Although many of us fondly refer to this course as “Science Writing,” it is much more than simply a writing class. Biol 190 is about the entire process of science. You will complete your own scientific study – conceiving questions and hypotheses, designing and conducting experiments, collecting and analyzing data. You will write and revise a scientific manuscript, and you will help your peers in writing their own reports. By the end of the semester, you will have clarified your understanding of how science works, and substantially strengthened your written communication skills.
Understanding the scientific process is critically important for citizens in the modern world. Evaluating data and effectively communicating will be critical skills in your career, no matter what career path you choose. Biol 190 aims to foster your life-long interest in science, prepare you to be a citizen of the world, and help you develop the thinking and communicating skills that will serve you throughout your life.
Science Writing plays out in two parts. The first 6-8 weeks will be spent pursuing collaborative projects of your own design. We'll spend the first few weeks in-class designing your project, and then learning basics of statistical analysis. Meanwhile, you'll be doing the experimental work outside of class. Once your results are in, the rest of the semester is spent analyzing your data and writing a paper based on your work. We'll spend class time learning how to write a scientific paper, and then on peer reviewing your own drafts. Ultimately, you'll be handing in a complete formal scientific paper.
Each student will be assigned to a project team. Find the materials you need for your project here.