Marine and Coastal Science Major Lead Mentor Courses
Fall: Professional Development in Marine Science
Course Description
ANS 198 2023 is a professional development course for sophomore, junior, and first-year transfer students interested in a career in marine science. This course is composed of 9 2-hour discussion-based classes and assignments. We designed each component of this course with the intention to equip you with the tools, understanding, and confidence to navigate your undergraduate experience in marine science.
Key Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Describe the connections within marine science to the environment, science, and society
- Identify research and data analysis techniques typically used to accomplish marine science projects
- Differentiate between the various forms of science communication and the purposes behind each of them
- Find internship/job/research experiences and fellowship/scholarship opportunities at UC Davis
- Identify faculty/labs whose research interests align with yours
- Understand the components of an application and the process of applying for marine science opportunities
- Create a living resume
- Navigate science with the best personal and ethical practices in mind
Grading
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This is a 2 unit, PASS/NO-PASS course. To pass this course you must attend 7 out of 9 lectures, pass 5 out of 6 reflections, and pass the Living Resume assignment. Each of these assignments address the course’s goals.
How to succeed:
- Read and understand the syllabus and assignment descriptions. If you do not understand them, ask your TA to clarify them
- Visit the Canvas site regularly and attend class
- Actively participate in class: come prepared, ask questions, and participate in discussion. This is our scheduled time together so let’s make the most of it!
JEDI in Marine Science
Justice, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (JEDI) are not listed as an explicit topic in the course schedule because JEDI pervades every aspect of our professional lives. We will be addressing these issues each week as we explore the different aspects of marine science. JEDI resources at UC Davis are available here.
The instructor reserves the right to change details of the above course plans to ensure the best possible learning environment.
Winter: Career Discovery Seminar
Course Description
This is a career exploration seminar for juniors, seniors and transfer students in the marine sciences. Each class consists of a casual conversation with guest speakers, who span different marine science career paths at different stages, but there will be an emphasis on speakers with work experience after earning a B.A. / B.S. After each conversation, students will discuss and reflect upon what they gain from each conversation.
Key Learning Outcomes
- Meet marine scientists in a wide variety of careers
- Increase your network of marine scientists
- Have examples of how to secure a “real job” after finishing your undergraduate degree
- Explore/Discover why certain positions may or may not be a good fit
- Have a better understanding of what it takes to get a marine science job
Grading
- The class is graded as P/NP. Grades will be determined based on class participation and guided reflections at the end of each class.
- To participate, you need to attend class and engage in the conversations with guest speakers and each other. We will be doing the bulk of our work in class, so missing several classes will put a passing grade in jeopardy.
- Assignments will consist of a guided reflection during each class. These should be submitted by the END of each class.
- Because participation is a key component of this course, the bar for a passing grade is high:
- You must attend 9/10 classes.
- You must submit 9/10 guided reflections.
If you have obligations that will prevent you from attending 9/10 classes, please let me know so that we can discuss alternative arrangements for making sure you are getting the most out of this course!
The instructor reserves the right to change details of the above course plans to ensure the best possible learning environment.
Previous Mentorship Courses
Find resources from previous courses here.