RESEARCH PROJECT

Writing an effective scientific paper is not easy. A good rule of thumb is to write as if your paper
will be read by a person who knows about the field in general but does not already know what
you did. Before you write a scientific paper read some scientific papers that have been written in
the format of the paper you plan to use. In addition to the science, pay attention to the writing
style and format.

ASSIGNMENT: Choose a disorder associated with one of the systems covered in this class that challenges and interest you. Gather information on the disorder and be able to answer questions that are commonly asked by the diagnosed patient or their families.

Some common questions might include:

What is the disorder? Is it fatal?
How did I get it? Is it contagious?
Is it curable? Do I need an operation?
Will I pass it on to my children? Will it affect my ability to have children?
How is it treated? Are there side effects or risks to treatment?
How does this affect my lifestyle? What is the long-term outlook?
Discuss the statistics associated with this disorder or disease

MEDICATIONS: Be able to explain any common medications prescribed for the condition

GRADING: Twenty (20%) percent of the grade is based on the student’s ability to communicate and explain information to a patient in a professional and educated manner.

SUGGESTION: List all literature cited in your paper, in alphabetical order, by first author. Only primary literature should be used (original research articles authored by the original investigators). Be cautious about using web sites as references, especially Wikipedia – anyone can put just about anything on a web site, and you have no sure way of knowing if it is truth or fiction. If you are citing an online journal, use the journal citation (name, volume, year, page numbers). Some of your papers may not require references, and if that is the case simply state that “no references were consulted.

Papers must be typed, double spaced, (size 10-12 font), a minimum of 4 pages, and must contain a minimum of 4 reference sources in the bibliography. Only 2 of the four sources can be internet sources. MLA (Modern Language Association) style format should be used when preparing your research paper.
Elements of the Research Paper should include:
• Title
• Introduction
• Discussion
• Works Cited/References