For your final research paper, you will select a topic of interest in geoscience, research the topic, then write up the findings.
Prior approval of the instructor is required. Please make sure to submit your research paper topic to your instructor by the end of the second week of the class.
Research paper guidelines
The best papers are those that have a limited scope. Try to avoid a topic that is too general. A major subject may have literature so extensive that students find it difficult to “distill” the material into a definitive paper.
Papers are accepted only if the references are documented and pertinent, beyond textbook information. In using the Internet for sources, you must document that the author is qualified regarding the subject rather than a journalist or someone quoting another researcher in order to present material as fact rather than opinion or review. Many articles regarding scientific subjects are written for popular consumption by individuals who tend to place unprofessional opinions or “slants” on topics they are not qualified to assess, thereby severely detracting from the overall quality of your investigation.
It is important for you to avoid plagiarism in your paper: Make yourself aware of what this type of “copying” involves – such as repeating what you read from a reference without attribution by quotation marks. Your paper should include a minimum of 3 supporting, credible references.
The minimum length of TEXT is 3 pages, double-spaced. Your choice of font style and size should conform to normal standards for a professional paper, particularly designed to assist readability. Although there is a tacit assumption that the paper will be typed, hand-written reports will be accepted. However, the clarity of presentation may detract from the overall quality of your efforts.
The required format for your research paper is as follows:
Title Page
Title of paper
National University
Course number and title
Instructor’s name
Month & year course taken
Your name as the author
Table of Contents (Optional)
This should present the basic paper outline, much like the table of contents in your text. This will assist you in the organization of your material and presentation.
Body of Report
Summary and Conclusions
References (APA format)
Appendices (If and as needed)
*Include in a table of contents if used
