Introduction to Research (ALWAYS UNDER CONSTRUCTION)
BIOL 2900R-201 Fall 2025
Syllabus
Course description: This course serves as an introduction to undergraduate research. The bulk of the course consists of laboratory rotations through several potential mentors. We will meet to discuss progress and other topics of concern for students just getting involved with research. The weekly topics are outlined below. By the end of the course, you should have selected a research mentor and developed a first project that you will work on together. The course final will be a poster presentation outlining your proposed research project, methods, and hypotheses.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Be able to discuss the benefits of engaging in undergraduate research 2. Be aware of strategies for STEM career planning 3. Be preparing a project with a biology research mentor 4. Understand the basics of research funding applications 5. Understand the basics of what a graduate degree program entails 6. Have an understanding of how to prepare scientific manuscripts and presentations 7. Be able to identify their learning strategies and goals
Schedule (Subject to Change)
| Week | Dates | Topic | Readings | Due |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aug. 20Aug. 22 | Introduction, syllabus, and other businessGoing over research mentors | - | - |
| 2 | Aug. 25Aug. 27Aug. 29 | Discussion on PaperWhat makes a good mentorWhat makes a good mentor | Yu and Kuo 2017 | Rank your top research mentorsPaper Discussion Points |
| 3 | Sep. 1Sep. 3Sep. 5 | NO CLASS--LABOR DAYEffective time managementLunch | - | Make a time Budget" |
| 4 | Sep. 8Sep. 10Sep. 12 | Issues facing scholarsCampus Resources availableLunch | - | Reflection writing on these issues |
| 5 | Sep. 15Sep. 17Sep. 19 | Applying for fundingWorking on BudgetsLunch | - | Identify a funding source you'd like to apply for and make a timeline |
| 6 | Sep. 22Sep. 24Sep. 26 | How to Read scientific papersHow to read scientific papersLunch | - | Summarize a Research Paper |
| 7 | Sep. 29Oct. 1Oct. 3 | Finding Scientific paperMaking BibliographiesLunch | - | Download ZoteroMaking a Bibliography |
| 8 | Oct. 6Oct. 8Oct. 10 | Experimental DesignExperimental DesignLunch | - | - |
| 9 | Oct. 13Oct. 15Oct. 17 | Experimental DesignExperimental DesignFALL BREAK--NO CLASS | - | Present on your experimental design |
| 10 | Oct. 20Oct. 22Oct. 24 | Realities of ResearchRealities of ResearchLunch | - | - |
| 11 | Oct. 27Oct. 29Oct. 31 | The publication processThe publication processLunch | - | Identify differences in journal processes |
| 12 | Nov. 3Nov. 5Nov. 7 | Giving effective presentationsGiving effective presentationsLunch | - | - |
| 13 | Nov. 10Nov. 12Nov. 14 | Getting the most out of a conferenceGetting the most out of a conferenceLunch | Identify a conference and timelinesSigned Mentor Contract Due | |
| 14 | Nov. 17Nov. 19Nov. 21 | Building and preparing an effective CVCVLunch | - | Find CV's of other scientistsWork on CV's together |
| - | Nov. 24Nov. 26Nov. 30 | THANKSGIVING BREAK--NO CLASS | ||
| 15 | Dec. 1Dec. 3Dec. 5 | Presentations of Proposed ResearchPresentations of Proposed ResearchLunch and Next Steps | - | Presentation of Research Proposal> |