701-1460-00L Ecology and Evolution: Term Paper
| Semester | Autumn Semester 2018 |
| Lecturers | T. Städler, S. Bonhoeffer, A. Hall, J. Jokela, J. Levine, G. Velicer, A. Widmer |
| Periodicity | yearly recurring course |
| Language of instruction | English |
| Abstract | Individual writing of an essay-type review paper about a specialized topic in the field of ecology and evolution, based on substantial reading of original literature and discussions with a senior scientist. |
| Objective | - Students acquire a thorough knowledge on a topic in which they are particularly interested - They learn to assess the relevance of original literature and synthesize information - They make the experience of becoming "experts" on a topic and develop their own perspective - They practise academic writing according to professional standards in English |
| Content | Topics for the essays are proposed by the professors and lecturers of the major in Ecology and Evolution at a joint meeting at the beginning of the semester (the date will be communicated by e-mail to registered students). Students will: - choose a topic - search and read appropriate literature - develop a personal view on the topic and structure their arguments - prepare figures and tables to represent ideas or illustrate them with examples - write a clear, logical and well-structured text - refine the text and present the paper according to professional standards In all steps, they will benefit from the advice and detailed feedback given by a senior scientist acting as personal tutor of the student. |
| Lecture notes | Reading of articles in scientific journals |