Research skills: Upon completion of the independent project students should be able to:
- Develop a testable biological research question
- Propose reasonable approaches to address or explore a biological question
- Find, analyze, interpret, and evaluate (a) key information and data from primary literature and (b) novel research data, if applicable
- Use logic and scientific evidence to support an argument, draw conclusions and/or construct and update a biological model
- When research evidence is inconclusive or limited, propose reasons and suggest future research to resolve the issue and/or extend the research
- Draw connections to societal issues and propose practical applications for knowledge gained through biological research
Written and Oral Communication skills: Upon completion of your independent project students should be able to:
- Use the appropriate format and style for scientific writing in primary literature
- Devise and confidently deliver clear written and oral proposals and reports
- Target and engage an audience or reader through:
- relevance, tone and appropriate language choices
- a concise and logical organization of information and ideas for greatest impact
- Diagram information by selecting or constructing figures and images
- Evaluate peers’ written and oral communication