Controversial Science Evaluation: Examples from Molecular Parasitology
Seminar, 3 ECTS, Wednesdays 17:00-18:30; room E02.054 Michael Boshart, Markus Meissner, Nicolai Siegel
Many orginal publications represent the authors interpretation of data that are not always unequivocal and challenged by other researcher´s data.
The aim of this seminar series is to improve critical assessment of primary literature and an appreciation how controversial studies and subsequent discussion are crucial to advance knowledge.
We will use protozoan parasites causing human and veterinary diseases as models focusing on our own research fields. Where possible the students will be asked to discuss two contradicting publications on the same research question.
| Prerequisites | confident reading and understanding of primary reasearch papers, willingness to actively participate in critical discussion |
|---|---|
| Exam regulations | presentation quality, active participation and quality of arguments in controversial discussion |
| Target group | all Master programs of Faculty of Biology interested advanced medical and vet med students |
| Registration | via LSF presence at first seminar date 23.10.19 is mandatory |
| Date | Topic | Lecturer |
| 23.10.19 | Introduction to the seminar | all |
| 30.10.19 | Base J: role in antigenic variation | Siegel |
| 06.11.19 | Is PKA a universal cAMP-dependent kinase? | Boshart |
| 13.11.19 | Malaria Vaccines | Meissner |
| 20.11.19 | Odorant Receptors | Siegel |
| 27.11.19 | HGF transmigration of malaria sporozoites | Meissner |
| 04.12.19 | Trypanosome lytic factor | Boshart |
| 11.12.19 | Protein export: PIP yes or no | Meissner |
| 18.12.19 | var introns | Siegel |
| 08.01.19 | Toxo motility: essential or redundant? | Meissner |
| 15.01.19 | siRNA in Apicomplexa | Siegel |
| 22.01.19 | Motility and virulence | Boshart |
| 29.01.19 | Citric acid cycle in malaria | Boshart |
Literature will be uploaded here after the introduction seminar