VIT_ENOL-499-jdodson.peterson-2024-09-05-11-14-58

Undergraduate Research In Viticulture and Enology

VIT_ENOL 499

Spring 2025

Credit Hours | 1 - 4 Credits

Prerequisites | Junior in standing with Viticulture and Enology major declared and instructor permission

Course Details

Day and Time: [tbd]

Meeting Location: [tbd]

 

Instructor Contact Information

Dr. Jean Dodson Peterson

Department of Viticulture and Enology

Ste. Michelle WSU Wine Science Center

Office Number 248E

359 University Drive

Richland, WA 99354

(509) 372 7518

jdodson.peterson@wsu.edu

 

Course Description

Research in viticulture and/or enology under faculty guidance for students of undergraduate standing. Prerequisite: Junior in standing with Viticulture and Enology major declared and instructor permission.

 

Course Materials 

Internet access and access to all WSU library resources. There is no textbook for this course. Any sampling, field or laboratory equipment will be provided by the instructor of record. 

Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs)

Course Learning Outcomes

(students will be able to:)

Activities and Assessment of the Learning Outcomes
CLO 1. Apply appropriate research methods and technologies within viticulture and enology.

Weekly Lab Reports 

 

Written Report

 

Oral Report

CLO 2. Evaluate between scientific and quantitative methods through written reports.

Weekly Lab Reports 

 

Written Report

CLO3. Analyze research data using appropriate techniques to address the research question.

 

Weekly Lab Reports 

 

Written Report

 

Oral Report

CLO 4. Create a comprehensive final oral and written research report that demonstrates critical analysis of data, proper use of scientific methods, and effective communication of data.

Written Report

 

Oral Report


Course Schedule

Dates Lesson Topic Assignment and Assessment

Week 1 - 2
[dates]

 Introduction to Research Laboratory and Project

 

Safety Training

Safety Training | Required Trainings Depend on Lab/Project Use (CLO 1)
Week 3 - 12
[dates]
Active Project Dates | Equipment Orientation, Project Design and Set-up, Data Collection Weekly Lab Reports (10 Total) | Lab Notebook Reviewed Weekly for Project Progress (CLO 2, CLO 3)
Week 13 - 15
[dates]
 Final Project Data Analysis and Reporting Stage

Final Oral Report | Due End of Week 14 (CLO 1, CLO 2, CLO3, CLO4)

   

Final Written Report | Due End of Week 15 (CLO 1, CLO 2, CLO3, CLO4)

 

 

Expectations for Student Effort 

The policies and expectations for this course are designed to foster a productive, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all students and guests. If you have any concerns at any point during the course, please don’t hesitate to bring them to the instructor’s attention. Creating a positive learning atmosphere is a shared responsibility, and it is important that everyone contributes by avoiding any behavior that may disrupt teaching or learning.

 

Please note that WSU email is the official form of communication for this course. Emails from non-university accounts will not be answered. Important course information will occasionally be sent to the entire class via your official WSU email, so it is essential to check your inbox regularly. Announcements will also be made at the beginning of lecture sessions and posted on the course learning management site. It is the student’s responsibility to stay informed about course materials, announcements, and any schedule changes.

 

Grading

Assignment Breakdown
Type of Assignment (tests, papers, etc) Points Percent of Overall Grade
Weekly Laboratory Notebook (10 tota) 40 40%
Final Oral Report 20 20%
Final Written Report  40 40%

 

Grading Schema
Grade Percent Grade Percent
A

≥93.0

C 73.0 – 76.9
A-  90.0 – 92.9 C- 70.0 – 72.9
B+ 87.0 – 89.9 D+ 67.0 – 69.9
B 83.0 – 86.9 D 60.0 – 66.9
B- 80.0 – 82.9 F ≤59.9
C+ 77.0 – 79.9  

WEEKLY LAB REPORTS. Each week, students will submit their lab notebooks for review, which will account for a total of 40 points. These weekly submissions will help ensure that students are documenting their research progress, reflecting on their application of the scientific method, and staying aligned with the course objectives. Feedback will be provided to help students make improvements, with each weekly submission worth 4 points over the course of 10 weeks.

 

WRITTEN REPORT. The Written Report will be worth 40 points in total.  The Final Written Research Report serves as a culminating project for the course, providing students with an opportunity to synthesize and present their research findings in a formal written format. The purpose of this report is to demonstrate the students' mastery of the scientific method, their ability to analyze and interpret data, and their understanding of key concepts covered throughout the semester. The report allows students to showcase their skills in scientific writing, critical thinking, and the application of research methodologies. Reports should be 4 – 6 pages in length, have appropriate citations to the literature and provide a comprehensive review of the state of the industry at it relates to this topic. Mechanics will be 40% of the grade, content and critical thought 60%.

 

ORAL REPORT. The Oral Report will be worth 20 points in total.  The Oral Report is designed to give students the opportunity to communicate their research findings, methodologies, and analysis in a clear and engaging manner. The purpose of this assignment is to enhance students’ oral communication skills, particularly in presenting scientific information to an audience. Through this presentation, students will demonstrate their ability to explain complex concepts, organize their thoughts logically, and respond to questions about their research. It also provides an opportunity to practice public speaking, an essential skill in both academic and professional environments.

 

The clarity of presentation will be evaluated, including how well the student articulates their research objectives, methods, and conclusions. The presentation should be well-organized, following a logical structure that guides the audience through the research process and findings. Depth of analysis is crucial, and students will be expected to explain the significance of their results and their implications in the field of study. Additionally, engagement with the audience will be assessed, with emphasis on the student's ability to maintain interest, handle questions confidently, and provide thoughtful answers. The overall presentation style, including pacing, voice clarity, and use of visual aids (if applicable), will also contribute to the final grade.


Attendance and Make-Up Policy 

Attendance and active participation at each lecture session is mandatory for all students enrolled. Students are expected to thoughtfully engage with peers and the instructor. Late submissions for will not be accepted.


Academic Integrity Statement

Academic integrity is the cornerstone of higher education. As such, all members of the university community share responsibility for maintaining and promoting the principles of integrity in all activities, including academic integrity and honest scholarship. Academic integrity will be strongly enforced in this course. Students who violate WSU’s Academic Integrity Policy (identified in Washington Administrative Code WAC 504-26-010 (4) will receive [insert academic sanction (e.g., fail the course, fail the assignment, etc.)], will not have the option to withdraw from the course pending an appeal, and will be reported to the Center for Community Standards. Cheating includes, but is not limited to, plagiarism and unauthorized collaboration as defined in the Standards of Conduct for Students, WAC 504-26-010 (3). You need to read and understand all of the definitions of cheating.  If you have any questions about what is and is not allowed in this course, you should ask course instructors before proceeding. If you wish to appeal to a faculty member's decision relating to academic integrity, please use this form. Make sure you submit your appeal within 21 calendar days of the faculty member's decision.