Genetics Problem Spaces

Introduction Problem Spaces Assignments Proposal Presentation Final Paper Student Projects

Project Proposal BIO303: Genetics Independent Project Proposal Each student will submit a typed one-page research proposal describing their independent project. All students are encouraged to discuss their preliminary project ideas with the instructor for early guidance in narrowing the hypothesis and shaping the experiment. An electronic copy of a one-page proposal is due Tuesday, March 15, 2005 (Bring your proposal in on a disk as a Microsoft Word document.) Proposals will not be accepted after this date. Proposals will be reviewed and returned to students by the end of the week. All students must have an approved proposal to receive credit for their independent experiment. The proposals are limited to one typed page. Click this link to review the example proposal. A proposals will be "approved" if it: a) Follows the proper format b) Makes a clear distinction between the hypothesis and prediction being tested. c) Cites appropriate literature for basis of hypothesis or experiment in the rationale. d) Explains the significance of hypothesis and the basis of the prediction in the rationale. e) Outlines the experimental method. f) Describes two categories of results, those consistent with the hypothesis and those inconsistent with the hypothesis. g) Is clear on the relationship between the results, experiment and hypothesis. Proposals will be "tentatively approved" if they need only minor corrections. These proposals must be resubmitted with corrections the following week. Proposals will be "rejected" if it: a) Fails to follow the proposal format. b) Makes no distinction between the hypothesis and prediction. c) Fails to use literature to support the hypothesis and experiment d) Includes information in the rationale that is not relevant to the experiment e) Does not outline the experimental method f) Only describes the results consistent with the hypothesis g) Is unclear on the relationship between the results, experiment and hypothesis Reject proposals will be returned with comments suggesting modifications. Students will have two weeks to submit a revised proposal for review. Note: students without an approved proposal will receive no credit for their independent projects. Independent Project Proposal Format 1. Title: A phrase or single sentence that describes the experimental question (Must include experimental organism) 2. Hypothesis: Description of hypothesis to be tested. 3. Prediction: A prediction based on the hypothesis that can be tested 4. Rationale: Background information from primary literatures providing basis for the hypothesis and an explanation of the prediction to be tested. 5. Experiment: Description of experimental methods and if appropriate, the statistical analysis. 6. Expected Results: Summary of the type of results which would support the hypothesis and the type of results which would refute the hypothesis. You must describe at least two classes of results. 7. References: Literature cited in rationale and methods.