Purpose:

This course is intended to help students develop expertise in the preparation and presentation of scientific talks. The course uses practice sessions as the basis upon which to gain experience and benefit from constructive criticism.

Format:

Each student will deliver two talks on the same subject. After the first presentation, instructors and students will make suggestions on how the organization, visual aids, and presentation can be improved. Class participation is critical, because you learn by teaching, and a key element of developing a talk is knowing how and where to solicit constructive criticism.

The talks will simulate submitted papers (10 min) at scientific meetings. You may either present some of your own research, or present an oral version of a published article as if it were your own.

It is the responsibility of the student presenters to make sure all of the equipment is connected, loaded, and powered prior to the beginning of class. The first speaker will be introduced and the 10 minute time will start promptly at the beginning of each class. It is the responsibility of the student presenters to return this equipment.

Deadlines:

*** Email to K. Raffa, no later than January 26, your first and second choices for Round 1 dates (during the period Feb 27 – March 10) on which you would like to give your first talk. These will be assigned on a first-come first-served basis.

*** At least 1 day before your presentation, email an outline of your talk to both of us. This should include your name, date, title, and a general outline. The file name should include your name. Do this before both talks. If you will be presenting work from a published article, leave a copy in each of our mailboxes at least 1 day before your presentation.

Contacting us:

You are welcome to visit with us for help in preparing your talks. Schedule appointments by email.

Grading:

Final grades will be determined based on performance in the following areas:

Talk #1 -30%; Talk #2 – 55%; Participation – 15%

Syllabus: