Critical Thinking and Professional Development in Entomology

Catalog description

This is a required coruse for Entomology graduate students focusing on developing the professional skills needed for a successful career in basic or applied research. ENT 522 Critical Thinking and Professional Development in Entomology (6) This required course for Entomology graduate students focuses on developing the professional skills needed for a successful career in basic or applied research. Major topics addressed include (i) effective scientific communication, (ii) the mechanisms of research funding and peer review, (iii) critical evaluation of scientific evidence and arguments, (iv) basic principles of study design, and (v) research ethics and effective collaboration. Students engage in a variety of classroom activities - including lectures, discussions, and peer review of written assignments - and interact with instructors possessing expertise in each of the particular subject areas addressed, as well as with guest instructors working on cutting-edge topics in insect science and related fields. The course emphasizes practical application of the material presented to students' own research. Over the course of the semester, each student reviews relevant literature and develops and refines a research proposal based on their own scientific interests.