CHEM 491-494: Department Seminar 
Section 001, Course# 10151, 10152, 10153, 10154; 0.0 Credit Hr – Fall 2017

News & Updates:
*
Introductory meeting is scheduled for Thursday, August 24th, 11:00 a.m. in Sims 105.
*If you added the course late, you need to manually add yourself to the class email listserv to receive email updates.  See IT website, Student IT manual or ask me.

Time/Location: 11:00 - 12:00 R / Sims Science Building, Room 105
Professor: Dr. Cliff Calloway, callowayc@winthrop.edu
Office/Phone: 312-B Sims Science Building/323-4945
Office Hours: MTWF: 10:00-12:00
         {And other times by appointment…please don't hesitate to contact me.}   
Pre-requisites: Grade of C or better in Chem 301
Registration Calendar (important dates for registration, S/U, graduation, etc.)

Introduction:   
Seminars play a critical role in science, providing a venue for public dissemination of scientific methods, results and advances.  Seminars also provide "networking" opportunities through face-to-face contact.  A typical seminar usually involves an introduction of the speaker, a presentation by the speaker followed by a time for questions and discussion.  The department typically seeks speakers from other universities, industries and government agencies to provide students with a broad perspective of the chemistry enterprise.  You'll likely be attending scientific seminars throughout your career (and/or presenting your own), regardless of your chosen field.     

Course Goals:   
The goal of the seminar program is to give students opportunities to interact with scientists and researchers outside (sometimes within) the university.  In some respects, chemistry has a "culture" of its own.   Seminars often provide chemistry students a sense of this culture.  These interactions can lead students to consider careers not previously contemplated.  Sometimes, speakers set aside time after the seminar to meet with and talk to students in a smaller group or individual setting.  And sometimes, a student might learn about a summer or job opportunity...internship, fellowship, cooperative experience, post-graduate opportunity, etc.     

Winthrop University's faculty adopted a set of four University Level Competencies (ULCs) that describe the qualities our students develop during their Winthrop career.  It is easy to see that the seminar topics involve solving problems and developing written/oral communication skills.  However, you will also learn the responsibilities of chemists to the greater good of our planet and society, as well as the global nature of chemistry.  Within the discussions of the seminars, I think you will find this course fits well with all four competencies.      
Competency 1:Winthrop graduates think critically and solve problems. Winthrop University graduates reason logically, evaluate and use evidence, and solve problems. They seek out and assess relevant information from multiple viewpoints to form well-reasoned conclusions. Winthrop graduates consider the full context and consequences of their decisions and continually reexamine their own critical thinking process, including the strengths and weaknesses of their arguments.   
Competency 2:Winthrop graduates are personally and socially responsible. Winthrop University graduates value integrity, perceive moral dimensions, and achieve excellence. They take seriously the perspectives of others, practice ethical reasoning, and reflect on experiences. Winthrop graduates have a sense of responsibility to the broader community and contribute to the greater good. 
Competency 3:Winthrop graduates understand the interconnected nature of the world and the time in which they live. Winthrop University graduates comprehend the historical, social, and global contexts of their disciplines and their lives. They also recognize how their chosen area of study is inextricably linked to other fields. Winthrop graduates collaborate with members of diverse academic, professional, and cultural communities as informed and engaged citizens.   
Competency 4:Winthrop graduates communicate effectively. Winthrop University graduates communicate in a manner appropriate to the subject, occasion, and audience. They create texts - including but not limited to written, oral, and visual presentations - that convey content effectively. Mindful of their voice and the impact of their communication, Winthrop graduates successfully express and exchange ideas.      

Student Learning Outcomes:
By the end of the course, you will:

Course Requirements:   
Student Conduct Code: "Responsibility for good conduct rests with students as adult individuals." Refer to the "Academic Misconduct Policy" in the online Student Handbook: http://www.winthrop.edu/uploadedFiles/studentconduct/StudentHandbook.pdf

Grades:  
Seminar is required for all chemistry degree programs.  For satisfactory completion of the course, you MUST: 

Letter grades:  
The course is graded S/U.      

Attendance:   
You are expected to attend each class meeting for the full scheduled time. The seminar program is often key in improved future career opportunities.     

Accessibility:   
Winthrop University is committed to providing access to education.  If you have a condition which may adversely impact your ability to access academics and/or campus life, and you require specific accommodations to complete this course, contact the Office of Accessibility (OA) at 803-323-3290, or, accessibility@winthrop.edu. Please inform me as early as possible, once you have your official notice of accommodations from the Office of Accessibility.

Syllabus Changes: 
While unlikely, the Professor reserves the right to change the course syllabus if circumstances dictate. It's not unusual to have seminars added/rescheduled.  You will be notified of any change via class meeting time and/or email.

 

Seminar Calendar:

       
 

24-August 

Introduction

 

31-August    

 

 

7-September

 

 

14-September

 

 

21-September

 

 

28-September

Dr. Mythreye Karthikeyan, USC, "Supply and demand: the cell signaling view"

 

5-October

 

 

12-October

Dr. Christopher Bejger, UNCC, TBA

 

19-October

 

 

26-October

 

2-November

 

 

9-November

 

 

16-November

Ms. Katja Hall, Clemson (Winthrop chemistry alum), TBA

 

23-November

 

 

30-November

 

Tentative Schedule*: 
*Schedule is subject to change, if weather or events make it necessary.