Molecular Genetics Research Proposal


Assignment: To write a research proposal using the techniques of molecular genetics to address a biological question. The proposal should include sufficient information needed for evaluation of the project, independent of any other document. Organize the Research Proposal to answer these questions:
  1. What do you intend to do?
  2. Why is the work important?
  3. What has already been done?
  4. How are you going to do the work?
Requirements: Your proposal must contain:
  • Abstract:
    A short (250 word) summary of the entire proposal. If someone were to read nothing else but this section, they would learn what question your proposal addresses, why you have chosen that question, and how you intend to answer it.
  • Background and Significance:
    Briefly sketch the background leading to the present proposal, critically evaluate existing knowledge, and specifically identify the gaps that the project is intended to fill.
  • Research Design and Methods:
    Describe the research design and the procedures to be used to accomplish the specific aims of the project. Describe the experiments that you would do to answer your question and the materials that you will need to complete them. This should include only the major materials that you would use. For example, you may assume that buffers, chemicals, and standard media are freely available but you should describe any selective media or enzymes that you need.Include how the data will be collected, analyzed, and interpreted. Describe any new methodology and its advantage over existing methodologies. Discuss the potential difficulties and limitations of the proposed procedures and alternative approaches to achieve the aims. As part of this section, provide a tentative sequence or timetable for the project. Although no specific number of pages is recommended for the Research Design and Methods section, the total for the proposal may not exceed 10 pages, including all tables and figures.
  • Bibliography:
    Cite the literature that you used to develop this proposal where appropriate in the body of the proposal. List the full citation in this section. Each reference must include the title, names of all authors, book or journal, volume number, page numbers, and year of publication. Include the author's name and date of publication in the body (Mendel 1865) and give an alphabetical list in the Bibliography. It saves you from renumbering when you change references.
Advice on topic choice: Keep your question focused: "How is gene expression regulated?" is an impossible proposal topic. "What role does the X-element play in the expression of gene Y?" is much more feasible.
Deadlines:
Topic choice April 14
Outline May 1
First draft May 8
Final draft May 12
Miscellaneous Information:
  • The format of this assignment was derived from U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Public Health Service Grant Application (PHS 398)