This lesson provides the additional framework and assignments required for graduate students participating in the Research Proposal Project. It focuses on technical plausibility, resource management, and strategic academic significance.
You’ll start by selecting a topic in molecular genetics and identifying a primary research paper related to that topic. This paper will serve as the foundation for your research proposal.
Mini-due 2. Summarize the Paper
Provide a summary of the research paper, including:
General Background: Provide key background information necessary to understand the paper.
Cellular Pathway or Process Investigated: Identify the cellular pathway or biological process being explored.
Main Biological Question: Outline the primary biological question the paper addresses.
Specific Goals/Aims: Describe the aims of the paper, detailing the goals of the research.
Brief overview of the key experiments and summarize the results obtained. Focus on the most critical experiments that contribute to answering the biological question.
References: Include in-text citation and reference for the primary research paper.
Mini-due 3. Validation of Experiment
Pick ONE Key Experiment/Data from the paper
Select the single most important experiment or data presented in the paper and discuss the following:
Research Question: What question is this experiment addressing?
Method Used: Describe the method applied in the experiment.
Summary of Results: Summarize the results obtained.
Importance: Explain why this experiment is considered the key experiment in the paper.
Propose an Alternate Method
Propose an alternative approach to test the same question, explaining how it would serve as a viable alternative.
Provide a description of the expected results and the controls involved (sketches, diagrams, etc.), including necessary legend, labels, and a key for any figures.
Offer a full explanation of your figure, results, and conclusions.
References
Include citation and reference for the primary research paper.
Include at least two other references for description of a new approach and rationale.
Mini-due 4. Aims & Experimental Set-up
This is the “Proposal” section of the project, which is the most important part.
This follow-up proposal extends the primary research paper summarized in mini-due #1-3, focusing on further exploration of the topic through new experiments. It must present original research that addresses unanswered questions or areas for deeper analysis. The proposal should clearly outline how these gaps or new questions will be explored through additional experiments, with a clear plan for the next research phase.
While building on the initial findings, the proposal should not merely suggest minor changes or slight modifications to the experiments already conducted in the primary study. Instead, it should aim to test new hypotheses, explore unexplored aspects, or introduce innovative approaches to advance the understanding of the topic. This follow-up should contribute new insights, not just refine the previous methodology or experiments.
Clearly Define the Overarching Goal of the Project
This is the central goal or purpose of your research proposal.
What is the research question you are trying to address? (Formulate a hypothesis)
Explain why addressing this question is significant.
Two Specific Aims
Specific Aims outline the exact experiments you intend to conduct to answer the overarching research question or hypothesis.
Define at least two specific aims that will answer your overarching research question. Each specific aim should be structured to explore a different facet of the overarching question.
Each aim should be clear, focused, and feasible, with well-defined experimental strategies to test specific aspects of the overarching question.
Experimental Set-up
For each aim, describe the experimental method, including the model system and techniques you plan to use. Detail the controls and rationale behind your experiment.
Model and Techniques/Methods Used:
Describe the specific model system (e.g., cell line, animal model, or biochemical assay) and the techniques or methods (e.g., PCR, Western blotting, microscopy, flow cytometry, etc.) you plan to use. Specify why these methods are appropriate for testing the hypothesis.
Controls:
Identify the positive and/or negative controls, and describe how they will help ensure the reliability and validity of your results. Explain the purpose of these controls in the context of the experiment.
Rationale for Experiment:
Provide a clear rationale for why you chose this particular experimental design. Discuss how it aligns with the aims of your proposal and how it will help answer the overarching research questions posed.
Expected Outcome(s):
Outline the expected outcomes of the experiment based on prior knowledge and the hypothesis. Discuss what results you anticipate observing and how they relate to the hypothesis being tested.
Figure, Results, and Controls:
Include a figure that represents the experimental design and results. Provide a legend, labels, and key as needed. Make sure the figure clearly illustrates the experimental setup and outcomes.
Interpretation of Results:
Discuss what the anticipated results would mean in the context of the overarching research question. How would these outcomes contribute to answering the primary research question and advancing understanding of the topic?
Pitfalls and Alternative Methods
Identify potential pitfalls or challenges that could arise during the experiment (e.g., technical issues, experimental limitations).
Consider possible unexpected results and what they might indicate.
Propose alternative methods that could be used to address these challenges or provide additional insights into the research question.
References
Every idea that does not originate from you must be cited.
Include citation and reference for the primary research paper.
Include at least five other references for description of a new approach and rationale.
Finalized Research Proposal Write-up
Organize the mini-dues in a clear and structured manner to ensure a smooth and logical flow. Once all sections are finalized and cohesive, submit the completed written proposal. The end of the proposal must contain 5 or more other references besides the original primary research paper.
Abstract: Summarize the proposal into a paragraph
Background: Summary of research paper & Validation of experiment
Research question and significance: Summarize the overarching research question and why addressing this question is important.
Specific aims: Experimental set up, potential outcomes, pitfalls and alternative methods.
References: Provide citation within text and references at the end.
Proposal Presentation PowerPoint
Prepare a professional PowerPoint slide summarizing your research proposal.
Begin with sufficient background information to ensure the audience has a clear understanding of the topic.
Provide a concise summary of the primary paper, including its main findings, methods, and any gaps or limitations.
The focal point of your presentation should be your research proposal, where you detail the experimental aims and approaches. Clearly outline your research questions and aims, describe the methods, and highlight the significance of your proposed work. Present the expected outcomes in a logical and feasible manner, using visual elements such as charts, graphs, or tables.
Refer to the Research Proposal Presentation Evaluation Criteria for more details.
Evaluation Criteria
Your proposal and presentation will be evaluated based on the following:
Clarity and depth of background information.
Logical summary and transition from the primary research paper.
Feasibility and significance of the overarching research question.
Cohesion and clarity of the specific aims.
Design, feasibility, and controls in experimental setups for both aims.
Effective usage of visual elements such as charts, graphs, or tables to illustrate key points and expected outcomes.
Anticipation of potential pitfalls and provision of alternative approaches.
Organization and pacing of the presentation.
Professionalism and responsiveness during the Q&A session.
