BIOL 489 Special Topics
College: Arts and Sciences
Department: Biology
Type: W
Status: Approved
REPORT ON CERTIFICATION OF W COURSE: BIOL 489
CERTIFICATION PERIOD: 1/1/23 to 1/1/27
We recommend that BIOL 489 Special Topics 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) 85% of the final grade is based on writing quality; (2) the total number of words is 3000; (3) the instructor to student ratio is 1:25; and (4) the assigned writing is appropriate to the major.
BIOL 489 is a 2-credit, variable topics course. While the topics will change, the writing components will remain consistent. Students analyze and summarize a scientific article, prepare a feature article on a science topic for a lay audience, and write a literature review for a professional audience. For each of these students receive formative feedback from peers and from the instructor. Instruction includes models from class readings, group discussions, low-states reflections on writing, and, as needed, conferences with the instructor.
CERTIFICATION PERIOD: 1/1/23 to 1/1/27
We recommend that BIOL 489 Special Topics 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) 85% of the final grade is based on writing quality; (2) the total number of words is 3000; (3) the instructor to student ratio is 1:25; and (4) the assigned writing is appropriate to the major.
BIOL 489 is a 2-credit, variable topics course. While the topics will change, the writing components will remain consistent. Students analyze and summarize a scientific article, prepare a feature article on a science topic for a lay audience, and write a literature review for a professional audience. For each of these students receive formative feedback from peers and from the instructor. Instruction includes models from class readings, group discussions, low-states reflections on writing, and, as needed, conferences with the instructor.