There will be
multiple instructors for this class, some of them will attend most class
sessions and others will provide specific instruction for a week or two.
Course Goal:
An introduction to research for science and math students at
Course Content: (tentative)
Week two:
Scientific Method – Introduction and general explanation about how people do research and what research entails. “Scientific method is a body of techniques for investigating phenomena, acquiring new knowledge, or correcting and integrating previous knowledge. It is based on gathering observable, empirical and measurable evidence subject to specific principles of reasoning. The scientific method consists of the collection of data through observation and experimentation, and the formulation and testing of hypotheses (source: Wikipedia). How does a mathematician or scientist approach research?
Student outcome: What is your research question?
Week three:
Scientific and Research Ethics - Discussion of the process of how research takes place. Making careful notes, referencing appropriate researchers, citing sources, assuring your research is valid, maintaining academic and research honesty, distinguishing public and private information.
Student outcome: What is your new question? How can you improve your question to a more refined and specific aspect?
Week four: October 15nd : Felice Tiu, SCCC Math Instructor
Qualitative vs. Quantitative Research and Mathematical modeling or methods –demonstrations and explanations on various research methods. Comparisons will be made as to the benefits and detractions of different research methods. Explain how mathematicians and scientists carry out different research projects.
Student outcome: Understanding how different disciplines approach research and apply this to their research question.
Week five:
Journal Club - How to present a journal publication to others. How to decipher figures, interpret and communicate published data and comprehend text. Faculty will present several primary literature papers as a demonstration of how to read a peer-reviewed journal. How to read a peer reviewed publication - What questions are the authors asking? How are they answering the questions? What are the conclusions? Where does this lead in terms of the next step for this research?
Student outcome: Preparing students to be able to share their understanding of research literature with others in a semi-formal setting.
Week six and seven: October 29th and November 5th Lynn Kanne, SCCC librarian
Information Literacy – Librarians and faculty will orient students as to how to search for mathematical and scientific publications using library data bases accessible through Seattle Central. Students will compare common databases with academic databases. Student will determine their own topics through faculty guidance. Students will learn how to evaluate resources for validity. Students will develop skills to ‘locate, evaluate, and use effectively the needed information (American Library Association's (ALA) Presidential Committee on Information Literacy, Final Report 1989). This will prepare students for future educational opportunities both in the classroom and for research.
Student Outcome: How to iteratively search for specific topics. How to keep a journal of information searches. How does your question fit into the body of research? How has your question changed?
Week eight and nine: November 12th and 19th.
Special Presentation: Graciela Matrajt - November 12th
Department of Astronomy
Special Presentation: Vanessa Jacobs-Lorena- November 19th
Department of Microbiology
Student presentations - of primary literature in a “journal club” like setting.
Student outcome: Experience and participation in sharing, elaborating, explaining the details and critiquing research information with colleagues.
Week ten:
cancel - depending on planned attendance.
Week eleven:
How do you write a research proposal? Short presentation on what an undergraduate research proposal would entail for those interested in pursuing research experience Spring Quarter or in the future.
Student outcome: Do you want to do research at SCCC in the spring? What is your topic? How would you propose to pursue your question?
Reading Materials:
Primary research publications
selected from database searches.
Attendance:
Students should attend every class session. If a student misses a class session, then it
is the student's responsibility to obtain the lecture notes, assignments, and
materials handed out in class. If a
student must miss class due to a prolonged illness or unexpected circumstance,
the student should notify the instructor as soon as possible to make
arrangements.
Grading:
TO BE DETERMINED
Grades may be
tentatively assigned as follows:
4.0 = 95% + 3.4 = 89% 2.8
= 79% 2.2 = 70% 1.6 = 61% 1.0 = 52%
3.9 = 94% 3.3
= 88% 2.7 = 78% 2.1 = 69% 1.5 = 60% 0.9 = 50%
3.8 = 93% 3.2
= 85% 2.6 = 76% 2.0 = 68% 1.4 = 59% 0.8 = 48%
3.7 = 92% 3.1
= 83% 2.5 = 74% 1.9 = 66% 1.3 = 58% 0.7 = 46%
3.6 = 91% 3.0
= 81% 2.4 = 73% 1.8 = 64% 1.2 = 56% 0.6 = 44%
3.5 = 90% 2.9
= 80% 2.3 = 71% 1.7 = 62% 1.1 = 54% 0.5 = 42% etc.
Special Assistance:
Please let the coordinator know if there are any areas that you will
need assistance. This includes physical
access to the classroom or laboratory or ASL interpreters. If you are physically or learning challenged,
please let the coordinator know so that steps can be taken to make the learning
environment as comfortable and successful as possible. If you need special arrangements in case the
building must be evacuated, please make an appointment with the coordinator as
soon as possible. Counselors are
available to assist you: Steven Simeona,
Science and Math Counselor, ROOM:
SAM117, EMAIL: SSimeona@sccd.ctc.edu, PHONE:
206.587.4077. Al Souma is the counselor
for Differently Abled Students. Counselors
may be contacted through the Science and Math Division Office, Room 110.
Any Questions.
If you have any questions throughout the quarter, please call, email, arrange an appointment, or ask a question in class. This is YOUR learning experience!