This month, the Chemistry Society will be launching a journal club intended to introduce undergraduate students to reading within the sciences, with sessions focused on technical writing as well as general audience science communication. Four sessions are planned, with each lasting an hour and featuring refreshments.
In session 1, program participants will consider a real scientific publication and learn about the features of technical science writing, including the function of scientific journals, the structure of a research article, and the organization of the scientific literature. In session 2, attendees will hear from a faculty speaker how to effectively read and interpret a scientific paper. By participating in these sessions, students will practice critical literacy skills important for research.
Session 3 will encourage participants to consider how they can shape the public conversation around science by examining popular science media, including magazine articles, podcasts, and short videos. Students will be able to practice critical information literacy skills to consider the role platforms and the communication mediums themselves play in driving popular perceptions of science. Finally, session 4 will highlight reading in the sciences for fun.
As an incentive for students to participate, the Chemistry Society is offering one-year undergraduate memberships to the American Chemical Society to all students who engage in three or more sessions, and an exclusive commemorative journal club sticker to all students who attend at least one session.
All members of the UC Merced Chemistry and Biochemistry community are invited to attend, including undergraduate students, graduate students, and faculty. To sign up for the program and receive journal club readings, interested individuals can complete the program sign-up form. This form will remain open throughout the duration of the fall term. Session dates will be announced to all members of the program mailing list two weeks in advance. For questions, contact Carolynn Mendoza (cmendoza64@ucmerced.edu).
