Biochemistry and molecular biology are rapidly growing
and changing
fields. They epitomize many scientific fields in that ideas and
information are frequently replaced by new information and
interpretations. In order to keep up, it is important to read the
research journals in which scientists report their research results and
their interpretations of their own, and others' work. These
reports
are often highly technical, and by their nature are usually narrow in
scope. One can keep abreast fairly well, although not quite as
up-to-date, by reading "reviews". These are secondary
sources. Some
are written by professional journalists or "science writers".
Others
are written by the same people who are actively involved in cutting
edge research.
The assignment is to read the article
assigned to you in a return email from assignment 1b, or, if not, by
specific email request. In a short
(estimate, about a page) essay, include all the following
components.
Read all the instructions before writing your essay, and follow the
instructions. Essays may be returned for rewriting if this is
deemed
necessary. You may, and should, ask someone else to read your
essay at
least for grammar, and for content if possible, BEFORE you turn it
in.
This is equally true whether you turn it in on paper or electronically.
1.
Brief (approximately one paragraph worth) summary of the main
points
in the article (from the author's point of view). - do not try to go
into detail, just write what the article was about, in your own
words.
2. The one or two points which you found most important, interesting,
intriguing, or new to yourself.
3. At least one issue or question which follows from the work described
i.e. what the next step might be.
4. At least 1 future implication (e.g. medical) of this work.
5. At least 1 ethical implication of this work (or its future
potential as discussed for #4).
6. How the material presented in the article relates to some issue
other than what is specifically mentioned by the author.
7.
Citation using an acceptable format for science journals. Do not
cite
every statement in the essay; this is your own essay in your own words.
☞
Please note that you are asked to summarize the topic, not to review or
describe either the article or the author(s). DO NOT QUOTE.
Use your
own words to summarize the material, and then to respond to it.
Use
the questions outlined above as guidelines to organize your
essay.
- DO NOT use these questions as if they were exam questions to be
addressed by number, in order.
- Do not assume, as you write, that the reader has read this
assignment sheet & questions.
- Do not use phrases such as ‘the article says ...’ or ‘the authors
say ....’
- Do not give biographical information about the authors
FOR
ALL HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS:
DO NOT QUOTE
All
essay-type homework assignments must be typewritten (printed) -
preferably using a word processor - and proof-read. It is
advisable to
have as many people as possible read your essay before printing the
final draft, so that it will have as few errors, and be as well-written
and understandable as possible. Spelling, typographical, and
grammatical errors are unacceptable, so proofread your work.
It
is unnecessary (and wastes trees) to use a cover page, or any blank
pages front or back. Covers are also unnecessary (and
undesirable).
Be a minimalist: just put your name, date, and some indication of which
assignment you are completing as a heading, as follows:
Biol 99 HOMEWORK # - and due date
- YOUR NAME
(any appropriate title, or citation* of works being summarized or other
relevant information)
* always use a proper citation format - see link on
website for guidelines
using email for
submission is always acceptable