(OMSB9) Studying Evolution and Genetics in MSB With Peer Tutor Calvin Hoover

When did you take Methodology of Science - Biology (OMSB9), and who was your instructor?

I took MSB last school year (2019-2020) and had Dr. Khatchirian.

About how much time did you spend a week working on assignments and preparing for discussion sessions in Methodology of Science - Biology (OMSB9)?

Standard weeks with no writing assignments took me about 1.5-2 hours. When there was a writing assignment, I spent another 6 or so hours on that.

What did the typical week in Methodology of Science - Biology (OMSB9) look like?

Generally you have a couple recorded lectures to watch for each class, optional readings, and a quiz at the end. Sprinkled throughout the year are WA’s which are the most substantial assignments.

Do you recommend taking digital or hand-written notes for Methodology of Science - Biology (OMSB9)?

I’d say whatever you’re most used to in your other classes. Nothing about MSB in particular favors one medium in my opinion.

What did you enjoy about Methodology of Science - Biology (OMSB9)?

The research project at the end was really fun since you had total freedom to choose any topic you wanted. We also did MSB jeopardy for review before every exam which was very fun.

What was your favorite topic covered in Methodology of Science - Biology (OMSB9)?

Hmm. I have to say evolution and genetics were the best topics in my opinion. Some of the stats were cool too but I definitely preferred bio.

What challenged you the most in Methodology of Science - Biology (OMSB9)? How did you overcome those challenges?

Often MSB papers use a style of writing that’s entirely new to students. In this case I’d just recommend going to office hours, talking to peer tutors, or anything that can help you to figure out the exact way you should be writing.

Are there midterms/finals in this class? How would you recommend reviewing for these exams?

Yep, there’s a midterm and final each semester. They’re open internet so Google is your friend. In terms of preparation I would just go over previous quizzes and WA’s. MSB jeopardy also helps.

What are the major assignments for this class? How would you recommend approaching these assignments?

Biggest assignments are the WA’s. For these the most important thing is clarity of language and being concise without missing anything. But really all you’re doing is going one by one and answering the questions so it’s more straightforward than something like an English paper in that regard. If you need more help with structure you can ask for the Tillman outline on Skype and follow that.

How should a student participate and engage in discussions of Methodology of Science - Biology (OMSB9)?

If you watch the lectures you shouldn’t have too much trouble answering questions. Pay attention for anything you think you know the answer to and raise your hand. Don’t be afraid of getting things partially or entirely wrong. That still moves the discussion forward.

What tips do you have that could be useful to students taking Methodology of Science - Biology (OMSB9)?

I’ve said this before but remember that almost every assignment is open internet. You can just Google answers. Of course it’s usually not quite that easy because many questions won’t be straightforward enough to just google. But it can be really helpful.

If you have taken other core classes, how does Methodology of Science - Biology (OMSB9) compare to other courses in the core sequence?

I’ve taken about a quarter of HSC and the structure is very similar though the content is different. Both classes have readings/lectures before each class, along with frequent quizzes, WA’s every now and then, and a research project. Though since MSB is about statistics and biology and HSC is about philosophy, the exact way you approach these assignments is different. In HSC writing you have to form your own ideas and arguments about philosophical topics which is not something that really has a parallel in MSB writing.

Do you have any resources (i.e. study tips, useful websites) to share with students who want to take the course?

A lot of the most useful websites will be shared in class like statistical calculators that will do most of the math for you. I’d just add Desmos which is super useful to visualise graphs.

Calvin Hoover is a peer tutor for Methodology of Science - Biology (OMSB9) and can be found on the Writing and Tutoring Center.

#MSB #OMSB9