The ability to present research results effectively is one of the hallmarks of a successful scientist.  The journal club is one means by which Biochemistry Division graduate students learn these skills.  Students qualifying in the Biochemistry Division must sign up for the weekly journal club in at least two semesters of their first two years of student (CHM 6934 - Advanced Biochemical Topics, 1 credit).  The club runs in the Fall and Spring semesters and provides opportunities for students to examine recent papers from the research literature in a critical manner.  Principles underlying experimental design are an important component of this educational requirement.

All Biochemistry Division faculty members participate in the journal club along with guests from other departments.  Papers (chosen by the journal club coordinator) are assigned to two students.  The topic of the paper is normally outside the research area of the two students, providing an opportunity to learn new techniques and approaches.  During the first week, one student presents the background on the paper, with particular emphasis on the experimental techniques utilized and their limitations.  The results of the paper are then presented by the second student at the next meeting.  All attendees are expected to participate fully in the critical examination of the research results.

Dr. Nigel Richards is coordinating the journal club in Fall 1999 and organizational details for the Fall 1999 semester will be posted here as soon as they become available.
 

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