VMED 8550

VMED 8550
Seminar in Veterinary Medicine

Instructor information
Instructor's name: Mark Rutherford
Office location: 295 AS/VM
Office hours: arranged
Phone number(s): 612-625-4281
Fax number: 612-625-0204
Email address: ruthe003@umn.edu
Preferred method of contact (phone, email, fax, etc.): e-mail

Course Details
Number of credits: 1
Can course be repeated: Yes, once for up to 2 total credits
Enrollment cap: None.
Day(s) of week, time, room location of course: Tuesdays, 3:30 pm, 125 AS/VM
Description of class meetings that occur outside of above: none
Term(s) offered: Fall and Spring semesters
Course prerequisites: Enrollment in a graduate program

Brief description of the course
This is a seminar course in which students will be exposed to the research activities of VMED and CMB students and faculty. Students will prepare and present a 20 minute seminar on their original scientific research. This course is cross-listed with CMB8550.

Course goal(s)
It is expected to enhance the student’s public speaking skills and to provide experience in the preparation of visuals for scientific presentations. Critique of research objectives and approaches will be gained from audience questions and surveys. In addition, students may gain credit for attending and providing summative reviews of seminar speakers.

Objectives
The purpose of the seminar program is 1) to permit students to present research progress and plans; 2) to provide a public forum for dissemination of thesis proposals prior to oral examinations; 3) to provide a forum for faculty to present research prior to being granted graduate education responsibilities

Expectations
Students taking the course for credit are required to present one 20-25 min seminar. Students can accumulate up to 2 credits toward VMED degree requirements. The Course Coordinator will grant excuses for missed seminars.

SLO
Can identify, define, and solve problems as well as communicate effectively

Assignments or coursework related to the SLO: The assignments related to presenting a seminar will address how students identify and solve research problems specific to their area of investigation. In addition, students will learn to communicate original research effectively and have mastered a body of knowledge or mode of inquiry. Students who complete summative reviews of individual seminar speakers will learn to communicate effectively by observing speakers. Questions from students will assist in their ability to critically evaluate information.

How is the related coursework assessed: Students will be evaluated based on the effectiveness and efficiency by which they have presented their scientific concepts and data as well as their ability to answer questions pertaining to their work or the research area in general. Use of visual aids is evaluated, as is clarity and organization of the presentation. Reviews will be provided by 1) audience surveys, including all students enrolled for credit, and 2) more in depth summative comments provided by 3-4 students, the course coordinator, and 2-3 selected faculty members each week. Reviews will be provided to both the student and their major advisor.
Students who prepare summative reviews will learn to critically evaluate research data outside their immediate field. They will gain insight into effective use of visuals and benefit from becoming aware of effective speaking styles.

Additional Information
Required and recommended materials and the location of the materials: None required, but seminars will be recorded and stored on a Moodle site. Students registered for credit can review their presentations for self-critique.

Attendance requirements
Attendance of at least 80% of seminars or a 20 minute presentation of original research. Those registered for credit must sign in to be counted.

Assignments (include policy on late assignments)
Attendance, participation in question/discussion period expected, and preparation of 3-4 summative reviews required as assigned per semester.

Examinations (include statement on making up exams)
None.

Grading (include weight of assignments in grade)
S/N scale only based on completion of a seminar, submission of summative reviews as assigned, and attendance.