Chemistry - Valparaiso

Geared towards first semester undergraduates enrolled in general biology courses focusing on cell biology. The first module, students learn to use Microsoft Excel to prepare and present data in graphical format, and how to calculate their data into meaningful numbers that can be compared across experiments. The second module requires that the students employ UV mutagenesis to generate hyper-pigmented mutants of S. marcescens for further characterization. Students use experimental data and protocols learned in the first module to help them develop their own hypotheses, experimental protocols, and to analyze their own data.

This work is based on extensive scientific research and management experiences and is designed to provide an introduction to planning and managing scientific research for the beginning researcher.

1. Obtaining Scientific Information. 2. Elements of Scientific Data and Tests of Questions. 3. Statistical Analyses. 4. Principles of Research Design. 5. Communication of Scientific Information: Writing. 6. The Scientific Paper. 7. Other Means of Scientific Communication. 8. Presenting Data in Tables. 9. Presenting Data in Figures. 10. Case Studies of Graphical Data Presentation. 11. Perceptions and Criticisms of Science. Index