Discussions in class are expected to draw out scholarship and diplomacy, so that students can clearly communicate what they know to other professionals and the educated public. Occasionally, the process results in fits of laughter.
Assignments are practical exercises.
These include the preparation of career statements, applications for funding, peer review, tutorial presentations, and the representation of data in graphs and posters. Weekly reading assignments are followed by exercises including writing and group problem solving. The seminar is a safe place to air original approaches and develop roles for collaboration.