BIOL 402 Communicating Biological Research to the Public
College: Arts and Sciences
Department: Biology
Type: W
Status: Approved
REPORT ON RECERTIFICATION OF W COURSE: BIOL 402
CERTIFICATION PERIOD: 9/1/24 to 9/1/28
We recommend that BIOL 402 Communicating Biological Research to the Public be certified as a writing (W) course. We have reviewed a representative syllabus and have determined that the course meets or exceeds the following criteria: (1) 83.33% of the final grade is based on writing quality; (2) the total number of words is 2,800; (3) the instructor to student ratio is 1:25; and (4) the assigned writing is appropriate to the major.
BIOL 402 is a variable topics course that is monitored by the Associate Head of Academic Affairs in the College of Arts and Sciences to ensure that faculty are aware of the requirements for W courses outlined in this proposal. The writing component consists of two papers that focus on communicating a disciplinary concept to distinct audiences (one to the professor, one to the lay public), and two peer-review writeups. Students receive formative feedback via peer review on both communication papers, and also have the chance to resubmit each paper for a new grade after the instructor provides feedback. Multiple classes are devoted to writing instruction and on specific components of the writing process, including organization and grammar.
CERTIFICATION PERIOD: 9/1/24 to 9/1/28
We recommend that BIOL 402 Communicating Biological Research to the Public be certified as a writing (W) course. We have reviewed a representative syllabus and have determined that the course meets or exceeds the following criteria: (1) 83.33% of the final grade is based on writing quality; (2) the total number of words is 2,800; (3) the instructor to student ratio is 1:25; and (4) the assigned writing is appropriate to the major.
BIOL 402 is a variable topics course that is monitored by the Associate Head of Academic Affairs in the College of Arts and Sciences to ensure that faculty are aware of the requirements for W courses outlined in this proposal. The writing component consists of two papers that focus on communicating a disciplinary concept to distinct audiences (one to the professor, one to the lay public), and two peer-review writeups. Students receive formative feedback via peer review on both communication papers, and also have the chance to resubmit each paper for a new grade after the instructor provides feedback. Multiple classes are devoted to writing instruction and on specific components of the writing process, including organization and grammar.