Instructor: Teng Zhang
Office Location: Link Hall 214
Email: tzhang48@syr.edu
Class Location and Time: TBD
Office Hours: TBD and by-appointment
Credits: 3
This graduate-level course is designed to train students from diverse academic backgrounds in interdisciplinary research, with examples from biological and bioinspired systems. The course emphasizes teamwork, scientific communication, and ethical research practices, preparing students to excel in collaborative, cutting-edge research environments. Through a combination of team-based learning (TBL), flipped classroom techniques, and hands-on activities, students will engage with current literature, participate in the full research workflow, and explore the ethical dimensions of scientific inquiry.
The course is structured into four modules, each focusing on a critical aspect of research training. Students will learn to conduct literature reviews, write and review scientific manuscripts, prepare grant proposals, and address ethical challenges in research. Using the CATME platform, students will work in diverse teams to solve problems, present findings, and develop skills in peer evaluation and collaboration. By the end of the course, students will be equipped with the tools and knowledge to contribute effectively to interdisciplinary research, with a strong foundation in communication, teamwork, and ethics exemplified through biological and bioinspired systems. Prof. Sarah Reckess, JD, from Upstate Medical University will be guest lecturer in the Ethics module.
Successful course completion should result in the following student outcomes:
Communication: Communicate effectively across disciplines by preparing and delivering oral presentations, writing in scientific modalities (e.g., grant proposals, referee reports), and engaging with non-scientific audiences (e.g., industry, public).
Teamwork: Work effectively in diverse teams, leveraging interdisciplinary perspectives to solve complex problems, and utilize tools like CATME for team-building and peer evaluation.
Research Workflow: Participate in the full research workflow, from literature review to proposal preparation and scientific presentation, with examples from biological and bioinspired systems.
Ethics: Apply ethical principles to scientific research, including peer review, dual-use research, research misconduct, and the use of biomatter, and develop moral reasoning skills to address ethical dilemmas.
To access course materials and submit assignments on Blackboard:
Step 1
Download and install an authenticator app (Microsoft Authenticator, Google Authenticator, or Authy) on your phone.
Step 2
Open the authenticator app and scan the image below using your phone’s camera or copy the key.
Focus: Team-building, literature review, and scientific communication
Focus: Understanding and practicing the peer review process
Focus: Grant proposal preparation and oral presentations
Focus: Scientific ethics, regulatory frameworks, and case-based problem-solving
The grading is based on a combination of individual and group assessments, designed to evaluate students’ communication, teamwork, and ethical reasoning skills.
| Component | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Group Discussion Participation | 20% |
| Project Reports | 30% |
| Project Presentations | 20% |
| Peer Review Exercises | 10% |
| Ethics Case Study Analysis | 20% |
| Letter Grade | Percentage Range |
|---|---|
| A | 90-100 |
| B | 80-89 |
| C | 70-79 |
| D | 60-69 |
| F | Below 60 |