For MCB students in the entering class of 2009/2010:  Take a look at the schedule and make sure that I have you down for one group every week of the faculty-led sessions, and once for leading a discussion for the student-led sessions.  Let me know if there is a mistake.

Michael

The purpose of lit review is to provide a venue for the first year MCB class to come together once a week to focus on a problem from the primary literature.

The class will collaborate on the discussion and analysis of scientific questions in molecular and cellular biology and learn how to evaluate a range of topics that span the interests of the group.

There is no common theme to these papers, they are all chosen by the presenters based on their own interests but will hopefully challenge your understanding of a variety of areas in Molecular and Cellular Biology.

The additional purpose of the second half of Lit Review is to give you practice leading a discussion section.

Ground Rules

1. The papers will be made available for download from this website. Only one paper per session to analyze and discuss, but an additional 'Perspective' may be provided for background.

2. The presenters of each lit review assignment will come up with one or more question(s) to guide you in your reading. The question(s) for each session will be posted along with the paper on the website. You should write up a response to these questions (about 1/2 to 1 typed page). Your answers are turned in at the end of the class to the faculty-presentor or to Michael,  who will read them over.

3. Prepare some questions about the paper and/or comments you'd like specifically discussed.  If a specific term or concept is unclear, ask about it.   If the rationale or set-up of an experiment is unclear, say so.  However, the major emphasis here is on the ideas in the papers, so don't get too hung up on the techniques or the figure layouts.

4. You should plan on reading the paper very thoroughly. Come ready to discuss the paper and be prepared to be asked about it.

---Skipping literature review will not be taken kindly.---

Michael's Literature Review Orientation is found here.

Michael's tips for leading a Discussion Section are found here.

Michael's example questions for leading a Lit Review session are found here. (this is from my Virology class, but you get the idea of what I am aiming for)