You will be provided with the introduction and discussion section of a research paper (PDF). The discussion proposes a model to describe how a particular cell pathway may work, based on the results obtained. Your task will be to define a set of experiments that you think might have been done to allow the authors to propose such a model. Write a maximum of three pages (typed, double spaced, 12 point font).
Sample student writing assignment (PDF)
Oral Presentation Assignment
You will select one among several papers. You will prepare a 15-minute presentation in which you will briefly describe the background, results and main conclusions (working model) from this work.
Sample student presentation, courtesy of Magda Stumpfova: Review of Gomez, M.D. et al, "Atrogin-1, a muscle-specific F-box protein highly expressed during muscle atrophy." PNAS 98:25 (2001), 14440-14445. (PDF)
Make Up Work Assignments
Since attendance is mandatory, students who miss class must provide written summaries of the assigned readings.
Following are samples of student summary papers for the session 9 readings, courtesy of Veronica Zepeda.