Genetics Book Club

The "Secret of Life" learning community is a participant in the University Common Reading program.

Who? Genetics Students in the Secret of Life Learning Community

What? Give presentations on chapters from
Genome by Matt Ridley

When? Twice a month

Where? Genetics 110, Genetics Orientation
115 Science II, Fall semesters

When? 1:10 on Thursdays

Why?

Learning Outcomes (Why are we doing this?)

The genetics program wants to instill a sense of curiousity and adventure in our students. Students sometimes complained that in the first year of foundational coursework, they were not exposed to enough genetics. After applying for a grant from the Common Reading Program, the Book Club was born. Now it is an intergral part in the GEN 110 experience. Students will choose their own topics and present their chapters to the class in groups. Each group will answer questions and share the research that they did on the topic, using articles, short films, and other resources available to the students. Working with their peer mentors, students should be able to see what a vast and exciting world Genetics is, and that even they, freshmen in university, can explore and ask the big questions!

Giving presentations develops students group-work skills, and allows them a venue to explain or teach concepts that they are learning in Biology 211, like DNA replication. Presentations also give students the opportunity to develop and critique their own Power Point presentations. Because the presentations must be screened with the peer mentors, students develop a sense of their resources and meet excellent seniors in Genetics.

In 2008, the book club experience was opened to the Microbiology learning community, since many students interested in Genetics are also interested in microbiology, and vice versa. Microbiology is one of the top double majors for Genetics students.

Criteria for Book Club Presentations

Remember, Lunch is provided!

 

 

 

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