Instructor
Harriett E. Smith-Somerville
Office: 319 Biology Building
Lab: 416 Biology Building
Telephone: 348-1830
e-mail: hsmithso@ua.edu
Prerequisite: Graduate standing or permission of instructor
Course Description
The course is a survey of design principles and production methods for illustrating biological data. We will discuss illustrations including examples from the literature and preferences in presentation of data in seminars and classes based on personal experience. Research data (personal or borrowed) will be used to become familiar with techniques for preparation of illustrations.
Course Objectives
To become familiar with ethical issues, principles and major programs with which to prepare figures for publication and illustrations for effective presentations at scientific meetings, in seminars and in the classroom
Student Learning Outcomes
At the end of the course students will be able to:
1. Understand the ethical issues surrounding production of scientific illustrations and figures.
2. Prepare high quality halftone figures and combine figures into plates.
3. Prepare effective tables and graphs for scientific presentation and publication.
4. Prepare effective slide presentations and posters.
5. Prepare web sites for transfer of scientific information.
Course Materials
There is no assigned textbook. A list of applicable web sites for information will be posted on eLearning and supplementary readings will be assigned.
eLearning
There is a course page for Data Presentation in eLearning. You may access eLearning through MyBama or http://elearning.ua.edu. Your user name and password for eLearning are those for your Bama account.
Attendance Policy
Attendance is mandatory. Your final grade will be lowered by one letter grade for more than two unexcused absences. Please notify me if you must miss class.
Grading
There are no exams in this course. The grade will be based on class attendance (1/3), completion and presentation of assignments (1/3), and participation in class discussions (1/3).
Disability
If you are registered with the Office of Disability Services, please make an appointment with me as soon as possible to discuss any course accommodations that may be necessary. If you have a disability but have not contacted the Office of Disability Services, please call 348-4285 or visit 133B Martha Parham East to register for services
Academic Misconduct
All acts of dishonesty in any work constitute academic misconduct. This includes, but is not limited to, cheating, plagiarism, fabrication of information, misrepresentations, and abetting of any of the above. The Academic Misconduct Disciplinary Policy will be followed in the event that academic misconduct occurs. Students should refer to the Student Affairs Handbook, which can be obtained in The Office of Student Life and Services in the Ferguson Center.