CHEM 499, 2001-2002
Chemistry Seminar Syllabus
Instructor:
Dean Waldow
E-mail: waldowda@plu.edu
Homepage: http://www.chem.plu.edu/waldow/
Phone: (535) 7533
Office: Rieke 245
Office hours: see schedule or by appt.
Class Information:
Required Materials:
Introduction:
This course is the chemistry department's senior capstone and provides an opportunity for senior chemistry majors to bring together their chemical education in a seminar presentation of library or research project. Additionally, effective communication of well done lab and literature research is very important to your success in future career plans."How well can this person communicate?" This is a question often addressed by faculty and mentors providing references for students who are applying to graduate school or professional schools (medical, etc.) as well as by interviewers who are searching for the successful employee.
Description:
The fall semester focuses on the tools one needs for successful presentations and builds experience through attending professional seminars. The activities include student presentations from our textbook, learning software tools, seminar attendance, and practice presentations. Additionally, you will get practice in evaluating the seminars you attend, both professional and peer seminars. This course culminates in the spring with a scientific presentation using knowledge gained by library or laboratory research. Each student will work with a Capstone Mentor on either their research or library work. The Capstone Mentor interaction is described below.
This seminar course meets the "Senior Seminar/Project" portion of the "Specific Core Requirements" for all baccalaureate degrees. Students normally enroll in the class during their last year in the major. The seminar course occurs during the entire year while credit is awarded in the spring semester. All seminars are open to the public, and all students interested in chemistry are encouraged to attend the seminars whether given by PLU speakers or outside speakers.
The course requirements include the following:
Capstone Mentors:
Every student needs a faculty member to act as their Capstone Mentor. The course instructor will work with a student in finding a Capstone Mentor if needed. It is the students responsibility to schedule meetings with their Capstone Mentor, meet deadlines, and present a professional quality seminar. The Capstone Mentor’s primary role will be include the following:
This faculty member will be the student’s research mentor for those students doing research (most BS students) in conjunction with Chemistry 410, Introduction to Research. For those students doing a library project (most BA students) for your presentation, you will also need to ask a faculty member to act as your Capstone Mentor.
Typical Student - Mentor Activities
Fall Activities:
The The process of learning to give effective seminars is gained through a number of venues. The fall semester is directed at a number of skills which will enhance your ability to deliver an effective scientific oral presentation. This activities will include the following:
Field Trip:
We will be going on a field trip to hear chemical seminars presented at the Pauling Symposium. Winners of the Pauling Awards has often gone on to win a Nobel prize. Needless to say, these are among the best scientists in the world. This year the Pauling Symposium will be held at Reed College in Portland on November 3rd. This year's awardee is Dr. Tobin Marks from Northwestern University for his work in Bioinorganic Chemistry. The talks start at 1pm and end about 5pm. We would likely have lunch on the way up and supper on the way back. The chemistry department will provide a van and the evening meal. We should return by about 9 to 10pm.
Capstone Paper:
Your research or literature project also needs to be documented with a paper. You will work with your Capstone Mentor to decide on a structure and format. Traditionally this paper follows a structure of a chemical research publication though may be different depending on your particular circumstances. The paper will be evaluated by your capstone mentor, the chemistry 410 instructor, and the chemistry 499 instructor. This paper is due at the beginning of the second semester. If there are extenuating circumstances (decided by both the chemistry 499 instructor and capstone mentor), the deadline will be no later than two weeks before your scheduled seminar date. The capstone paper must be submitted in order to give your seminar.
Oral Presentation:
Your presentation is the culmination of the activities of this class and in many ways the culmination of your chemistry major other in the presentation of your research or literature project. The oral presentation has a number of requirements to potentially receive an excellent grade. The oral presentation practice talk much be completed AT LEAST ONE WEEK BEFORE your actual seminar. The presentation will be an oral seminar of at least 40 minutes with additional time allowed for questions. The structure of the seminar is that of a traditional chemistry talk and will be studied during the fall semester. All seminars are open to the public, and all students interested in chemistry are encouraged to attend the seminars whether given by PLU speakers or outside speakers.
Evaluation Guideline:
| Participation and Attendance | 10% | 50 pts |
| First Semester Activities | 20% | 100 pts |
| Research Report | 15% | 75 pts |
| Practice Seminar Presentation | 5% | 25 pts |
| Student Seminar Presentation | 50% | 250 pts |
| Total | 100% | 500 pts |
Email List for Chemistry Seminar: chem_seminar@rainier.chem.plu.edu
This course uses a email list for facilitating class conversation and communication. The chem_seminar Email List is an electronic mail discussion group where you can send Email to the list and the server will forward your message to all members of the list. Only members of this class and chemistry faculty will be allowed on the list. You will need an email address to participate in this email list. If you don't have an email address, you will need to obtain one from CATS. I will go over sending Email to the list in class.
Computer Software In Chemistry Resource Room:
Special Consideration:
|
Wanda Wentworth at x8786 or Alene Klein at x7602 |