenyon College policy on academic honesty found on pp. 26 - 29 of the
Course of Study or on line.
Students with disabilities
who will be taking this course and may need disability related academic accommodations
are encouraged to make an appointment to see me as soon as possible to discuss
your learning needs. Also, you are required to register for support services
with the Office of Disability Services in the Old Bank Building. Please contact
Erin Salva at 5453 or e-mail salvae@kenyon.edu.