Every peer graduate program runs a seminar and journal-club spine, and IDEEE research students need the same recurring venue to present work, read the literature critically, and build community across labs. This weekly seminar alternates a journal-club format (student-led paper presentations) with a data-club format (student research progress), plus periodic current-topics discussions tied to active outbreaks. It is a standalone, credit-bearing, recurring course. The Introduction to Computation and Math for Biology bootcamp does not replace it.
The course syllabus is shown below.
Draft syllabus. This is a scaffold for the concentration. Dates, meeting times, and specific assignments will be finalized before the semester begins.
Course title and instructors
Title: IDEEE Research Seminar and Journal Club
Course Number: BIO 6xx (proposed; with an undergraduate cross-list where
noted)
Semester: Every term (repeatable)
Credit Hours: 1 (repeatable)
Meeting Time: Weekly, TBD
Prerequisites: enrollment in an IDEEE research track
Course Director: Michael E. DeWitt, MS
Email: medewitt@wakehealth.edu or dewime23@wfu.edu
Course description
This weekly seminar gives IDEEE research students a recurring venue to present their own work and to read primary literature critically. Meetings alternate between two formats. In journal-club weeks, a student leads discussion of a recent paper in infectious disease ecology, evolution, or epidemiology. In data-club weeks, a student presents research in progress and receives constructive critique from peers and faculty. Periodic current-topics sessions connect the seminar to active outbreaks and ongoing methods debates. The course is repeatable for credit; students take it across multiple terms as they progress through their research. This seminar is separate from and not replaced by the Introduction to Computation and Math for Biology bootcamp, which teaches foundational skills rather than serving as the program’s ongoing research venue.
Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Critically read and present primary literature in infectious disease ecology, evolution, and epidemiology
- Present ongoing research in a data-club format and give and receive constructive critique
- Situate current outbreaks and methods debates in the broader field
- Lead and sustain scholarly discussion across labs
Textbook and other resources
There is no textbook. Readings are chosen each term to match current outbreaks and the papers students select for journal club.
Site resources
This seminar draws on the following IDEEE pages:
Topic reference pages from the math, epidemiology, programming, and diagnostics libraries are assigned as they match each term’s outbreaks and selected papers.
Course structure and schedule
This seminar meets weekly and rotates between journal-club and data-club formats, with periodic current-topics sessions. Because the course is repeatable, the schedule is a recurring rotation rather than a fixed list of 15 topics. The pattern below is a draft outline for a term.
| Week (rotation) | Format |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Organizing meeting: goals, sign-ups, and expectations |
| Odd weeks | Journal club: student-led primary literature presentation |
| Even weeks | Data club: student research progress and critique |
| Periodic | Current topics: active outbreaks and methods debates |
| Final week | Term wrap-up and preview of the next rotation |
Note: Specific dates, presentation sign-ups, and papers will be provided at the beginning of each term. The rotation may be adjusted based on outbreaks, student research timelines, and class interests.
Grades and assignments
This course is graded on participation and presentations.
| Activity | Weight |
|---|---|
| Attendance and active participation | 40% |
| Journal-club presentation(s) | 30% |
| Data-club presentation(s) | 30% |
Presentations: Each enrolled student leads at least one journal-club session and presents at least one data-club update per term. Repeating students are expected to present in each new term.
Course policies
Attendance: Regular attendance is expected, particularly for discussion sessions. Please alert the instructor if you are unable to attend for any reason.
Late/Makeup work: Assignments are due on the dates provided. We recognize that extenuating circumstances arise, and assignments may be submitted up to 2 days late without penalty. If you need an extension, contact the instructor as soon as possible and before the due date.
Artificial intelligence: Artificial intelligence tools and large language models such as ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini are now part of the academic and professional landscape and we encourage you to find ways to use them to enhance your learning. However, if you use these tools, you must cite your sources and provide a detailed description of the tools you used to complete the assignment. In no way can these tools take the place of your own work and understanding of the material. They should be used to supplement your learning, not replace it. You are ultimately responsible for your work including content and the use of valid citations and references. Using these tools without proper attribution is plagiarism and will be treated as such.
Department/School/University policies
Academic Integrity: Wake Forest University is committed to a culture of academic integrity. As a part of this community, you share the responsibility for creating a place of honesty, intellectual curiosity, and individual accountability. As you committed to with your honor pledge signature, you agree “not to deceive any member of the community; not to steal, cheat, or plagiarize on academic work; and not to engage in any other form of academic misconduct.” If you have questions about documenting your work, working with external sources, or working with peers on assigned work, consult with me as soon as possible. Instances of academic dishonesty will be referred to the Honor and Ethics Council.
Accessibility: Wake Forest University provides reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities. If you are in need of an accommodation, please contact me privately as early in the term as possible. Retroactive accommodations will not be provided. Students requiring accommodations must also consult the Center for Learning, Access, and Student Success (118 Reynolda Hall, 336-758-5929, class.wfu.edu).
Accommodations for Religious or Spiritual Practices: Wake Forest University benefits from the multitude of faiths and spiritual identities held by members of our learning community. Should you need accommodations this semester, email me as soon as possible to ensure we have time to develop equitable alternatives.
Class recordings: In case any class recordings are provided, they are reserved only for students in this class for educational purposes and are protected under FERPA. The recordings should not be shared outside the class in any form.
Syllabus change notice
This syllabus and the dates herein are subject to change.