Evolutionary Biology

Biology 332: Evolutionary Biology

George M. Diggs, Jr.
Department of Biology and Center for Environmental Studies
Austin College, Sherman, Texas
& Research Associate, Botanical Research Institute of Texas (BRIT), Fort Worth

EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY RESEARCH SUMMARY AND LIST OF LITERATURE CITED

Assignment: Each student will be required to do a short summary of the most recent evolutionary research on a topic of their own choosing. It is important that you chose something that you are interested in. The final product will be a three-four page (typed, double-spaced) summary paper and an associated literature cited. The grade will be determined by the depth of research, the recentness of the references, and the integration and understanding shown in the summary. The purpose of this paper is not for you to produce a lengthy tome; rather it is for you to learn about doing up-to-date research on a specific scientific topic. You will find that there are many excellent references available on-line. In some cases only the abstrast is available and you will need to go through the A-Z E-Sources or Journal Finder tools on the Austin College Abell Library web site to obtain the actual article. Indicate in your literature cited how you found each reference. You may also make use of the interlibrary loan option if needed. You should have at least ten references including at least five recent original research articles from appropriate scientific journals (e.g. Evolution, Nature, Science, PLOS Biology, Proceedings of the National Acadamy of Science, Systematic Botany; not such secondary sources as Discover, Scientific American, etc.). You may also include older or secondary or more general reference works in addition to your five original research articles. An "original research article" is a report in a scientific journal in which the authors present new data and conclusions based on those data. The citation of references and the format of your literature cited must follow the examples on the paper attached to your syllabus ("in note" style). Because of interlibrary time constraints, you should begin work on your paper at least one month in advance of the deadline. I suggest you discuss your choice of topic with me before investing substantial time. I may also have pertinent books or suggestions. Your title, a typed short paragraph outlining the topic, and a list of at least three references are due at class time on Thursday, 17 March.The assignment is due at class time on Tuesday, 5 April. Staple this sheet to the front of your paper prior to handing it in. You will give a twelve minute oral presentation (Powerpoint format) based on your topic during one of our last classes or laboratories.

STUDENT ______________________________

GRADE ________________________________

1. Literature Cited (depth of research; topic covered adequately?;
number and diversity of appropriate references) _________

2. Recentness of references ______________________________________

3. Computer searches indicated ___________________________________

4. Integration and understanding shown ____________________________

5. Correct format (references, lit. cited, length, typed, etc.) __________________

6. Title, paragraph, and list of references completed and on time ______________

7. Oral presentation of paper _____________________________________

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