Senior Thesis Seminar (398-0-20)
Instructors
Valerie Kilman
847/491-3086
Hogan 2-160
Meeting Info
TBA: TBA
Overview of class
NEUROSCI 398-0 is required for all Neuroscience Majors who are interested in graduating with departmental honors. Students will learn how to write an honors thesis that discusses their undergraduate research including a detailed discussion of previously published literature that is related to the students research project, methods, results, and conclusions. Students will learn through lecture, discussion, in-class presentations, instructor and peer feedback on thesis drafts, and continued independent research. Open only to seniors pursuing departmental honors; requires consent of the Office of the Neuroscience Major.
Registration Requirements
A permission number may be requested by emailing your intent to apply for honors to neuroscience@u.northwestern.edu.
Learning Objectives
1) Improve scientific writing skills
2) Develop the ability to clearly describe your research to diverse audiences including both experts in your field and non-experts
3) Learn to produce figures that clearly communicate your research findings
4) Learn to appropriately cite previous literature
Teaching Method
The primary method of instruction will be group meetings. Class will meet for 1.5 hours per week and the meeting time will be arranged after students have registered. Meetings will include lecture, discussion, student presentations, and peer-review. Students will regularly discuss their research with the class and provide peer feedback to each other. In addition, students will meet individually with the instructor to review thesis drafts. Students will also work with their research laboratory to plan and edit the thesis.
Evaluation Method
The final grade will be determined by agreement between your faculty research adviser and the instructor. The final grade will be based on the thesis drafts and on in-class participation including presentations and peer review. Students are not required to finish the thesis during Winter quarter but will be graded on the submission and improvement of drafts. Students will be tasked with obtaining additional feedback from their home laboratory supervisor.
Class Materials (Required)
Prior to class, students should read background literature that is related to their research project and throughout the quarter students will read additional literature related to their individual research project. In addition, students will read previously approved honors theses.
Class Materials (Suggested)
None.