BIOL 622

THE TERM PAPER:

Purpose: to give you the opportunity to explore an aspect of the course in depth and receive credit for this work

Requirements:

1. The paper must consist of a quantitative/mechanistic exploration of the ramifications of some aspect covered in the course.
2. Graphs and charts must be generated by a spreadsheet, graphics or math-cad program....DO NOT just copy from literature sources. (Illustrations and complex figures may be reprinted from original sources but make sure to cite the source.)

3. All figures must have informative legends and sufficient information to be clearly understood.
4. A discussion of the insights gained by your work must be presented.
5. An abstract should be included as well as a description of what was done.
6. The pages must be numbered consecutively.
7. The length is irrelevant.
8. Check spelling and use reasonable grammar.
9. The paper must be typed.
10. All the work must be your own.  Please avoid direct quotes or paraphrasing as I want your ideas and your interpretation.  If you must copy material from any source you MUST put it within quotes and immediately cite the reference.  Any material paraphrased must start with the words, "I am paraphrasing the following from ...(indicate the source)"  (This can be a footnote so as not to brake up the flow.). If you do not do this, you would be guilty of stealing someone else's ideas or words.  That is a serious offense that may lead to an F in the course and, even worse, it would soil your reputation.
Please include the following Pledge at the end of your paper:
"I pledge on my honor that I have not given or received any unauthorized assistance on this assignment."
Please sign the Pledge.

Note: The choice of topic, the method chosen to explore the topic, the willingness to take on a significant challenge, the imagination and creativity you demonstrate, and the insights you have gained are the most important aspects I will use to evaluate your paper.

Directions:

1. Choose a topic and submit a short written statement of your goals to me by Nov. 5.  Feel free to discuss possible topics with me well before this date.
2. Proceed with the paper only after receiving my approval.
3. Turn in your paper by Dec. 10.
4. Make sure you turn in a neat and carefully done paper.

Finally....I will be happy to discuss your paper with you as you work on it but I want it to be your work and so I will not evaluate your drafts. I will answer questions and give suggestions.