Introduction to Bioinformatics

Instructions for Writing Assignment (Option#1)

Chemistry 434

 

The student will write a three page summary (minimum) on any original research article on bioinformatics.  The article must be published in science journal that specializes in bioinformatics, such as Bioinformatics.  The article must be published within the last 6 months.  The article must not be a review article.

 

The summary must include: 1) a description of the hypothesis being tested; 2) a description of the results (it is useful to describe each figure or table); 3) the major conclusion of the work; 4) a new question that builds on the article’s findings.  The paper must be written in the student’s own words.  Plagiarism will not be tolerated and you will receive a zero if you plagiarize.  The paper and a photocopy of the original research article must be handed in together.  Only typewritten or word-processed papers will be accepted.  Reports must be placed in a book report cover.

 

Specific Instructions:

 

1.      Title page

 

            Top center of page: Title of Article to be Reviewed and Complete Names of all Authors.

 

            Example:          An analysis of “_________________” by ______________

 

            Middle of page:            Name of student

                                                Date

 

            Bottom of Page:            CHEM 434

                                                California State University at Los Angeles

                                                Drs. Jamil Momand and Nancy Warter-Perez

                                   

 

2.      Text should be typed double-spaced, using 12-point font size, with 1” margins (top, bottom, sides).

3.      The text should be 3-5 pages in length (not including the title page).

4.      All pages, except the title page, must be numbered at the bottom, center.

5.      The summary should include:

a.       Introduction

                        Background information

                        Hypothesis being tested

b.      Data analysis

Describe the method the author’s used to generate each figure or table.

Reiterate, in your own words, the conclusion drawn from each figure or table.

                        Describe, in your opinion, the most compelling data presented.

c.       Conclusions

                        Determine whether the authors answered the hypothesis they presented.

                        Describe strengths and weaknesses of the paper.

                        Describe what should be the next question the work raises.

                        Describe the importance of the work to society’s scientific knowledge.

 

 The student will lose 15 points for each day it is late.  It is advisable to start as early as possible.

 

 


Introduction to Bioinformatics

Instructions for Writing Assignment (Option#2)

Chemistry 434

 

The student will write a four-page paper (minimum) that analyzes a company that proposes to use bioinformatics to provide a service.  The company must offer a new software program.

 

The paper must include the following:

 

1) A description of the software the company will provide (this should constitute at least two pages).

2) The name of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and the Head of Technology (HOT).

3) The administrative structure of the company (limited partnership, corporation, sole proprietor, etc.) and its physical location.

4) Any alliances the company has with other companies and the purpose of these alliances (for example they may market their product through a different company).

5) The previous experience the CEO, CFO and HOT have in running other companies or in academia

6) The projected market (who will it offer services to and how large of a market does it anticipate)

7) The time period the company has been in business and when the company expects to become profitable.

8) The description of similar software programs in development or on the market that might compete with the company’s product.

9) A description of the education/experience profiles of the future employees the company will employ.

10) A summary of how the company has performed financially in the past two years (a graph would be appropriate).

11) An assessment as to whether the company will survive and the rationale for your assessment.

 

The paper must be written in your own words.  Do not attempt to plagiarize or cut and past.  The paper and a photocopy of the company home web page must be handed into the instructor together.  Only a hard copy of word-processed papers will be accepted.

 

Specific Instructions:

 

6.      Title page

 

            Top center of page: Name of Company to be Reviewed and Complete Names of CEO, CFO and HOT.

 

            Example:                      An analysis of “_________________”

                                                http:\\www.___________

 

            Middle of page:            Name of student

                                                Date

 

            Bottom of Page:            CHEM 434

                                                California State University at Los Angeles

                                                Drs. Jamil Momand and Nancy Warter-Perez

                                   

 

7.      Text should be typed double-spaced, using 12-point font size, with 1” margins (top, bottom, sides).

8.      The text should be 4 pages in length minimum (not including the title page).

9.      All pages, except the title page, must be numbered at the bottom, center.

10.  Place report in a book report cover.

 

Fifteen points will be deducted each day the paper is late.  Start as early as possible.