BIOL 7501 - Topics in Systematics

Credit Hours: 1-3

Description Lecture, readings, discussion, and oral presentations on systematic biology. The course will consist of in-class discussions of recent journal articles. Each week a different student will present an article and lead the discussion. Students will first submit the article for instructor approval. Upon receiving approval, students will read the article thoroughly along with any necessary background material needed for understanding. They will then create and give a PowerPoint presentation (20-25 minutes + 5-10 minutes for questions/discussion) that provides background on the research area, clearly describes the biological data and analysis technique(s) used, and critically assesses the research methodology and conclusions drawn by the authors. May be repeated for a maximum of 9 credit hours for PhD students; 6 credit hours for MS students. PREREQUISITE(S): Permission of instructor

COREQUISITE(S): Elementary courses in organismal botany or zoology useful, but not required.