Learning How to Think Like a Scientist: An Introduction to Scientific Research
FYSEMR 52T
Subject & Catalog Number
Course Information
Description
Science courses are typically structured to teach core concepts about the physical world and the living systems in it. The concepts taught result from decades of scientific research. Research is a process of inquiry that seeks knowledge about important problems that are not understood. Experiencing the intellectual excitement and challenges of performing research can support your long-term career goals regardless of what those are, but how does someone go about creating new knowledge through research?
Lab courses teach the mechanics of performing specific techniques, keeping a notebook, and interpreting data, yet they rarely address how new knowledge is generated. How does a scientist know what questions to ask? What makes a question worth spending time and resources on? How do scientists come up with strategies to address these impactful questions? All scientists start by critically evaluating a field, but what does that mean? How do you read a scientific article and analyze their methods and conclusions? How can primary literature effectively help frame the questions in need of answers?
This seminar guides students into the world of scientific research and prepares them for a real-world research experience. Through different assignments students learn how scientists think and perform science, while developing critical thinking and reading skills that are especially useful in research. In addition, students get the opportunity to interact with several scientists about their research.
This seminar is focused on life sciences. We strongly recommend that students have taken LS1A, LPSA, or LS50 in the Fall semester since we'll assume that any enrolled student has a basic foundation in chemistry and biology.
Class Notes
First-Year Seminars are available only to first-year students. You may apply to both Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 First-Year Seminars via the FYS lottery between July 6 and August 6, 2026 at 11:59PM-midnight.
You may apply to as many seminars each term as you would like, but we recommend you apply to at least six in fall and three in spring.
As part of your application, you must provide a brief statement on why you are interested in each seminar. You will be notified of lottery results for both fall and spring seminars at 5 pm on August 11. If you are unsuccessful in the lottery, you may still join any seminar with open seats. A list of open seminars and instructions on next steps will be available on the First-Year Seminar Program website August 11 at 12 Noon.
Not Available for Cross Registration
