Instructor(s)

Carlyle Brewster
Associate Professor, Entomology
Phone: (540) 231-6826
E-mail: carlyleb@vt.edu

Donald Mullins
Professor, Entomology
Phone: (540) 231-5978
E-mail: mullinsd@vt.edu

Margaret Merrill
College Librarian, Agriculture
Phone: (540) 231-9670
E-mail: mmerrill@vt.edu

Description

Research techniques and processes used in the life science professions. History of applied life sciences, structure of the scientific enterprise, the scientific method and quality assurances, researching the literature and critically evaluating information, scientific writing and communication of research results, professionalism, and ethics.

Prerequisites and Co-requisites

Students in this course will undoubtedly have some background in the agricultural and life sciences. A familiarity with basic sciences can likely be assumed, but no specific science prerequisite will be listed.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:

1. Discuss the history and development of agricultural (applied) biology and its current structure.
2. Discuss the basis of the scientific method.
3. Describe the requirements and procedures for the collection of research data.
4. Explain options for conducting, facilitating, and fulfilling research objectives.
5. Find, critically evaluate, and appropriately use information on a scientific topic.
6. Demonstrate skills for communicating scientific information and for electronic submission.
7. Explain the responsibilities of professionals in research and communication.