Projects

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Team Projects

The Project

The class will be divided into groups of 3-5 students (depending on class size) to work as a team on a project to investigate a drug. The investigation will center on concepts developed during the term, with emphasis on understanding drug mechanisms and the successful development of drugs.

The Topic

On Lec #5, we will divide the class into teams on the basis of academic background and experience. Each team should then decide on a topic for the project and submit the topic by email to both course instructors by Lec #11. We will provide you with topics from which to choose.

Project Updates

On Lec #15, your team must submit a one-page description of your project and definition of the roles played by each team member. This can be submitted by email to course instructor.

During the last half of the term, your team must schedule at least two meetings with the TA to discuss the progress made on your project. This meeting need not be lengthy. However, bring any material you have for the project and be prepared to discuss the issues with the TA. The TA will provide advice and guidance on difficult topics or problems you are having with the project.

The Paper

Each team will write a paper describing an in-depth analysis of their topic. This is not a book report or survey paper. We expect critical evaluation of the quality, credibility and substance of your readings and information sources.

The paper should be at least 20 double-spaced pages (no more than 25) inclusive of:

1. a cover page with title (that succinctly states the problem) and team members;
2. an abstract/summary page;
3. body (text and figures); and
4. references.

All team members will participate in writing the paper, with each team member writing a different section.

References should be cited in the text and organized in the reference section numerically in order of appearance. The format for the references should include: for journal articles - authors, article title, year, journal, volume, and pages; for books - same as journals with addition of book title, editor(s), edition, publisher, publication city; for Web sites - URL, organization posting the Web site, year produced, authors (if known).

The Final Presentation

Each team will make a 15-20 minute presentation of their paper on Lec #28, Lec #29 or Lec #31. The presentations must involve all team members.

Grading

Grading of the presentations and paper will consist of a group component for the overall quality as well as individual contributions by team members. Weighting of the grades is indicated on the grading policy statement.