1. Teach how to critically analyze original research papers:

a) to recognize hypotheses, and to determine whether a hypothesis has a rational basis based on background information provided. Also, one needs to consider whether or not there is a compelling need to test the hypothesis put forward. What is a hypothesis? Does every scientific paper require that a hypothesis be put forward to be tested?

b) to determine whether the experimental approach is appropriate for testing the stated hypothesis.

c) to determine whether the methods employed (including the statistical tests) adequately allow for a true test of the hypothesis; e.g, were the proper control groups used? Were the number of animals in each group appropriate (how do you tell?); was the experimental model chosen the best for testing the hypothesis?

d) to determine whether the data provided are convincing enough to believe the major finding of the study, or, alternatively, to reject the major finding, or to wait for a future confirmation of the finding.

e) to determine whether the conclusions follow logically from the hypothesis put forward, and results presented.

f) to distinquish between conclusions and speculation.

g) to learn how to assess what the next hypothesis and/or experiment should be if the work were to be continued.

h) to learn whether the paper has elements of creativity in it. Is there anything new here? New ideas? New finding?

i) are there elements in the paper that would help you write your own paper? Or Ph.D. theses?

2. A vehicle for the instructor to teach their own material.

3. A way to keep up with the scientific literature.

4. Develop and perfect skills in logical thinking.

OTHER ISSUES

1. How much time should be spent on reading a paper in preparation for a Journal Club Session?

2. Do you read any of the references listed in the Journal Club paper?

3. How to get everyone to participate? Try to prepare in a way that will enable you to ask at least one question and/ or provide some comment on the paper at each session.

4. How to get you to go to instructor or other experts and discuss complex issues raised by the scientific paper before 'Journal Club'.

5. How to select papers for future Journal Clubs and experts to discuss the papers?

6. Attendence