Biology 261: Entering Research II

This is a 2 semester seminar course for science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) students who are interested in doing independent research with a faculty member. Students taking the seminar should be registered for 1-3 research credits with their faculty mentor (in addition to the 1 credit for the seminar). Each section is small and led by a faculty/staff member.

The main goals of Entering Research Part 1 (fall semester) are to help students find a research mentor, write a research project proposal, and begin doing research. The main goals of Entering Research Part 2 (spring semester) are to help students make significant progress on their research projects and prepare a research poster or talk to present at the campus-wide Undergraduate Symposium. Topics covered in the seminar include:

• reading and understanding scientific literature
• designing testable research questions/hypotheses
• documenting research
• developing effective scientific communication skills
• research ethics
• peer review
• science and society

Questions? Contact the course director: Janet Branchaw (branchaw@wisc.edu)