Neurochemistry was a unique science course, different from any of my other courses throughout my college career. We read articles, focusing on understanding them, and then discussing the scientific concepts along with how they pertain to everyday life. The latter aspect is one of the most important lessons I took away from the semester. The research performed by scientists impacts everyday life. It leads to the development of new drugs and a greater understanding of the mechanisms behind the brain and disorders. But another thing that is just as important as the discovery is the communication of results, not only to the science community but the general public as well. I have realized that many people outside of science disciplines are interested in research. I looked forward to reading or hearing about comments left by other AreaVoices readers.
This course has improved my skills at reading and interpreting scientific papers. In addition, I have developed my ability to communicate findings to both my peers and others. The blog was a beneficial and fun aspect of the class. I believe this is what made Neurochemistry so unique. None of my previous courses have emphasized the importance of communicating to the general public. It was all about academic audiences. Although I did not do my best at maintaining my blog entries (I have never been good with journals either), I feel this is something I would like to continue, especially during my graduate studies. Overall, the Neurochemistry course had a completely different set-up than others but it was a beneficial class that encouraged the Concordia motto: becoming responsibly engaged in the world.
Final Thoughts on Neurochemistry
