Science Life 2AO3: Research Methodologies in the Life Sciences
Fall 2011
INSTRUCTOR:
Kimberley Dej, Ph.D., LSB425, [e-mail]
LECTURES:
Section CO1: Wednesday and Thursday, 10:30am to 11:20pm in HSC/1A1
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
What is science? What is the scientific method? How is science conducted? Does this process work? In this course
we will examine the history of science and how researchers conduct science today. We will be using the field of stem
cell research to frame our examination of the scientific process.
COURSE AIMS:
Engage in scientific discourse.
Confront preconceptions and draw conclusions based upon scientific research
Critically analyze published data
Thoughtfully and civilly engage in evidence- based arguments
Examine career fields within the Life Sciences
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
By the end of this course students should be able to,
Critically read research papers
Present and describe research data and interpretations in an oral and written format
Analyze and interpret experimental results
FORMAT:
This course consists of two one-hour lectures and one two- hour tutorial each week. In the tutorial, lecture
material, new material, and assignments will be addressed. Therefore, the tutorials represent an integral part of
the course work and are mandatory. Within the tutorial, grades will be assigned for participation, presentations and
written reports.
This course uses Avenue to Learn to post the course outline, assignments, and other notices. Go to
http://avenue.mcmaster.ca to find out how to log-on to the courses platform
TEXTBOOK:
There is not a required textbook for this course. R equired readings will be provided for each module.
COURSE E VALUATION:
Test 1
Part 1: (October 13th) Multiple choice test in class that evaluates knowledge- based skills and concepts (15%)
Part 2: (October 14th) Written assignment on ELM, short answer, graded by TAs (10%)
Test 2: Part 1: (November 24th) Multiple choice test in class that evaluates knowledge-based skills and concepts (15%)
Part 2: (November 25th) Written assignment on ELM, short answer, graded by TAs (10%)
Term paper (individual) on components of the stem cell niche
Evaluation includes peer reviews and final grading by TAs (20%)
Presentation (group): Completed in tutorial, Evaluation is in tutorial including peer evaluation and handout (15%)
Tutorials: All tutorials are mandatory. Grading of participation in class and quizzes (15%)
SCHEDULE OF LECTURE MATERIAL:
Date
Title
Tutorial
September 8h.
Introduction to the course:
What is Science?
History of Science and the
Scientific method
Studies of Regeneration
Black Box
Discovery of stem cells:
Properties of stem cells
Stem cell research:
Defining a stem cell niche
Experimental
Design
Salamander
Tales
Week 1
September 12th and 16th
Week 2
September 19th to 23rd
Week 3
September 26th to 30th
Week 4
October 3rd to 7th
Week 5
October 10th to 14th
Week 6
October 17th to 21st
Week 7
October 24th to 28th
Week 8
Oct. 31st to November 4th
Week 9
Test #1 on Thursday in class
and Friday online
Planaria as a model system:
Journal reading
Tests
Assignments
Your
Grades
Value
Choose
presentation team
and topic
Quiz # 1 Part 1
Part 2: A2L
November 14th to 18th
Regulating Cell Death.
Week 11
November 21st to 25th
Test #2 on Thursday in class
and Friday online
Week 12
Nov.28th to December 2nd
Future of stem cell in research
Careers the Life Sciences
Peer review
Part 2
Bioethics and
stem cell
research
Careers in Life
Science
%
%
15%
10%
Final essay due
%
20%
Total Test grade:
Week 10
15%
%
50%
Total Tutorial
g rade:
Essay grade:
%
15%
%
20%
Presentation grade:
%
15%
FINAL GRADE:
%
Choose essay topic
Peer review
Part 1
Presentations
November 7th to 11th
ESCs and ASCs:
Current Research
ESCs and ASCs:
Current Research
Human Stem Cell Research
15%
10%
%
Journal reading
%
%
THIS CALENDAR IS TENTATIVE AS OF
SEPTEMBER 8TH, 2011
Presentations
Quiz # 2 Part 1
Part 2: A2L
CHANGES TO THE COURSE OUTLINE:
At certain points in the course it may make good sense to modify the schedule outlined. The
instructor reserves the right to modify elements of the course and will notify students accordingly (in class
and post any changes onto ELM). Posted changes take precedence over this course outline.
REQUESTS FOR RELIEF FOR MISSED ACADEMIC TERM WORK
Students may report absences lasting up to 5 days by using the McMaster Student Absence Form (MSAF) on-line, selfreporting tool, in order to request relief for missed academic work.
Students may use this tool to submit a maximum of ONE request for relief of missed academic work per term.
IMPORTANT: You must put Dr. Dej, as the contact ([e-mail]) on the MSAP form and immediately after
using the online tool, students MUST contact her regarding the nature of the relief. Failure to do so may negate the
opportunity for relief.
If you miss a test, you must write a makeup test in the last weeks of classes. The makeup test will be of a different
format from the original test, but will cover the same material.
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY:
You are expected to exhibit honesty and use ethical behaviour in all aspects of the learning process.
Academic credentials you earn are rooted in principles of honesty and academic integrity.
Academic dishonesty is to knowingly act or fail to act in a way that results or could result in unearned
academic credit or advantage. This behaviour can result in serious consequences, e.g. the grade of zero
on an assignment, loss of credit with a notation on the transcript (notation reads: Grade of F assigned for
academic dishonesty), and/or suspension or expulsion from the university.
It is your responsibility to understand what constitutes academic dishonesty. For information on the various
types of academic dishonesty please refer to the Academic Integrity Policy, located at
http://www.mcmaster.ca/academicintegrity
The following illustrates only three forms of academic dishonesty:
1. Plagiarism, e.g. the submission of work that is not ones own or for which other credit has been obtained.
2. Improper collaboration in group work,. While we encourage you to work with your peers in solving problems on
your assignments, copying of answers is not acceptable. Your final work must be your own.
3. Copying or using unauthorized aids in tests and examinations.
Grades obtained in 2C03 will be converted according to the following scheme, which is the one in general use at
McMaster University.
90 100%
85 89%
80 84%
77 79%
73 76%
70 72%
67 69%
63 66%
60 62%
57 59%
53 56%
50 52%
0 49%
A+
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
CD+
D
DF
12
11
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
When the final marks are obtained, ALL borderline cases will be reviewed and, where warranted, adjustments will be
made in the final mark.