Each student will develop a research topic and complete a 15-page (double-spaced) paper with at least 15 scientific primary (PEER-REVIEWED) references, properly cited. See the following for guidance.
This is the recommended strategy/approach for writing your research paper:
Choice of Animal – Use EOL (Encyclopedia of Life) to help you find basic information so that you can choose a species that is interesting to you!
Save the first page of 5 different scientific research articles on that species
Write a brief paragraph explaining your interest in this animal and why you think it will be interesting to evolutionary biology.
In addition, include a brief 1-paragraph summary of each of the 5 articles explaining how each adds to your understanding of this species (In your OWN words).
Title and Reference List – 10 primary sources (5 of these may be the same as in previous section) pertaining to your research topic in correct format. This should look like an official Reference In addition, for each of the 10 articles, provide 5 facts in your own words that will appear in your final paper.
Outline I- Detailed organization of the ideas you will be expanding upon within your research paper. 5 page minimum (single-spaced), NO complete sentences. You will have many different topics but be sure to also include:
Organism hierarchy (Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species)
Current worldwide distribution if extant, or previous known distribution if extinct?
What does/did it eat?
What predators does/did it have?
4. Outline II- Complete sentences will now appear to provide depth to the outline of ideas. Sentences from the Reference List could be used Provide a full reference list and the first page of 15 references!
5. Final Paper – Complete with title page, abstract, divided sections with subtitles, proper citations and reference pages; all in correct format. Minimum requirements: 15 page (double-spaced) paper with at least 15 scientific primary references cited within text and organized in reference page.
6. Paper must be uploaded to Canvas (and run through) com by the due date!
7. Class Presentation- Each student will make a 5-minute presentation with a minimum of 5 PPT slides highlighting how their research supports their thesis.
I will review any of these steps (and offer constructive feedback) throughout your research journey, if you share your draft files with me well in advance of the final paper submission.
I strongly recommend that you look at the rubric that will be used to grade your paper before submitting:
Criteria Pts
Evidence of organization/outline with clear overall theme (thesis).
10
Claims/Reasons supported by adequate evidence. Methods of cited studies are described briefly when appropriate to put the evidence in context.
10
Adequate background information provided in the introduction
5
Text is cohesive. Generally, sentences flow well from one to the next due to correct placement of information (old vs new).
10
Text is coherent. Each paragraph is centered around one main idea, and each paragraph logically follows the one before it.
10
Generally avoids passive voice, unless it is useful for cohesion or emphasis.
5
Correctly uses in-line citations of sources within the text. All claims that could be questioned are supported by an appropriate source.
5
Sources are used appropriately, either by summarizing or paraphrasing.
5
Bibliography is complete: AT LEAST 10 primary peer reviewed sources that are cited in the paper + others for context if needed) in an appropriate (journal of your choice) format. All papers in the bibliography are cited in-line at least once. All sources cited in-line are included in the bibliography.
5
The register is appropriate for an academic audience.
5
Writing is clear and to the point (no excessive filler)
5
Appropriate length: 15 pages. This count includes the bibliography, but not images/graphs.
5
Grammatically correct: no spelling or grammar errors.
5
Clear evidence of revision from the LRC check-in, following any suggestions of peers & instructor.
15
TOTAL 100
