BIOL 6994 01: Research Methods for NonThesis

BIOL 6994 - Research Methods for Nonthesis

Fall 2026 Syllabus, Section 01, CRN 43329,

Credit hours: 2

Course Meeting Times

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Instructor

Michael Butcher

Email: mtbutcher@ysu.edu

Public Instructor Information

Instructor Title: Professor or Zoology
Instructor Professional Qualifications: Postdoctoral Fellow (Bone Biomechanics), Clemson University
Ph.D., Zoology (Muscle Biomechanics), University of Calgary/Florida State University
M.S., Biology (Functional Morphology), Wake Forest University 

Instructor Office Location: 4013 Ward Beecher Science Hall; Laboratory 4011 WBSH
Instructor Office Phone: x2195

Private Instructor Information

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Course Description

6994. Research Methods for Nonthesis. A course focused on reviewing current biological concepts as reported in the scientific literature. Not applicable for students enrolled in the thesis or biology education options. Prereq.: Permission of instructor. 2 s.h.

This is an independent study course that is only for Non-Thesis graduate students. The course is taken once for a total of 2 s.h. The course requires the writing of a substantial Research/Literature Review paper, approval of the final Review by the student’s primary Faculty Advisor, and an oral presentation of this paper to Division of Biological Sciences as a Seminar. 

Course Readings

Group Title Author ISBN
Optional

There is no textbook for this course.

Research Methods requires graduate students to read primary literature. It is expected that a minimum of 20-25 research articles will be used to complete their Literature Review.

The course readings are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, research developments, current events, and/or to ensure better learning.  

Additional Course Materials

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Course Learning Outcomes/Objectives/Goals

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How to Succeed in This Course

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Attendance Expectations

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Late Work Submission Policy

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Additional Course Expectations

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Artificial Intelligence Policy Statement

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Assignments/Assessments

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Grading and Grading Scale

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University Policies

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Schedule of Topics and Assignments

Week of Proposed Topic Due/To Prepare for Class
8/24 Syllabus Review
Course Expectations
Deadlines Discussion
8/31 Proposal Outline
9/14 Formatted References List
10/5 Course Meeting 2
First Draft Discussion
10/12 Complete First Draft of Review To Advisor
11/2 Course Meeting 3
Revised Review Discussion
11/9 Final Review: Submit To Advisor
11/16 Final Review: Submit To Advisor
11/30 Course Meeting 4
Final Review Discussion
Oral Presentation

The course schedule, policies, procedures, and assignments in this course are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, by mutual agreement, and/or to ensure better learning. 

Additional Information

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