Paper Discussion and Summary - old version Spring 2005

Each student will help to summarize and lead a discussion on several papers during the course. For your assigned papers, you will do the following:

1 - Be prepared to give a short oral summary of the paper in class. Consider the author's emphasis, disciplinary background and main points. Also take some time to give background on important aspects of the paper about which the class may not be familiar. Do some additional research as needed for this.

2 - Provide 3 written questions for the class to discuss. At least one of the questions should go beyond the reading, i.e. not just ask what the author was saying, but also consider how it might be applied, problems with the approach, etc. These need to be emailed to both instructors before the day of the class, so that they can be put in a power point slide prior to class. Make sure you indicate which reading the questions are for.

Term Project

VP560

The Term Project is 70% of your grade for this class. For the project, you will be expected to pose a substantive question related to spatial epidemiology, dev elop appropriate methods and data, perform an analysis, and report your results in a paper and as an oral presentation. You will do this in stages, with the fo llowing timeline.

1. - Problem Statement. The problem statement is a brief descripti on of what you plan to do, including at least one specific question that you pla n to address. In addition, include a brief description of the data sources you intend to use and the expected outcome from the project.

2. - Plan of Action. This is the methodology section of your paper where you describe how you will carry out your analysis. Include here the soft ware and methods you intend to you, the manner in which important variables are measured and a more detailed description of the data.

3. - Meet with instructor. Depending on the nature of the proj ect, you will be assigned to meet with one of the instructors to discuss the pro ject and to address any weaknesses or issues.

4. - You will schedule at least two meetings (or as needed) w ith an instructor during this period. If you would like a written review of a p reliminary version of your paper prior to the oral presentation, you should prov ide a copy to the instructor by April 28rd.

5. - Oral presentations of student projects. The presen tation will be of 25 minutes duration. Provide a one-page summary of your analy sis and results to the class. You may use a lab laptop if you make prior arrang ements. Limited use of a large format plotter is possible if arranged through a n instructor.

6. - Final Papers Due