CLASS OBJECTIVES:
To provide the student with the opportunity to learn how to give a scientific talk by observing and critically evaluating a variety of talks by scientific researchers.
To learn about recent developments in a wide range of research areas in the biological sciences.

GRADING: The course is graded on a S-N basis.
To pass you must satisfactorily complete the following:
1. You must attend seven of the Biology seminars and completely & legibly fill out an evaluation sheet for each of the seminars. Only those seminars count, which are listed in the current Biology Seminar schedule, at http://www.d.umn.edu/biology/SeminarSchedule.htm. Seminar evaluation sheets must be turned into to the seminar chair within 15 minutes after the seminar. Failure to turn in at least 7 acceptable written evaluations will result in a non-satisfactory grade for the course. You are encouraged to attend more than the minimum number of seminars, and to continue attending seminars in future semesters.
2. You must observe proper seminar etiquette:
• Arrive on time and be seated before the seminar starts.
• Be attentive during the seminar. Seminars usually involve invited speakers who may be from an outside department or from a different university and should be treated with the utmost respect. There should not be any talking or disturbance of any kind during the presentation.
• Do not leave before the seminar is finished. The class is scheduled to last until 4:30 and all seminars will be finished by that time. Evaluation sheets that are turned in before the seminar is finished will not be accepted.

SCHEDULE:
Seminars are scheduled for 3 pm on Fridays in Life Science 185. For the current schedule go to http://www.d.umn.edu/biology/SeminarSchedule.htm

UNIVERSITY POLICIES:
Individuals who have a disability, either permanent or temporary, that might affect their performance in this class are encouraged to inform the instructor at the start of the semester. Adaptation of methods, materials, or testing may be made as required to provide equitable participation. The University of Minnesota is committed to the policy that all of its students shall have equal educational opportunities. The University expressly forbids discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, disability, veteran's status, ethnicity, religion, creed, national origin, or marital status. If you believe that your Biology instructor has not followed this policy, you are invited to bring this to the attention of the Biology Department Head (211 Life Science, 736-7263) or the Associate Dean of the College of Science and Engineering (140 Engineering, 726-7585). Your initial conference will be kept confidential.