Course Overview

This is a basic English communication exercise consisting of oral presentations and question-and-answer sessions on each student's research, led by a research advisor in the neuroscience degree program who is a native speaker of English. The aim is to cultivate basic scientific English skills, logical thinking skills, and expressive abilities sufficient to write a "master's thesis research proposal in English and a master's thesis abstract in English".

Learning Achievement

By the end of the year, each student will have to have a written proposal of their research project. The proposal should be in the Journal of Neuroscience format, including:
Abstract, Introduction (background research and purpose of study), Methods, and Discussion (expected results, interpretation, etc).

Competence

Communication competence, Internationality competence, Research information collection / ability to disseminate finding, Ability to think logically

Course prerequisites

Required class for the Neuroscience degree program

Grading Philosophy

Grades are based on presentation, class participation and attendance.
50% participation in discussions, 30% presentation and 20% attendance.

Course schedule

The aim of the course is to train master’s students in scientific communication in English. The class is structured around giving presentations by each of the students, on their research projects, followed by critical discussion concerning the subject matter, including the basic reasoning behind the study, how it will be done, the expected findings, interpretation, etc.

Course type

Class Exercises

Online Course Requirement

Instructor

Matsumoto Masayuki,Pasqualotto Achille,Nakata Mariko

Other information

One of the main shortcomings for many students (both graduate and undergraduate) in Japanese institutions (as witnessed by most professors) is the lack of student participation or involvement in class discussions. This also limits the ability of students to critically evaluate previous published research and to logically plan their own projects. The goal of this class is to actively engage students in discussions and instill in them the ability to participate in the scientific process.

Site for Inquiry

Link to the syllabus provided by the university