CHEM 491 – 494:  Departmental Seminar

(Section 001, 0 Credit Hrs)

Spring, 2011

 

Meeting Time:  Thursday 11:00 noon – 12:15 pm

Meeting Room:  Sims 105

 

 

Professor:  Dr. Jay Hanna

Office:  Sims 301B

Email: hannaj@winthrop.edu

Office Phone:  323-4933

Course Website:  chem.winthrop.edu

Office Hours:  TW 10:00 – 11:00 am

To contact me outside of these hours, please feel free to e-mail or call to make an appointment.  I check my email and phone messages periodically throughout the day.

 

Overview:  Each semester, the Department of Chemistry, Physics, and Geology hosts several seminars given by notable speakers from academia, industry, and government on a topic relevant to science and technology.  In addition, speakers on various career-relevant topics (interview techniques, resume writing, opportunities for science majors, etc.), as well as the practical use of scientific tools (e. g. SciFinder) will occasionally be invited.

 

The speakers are experts in their field, and these seminars are a valuable opportunity for any science major to 1) learn about current areas of research around the country and the world, 2) be exposed to the myriad of opportunities available for science majors, and 3) learn practical techniques to improve a) his/her chances of getting into post-graduate school (e. g. medical school, graduate school, pharmacy school), or b) moving directly into the work force.

 

Course Goals and Learning Objectives:  The goal of this course aligns with Chemistry Program Goal #1.  The learning objective is to prepare students for careers in chemistry and biochemistry by presenting recent advances in the field and providing information on professional development opportunities.

 

Course Schedule:  The current seminar schedule is posted on the course website, available from chem.winthrop.edu.  The course will meet only when a seminar is scheduled (except for the initial meeting, held during the 1st week of the semester).  However, the schedule is not frozen at the beginning of the semester, and seminars can be added or cancelled at any time.  The student will be notified by e-mail of any changes to the seminar schedule during the semester.  However, the student should also check the schedule from time to time, and take note of the announcement board in the Sims lobby.  Since the schedule is continually evolving, please do not schedule other activities during the time allotted for this course.

 

Course Requirements:  The student is required to attend all scheduled seminars.

 

The student is also required to submit a one paragraph summary of each seminar that he/she attends.  An attendance sheet will be circulated at each seminar, and it is the student’s responsibility to make sure he/she signs the attendance roster.  The summary must be submitted with a completed summary cover sheet attached.  The summary cover sheet is available from the course website at chem.winthrop.edu.  Usually, time will be set aside for students to meet with the seminar speaker and ask questions (most of the time this opportunity will directly follow the seminar).  These speakers are often internationally known in their respective fields, and it is to your advantage to make contact with them to ask questions and hear what they have to say.  This time is also an opportunity for you expand your professional network.  Therefore, please make every effort to meet with the speaker after each seminar. 

 

NOTE:  To receive credit for attending a seminar, the one-paragraph summary must be submitted to the instructor prior to the close of the next business day (that is usually 5:00 pm on the Friday after the seminar).

 

Course Grading:  The course is graded S/U.  Completion of the requirements listed above is necessary for satisfactory completion of the course.

 

Class Attendance and Conduct:  It is to your benefit to attend all class meetings for the full scheduled time without any disruptions.  Therefore, cell phones, computers, cameras, and other devices not required for the class discussion cannot be used during class time.  Food and drink are not allowed in the classroom.  Students are expected to adhere to the Winthrop Student Conduct

Code as outlined in the Student Handbook: (http://www2.winthrop.edu/studentaffairs/handbook/StudentHandbook.pdf)

 

Students with Disabilities: Winthrop University is dedicated to providing access to education.  If you have a disability and require specific accommodations to complete this course, contact Services for Students with Disabilities, at 323-3290.  Once you have your official notice of accommodations from Services for Students with Disabilities, please inform me as early as possible in the semester.

 

Changes to Syllabus:  Any changes to the syllabus or course schedule will be announced in class or communicated to the student by e-mail.