Restricted to second-year graduate students in the microbiology and cell and microbiology programs. Preparation of a detailed proposal of the dissertation research goals of each student with a presentation in the form of a short talk. Emphasis on critical evaluation of research aims, methodology, and communication skills. Designed for second-year doctoral students in biology. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Biology 391 and 394 (Topic: Grant Writing and Presentation Skills) may not both be counted. Offered on the letter-grade basis only. Prerequisite: Graduate standing, and consent of instructor and the graduate adviser.