 |
|
Neuroscience 291 Independent Reading Guidelines
|
|
The purpose of the Independent Reading Course is to provide the student with an opportunity to do in-depth reading of the literature on a specific topic in Neuroscience with the guidance of an expert in the area. The student works with a member of the Neuroscience faculty at Vanderbilt and, through reading and discussion with the faculty sponsor, will gain knowledge and understanding of the research that has been published on a particular area or problem in Neuroscience. This is an ideal and recommended course as preparation for, or taken in conjunction with, NSC 292 Undergraduate Research to provide the student with the necessary background in the research area. The course may be repeated once for a total of 2h credit toward the Neuroscience major.
The general procedures for registering for the course and the expectations of the student are outlined below.
|
|
|
|
The course is intended for Juniors and Seniors. In order to register for NSC 291 a student must obtain an appropriate faculty sponsor and under his/her guidance develop a plan of study for the semester. The plan need not be exceptionally detailed, but should identify the primary goals that the sponsor and student hope to achieve during the semester. This plan is then submitted for approval via a written contract (291-292contract.pdf) to the Director of Honors and Independent Study (DHIS) for the Neuroscience program. A list of potential faculty sponsors along with brief descriptions of their research interests are available at
Faculty and Research
Students that are considering taking NSC 291 are urged to contact the Director of Honors and Independent Study early during the pre-registration period for the semester they plan to enroll to obtain the appropriate forms as well as guidance in selecting a faculty sponsor. Once final approval is obtained from the DHIS, the student may register for the NSC 291 through Carol Wiley, 527 Wilson Hall.
|
|
|
|
If a student would like to continue NSC 291 in the following semester with the same sponsor and project title, a new contract is not required. However, in order to be registered for the course again, the student MUST have his/her faculty sponsor send an email to Carol Wiley stating the student's name and their approval for continuation of NSC 291. Carol will then send an email to the student and faculty sponsor to confirm registration.
|
|
|
|
|
Once a student has been admitted to NSC 291, his or her primary interactions during the semester will be with the faculty sponsor. However, all students are required to write a term paper (8-page minimum, 15-page maximum) on the focal topic of the readings. The document should be double spaced with 1-inch margins, and 12 pt Times or equivalently clear font. This paper will be graded by the faculty sponsor. The graded term paper and a final course grade must be turned in to the DHIS on the last day of class in the semester in which the course is taken.
|
|
|
|
|
The final grade for the course will be assigned by the faculty sponsor.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For more information, please contact Carol Wiley.
Copyright 2003 Vanderbilt University
|
