What This Document Is
This document contains detailed guidelines for formulating a research proposal within the context of a biology course, specifically geared towards students engaging in independent research projects. It outlines the expectations and structure required for a successful proposal, serving as a foundational resource for planning and executing scientific investigations. The material is presented with considerations for both laboratory-based and field-based studies, acknowledging potential differences in approach.
Why This Document Matters
This resource is essential for students enrolled in courses requiring original research, particularly those in ecology, biology, or GIS-related fields. It’s most valuable *before* beginning the planning stages of a research project, helping to ensure a well-defined and justifiable study design. Understanding these guidelines will streamline the proposal writing process and increase the likelihood of project approval. Students will also find revisiting these guidelines helpful when drafting the final report, as sections often overlap.
Topics Covered
* The importance of the scientific method in biological research
* Proposal structure and formatting requirements
* Distinctions between research proposals for lab studies versus field studies
* Proper use of scientific language and terminology
* Guidelines for citing scientific names
* Maintaining consistent tense throughout a research proposal
What This Document Provides
* A comprehensive overview of the components expected in a research proposal
* Guidance on appropriate writing style and tone for scientific communication
* Clarification on the use of person (first person singular vs. plural) in research writing
* Best practices for proposal presentation and organization
* A framework for “thinking through” a research project before implementation
* Considerations for upper-level course variations in proposal format.
