GPLS 737 PROSEMINAR IN EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN
This course is designed to promote strengths in critical thinking, experimental design and development of testable hypotheses. Skills in both written and oral scientific communication are emphasized. The course format consists of a series of two-hour sessions once per week. Each student does three presentations during the term: a critical analysis of a scientific paper, including identification of hypothesis, predictions, and alternative hypotheses; a proposal based on a previous research experience; and a research project based on a hypothetical data set. For the second and third presentations, students write proposals in the format of NIH predoctoral fellowship applications. Students revise their proposals after receiving oral and written critiques by faculty and students. This course is intended for neuroscience-oriented PhD students in various programs who are about to complete their course work.