Reader Project Courses for Fall 2013
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BIOLOGY 554: Genomic Perspectives on Human Evolution
Course Information
Instructor: Prof. Greg Wray
Human evolutionary history as studied from the perspective of the genome. Nature of contemporary genomic data and how they are interpreted in the context of the fossil record, comparative anatomy, psychology, and cultural studies. Examination of both the origin of modern humans as a distinct species and subsequent migration across the world. Emphasis on language, behavior, and disease susceptibility as traits of particular evolutionary interest.
Student Writing Assignment
What are students writing? Working document for grant proposal to fund original research.
For whom? Experts working in anthropology, medicine, public health, human genetics/genomics.
Where would such writing typically be found? Grant proposal for research project.
Why would someone usually read it? Readers of grant proposals help federal and private agencies evaluate the merit and feasibility of research projects being considered for funding. Readers are selected based on their knowledge of the field, technical expertise, and expertise in project management.
Reader requirements: background in genetics and molecular biology, preferably with knowledge of anthropology or medicine.
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BIOLOGY 362LS: Aquatic Field Ecology
Course Information
Instructor: Prof. Emily Bernhardt
Explore the stream, wetland and reservoir ecosystems of NC. Through hands on inquiry and field experimentation students will gain experience in formulating hypotheses, designing field observations and experiments, analyzing field data and interpreting field results. In addition to weekly field labs, the course will include two weekend field trips, one to the Duke Marine Lab and the second to the NC mountains.
Student Writing Assignment
What are students writing? Journal article.
For whom? Experts working in biology, ecology, or environmental science.
Where would such writing typically be found? A journal such as Ecology or BioScience.
Why would someone usually read it? To learn the best current answer to a scientific question that has been clearly stated, critically evaluated and thoughtfully discussed.
Reader requirements: professional experience in Biology, Ecology, or environmental science research.
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COMPSCI 290 : Mobile Apps: From Concept to Client
Course Information
Instructors: Prof. Richard Lucic and Prof. Ajay Patel
In this course, students will gain experience with the entire program development project cycle, from initial conception through user acceptance by developing an software for invested clients. Students will be exposed to a realistic model for the effective design, construction, and delivery of software programs. Course participants will be exposed to a broad perspective of issues related to the management of technology including feasibility assessment, project planning, project implementation, performance testing, documentation, marketing, and roll-out. This course will include many guest lectures from industry partners to provide students contact with people actually involved in delivering software.
Student Writing Assignment
What are students writing? Project plan, user testing documentation, user documentation.
For whom? Software project managers and IT administrators
Where would such writing typically be found? Working documents submitted to clients and to software project managers who might oversee the project, as well as IT administrators tasked with installing and maintaining the project.
Why would someone usually read it? Clients would read the executive summary to make sure the team correctly understood the objectives; a manager would use the project plan to understand the project’s scope, priorities, and plan to complete it. IT administrators would use technical documentation to know how to install, run, and maintain the app.
Reader requirements: computer science training with recent programming experience; and/or any professional IT experience.
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EGR 121L: Engineering Innovation
Course Information
Instructor: Prof. Rebecca Simmons
Introduces freshmen to the process of team-based creative conceptualization, visualization prototyping, and product realization. Students use computer-aided design tools to create custom circuit boards and computer numerically controlled (CNC) machined components to produce prototype systems. Design concepts are introduced and supported through hands-on assignments.
Student Writing Assignment
What are students writing? (1) Project Proposal and (2) Design Report.
For whom? Professionally invested non-expert(s) such as Managers (Decision Makers) and Engineers (T