General

This course serves several purposes. An important one is your phys420 research proposal (or some of you will do a 499 proposal). Other things to do include developing a sense of professional identity, scientific and professional ethics, learning about grant funding, and the peer review process for grants and publications, gaining information about job hunting and graduate school application, resume preparation, and research seminar attendance. You are expected to diligently apply yourself, since it is your future you are working for.

We will frequently work on individual products, such as resumes and proposals. As part of this there will usually be some peer editing and evaluation.

If you have a question, please ask it. If you have a comment, please make it. Even an anonymous note under my door or in my mailbox is fine. Communication is the essence of the classroom experience. I am pleased to see you any time you can find me. I encourage you to email me. I usually read my email at home and at the office.

Ethics Resources

Assumed Knowledge

This course is for students who are very well along the road to finishing their degree. You are expected to be professional in both actions and knowledge.

Attendance & Timeliness

Attendance, timeliness and participation are important factors for this class. They are part of your grade. Regardless of the reason for being late or tardy you are responsible for material covered that day. Contact one of your classmates for the notes. Failure to attend class on the day an assignment is assigned or due does not mean that you may turn in a late assignment without penalty. There are certain aspects of the course for which the information can be obtained only in class.

To document an absence for any class

• Come to 67 George Street (white house next to Stern Center)
• Call 953-3390 and ask for Constance Nelson if you have questions.
• Fill out forms available online or you can fill them out in the office on George Street.
• You will need documentation for health or emergency situations.

Due Dates

Assignments are due at the beginning of class on the assigned day. Late assignments may be accepted, at my whim, but will ordinarily be penalized. Two important due dates are for a draft and the final version of your 420 proposal.

1. Thorough draft due Wednesday, 26 March
2. Final version, approved by your advisor, due Wednesday, 9 April

Grades

Your grade will be based on attandance in class, attendance in department seminars, and required projects (faculty research interviews, resumes, ethics exercises, 420 drafts and final version...), and any other assignments.