The NJU School of Earth Science and Engineering (NJU- SESE) English Paleonology Seminar gives paleontology graduate students an opportunity to practice their presentation skills in a manner that both simulates the format of professional presentations given at international meetings and encourages extended discussion of the presentation topics by seminar participants.
During each seminar two student presentations are scheduled, each lasting 20 minutes. In order to encourage discussion each presentation is followed by two short presentations by responders who present critical reviews of the presentation just delivered highlighting important contributions made, outlining alternative interpretations of the data presented (if appropriate) and commenting on the larger significance of the work. These responder presentations are then followed by a short question-and-answer session during which the presenter has an opportunity to respond to issues raised by the responders. Student participants also have an opportunity to raise issues and/or ask questions not raised by either of the responders. After both presentations have been delivered, and following a short break, the seminar reconvenes for an extended discussion of the issues raised by the presentations during which all seminar participants (students, post-doc, faculty) are encouraged to participate.
Prior to the seminar meeting itself presenters are required to prepare an English-language abstract of their presentation so seminar participants will be aware of the topics scheduled for discussion. This abstract needs to follow standard guidelines and is reviewed for both content and style. Pre-presentation review of the presentation’s slides is also available to all seminar presenters. Thus, participation in the NJU-SESE English Paleontology Seminar will provide participants with instruction and experience in all aspects of the conceptualization, documentation, preparation of visual slides, and delivery of a professional-style scientific presentation.
Generally speaking, two categories of presentation topics are allowed: (i.) a critical review of one or more published research article(s) that the student finds relevant to their personal research interests and (ii.) a progress report on research the student is conducting currently. A presumption exists that research-article reviews will be contributed by graduate students at the beginning of their research projects, but that students should move to providing research progress reports as soon as possible.
With regard to eligibility, participation in the NJU-SESE English Paleontology Seminar program is open to all NJU-SESE paleontology graduate students (MSc & PhD) irrespective of their academic advisor. Participation requests by advanced NJU undergraduate students will be entertained and decided following a meeting between the student and the organizer to determine whether the student has adequate English skills and background knowledge to participate on a par with NJU-SESE graduate students. NJU post-doctoral researchers are also welcome to participate in the NJU-SESE English Paleontology Seminar and will be afforded the option of making a formal presentation or simply participating the post-presentation discussions.
Although no academic credit is associated with participation in the NJU-SESE English Paleontology Seminar, the opportunity for instruction, experience and support afforded by this program is both valuable and unique, especially in the context of a Chinese university. English is the language of international science and all those who aspire to a professional career in science and/or technology will find their employment and advancement opportunities enhanced via acquisition of the skills this seminar is designed to provide.
Seminar Resources
MacLeod NJU Courses Site 