Home

Abstract (10 points)

• identifies the goal and significance of the project
• describes the approach (methods used are identified)
• reports specific data (e.g., specific activity and molecular mass)
• offers a conclusion and/or recommendation
• appropriate depth, stands alone (single paragraph, 250 words or less)

Introduction (20 points)

• relevant context of the problem is given, clear point of departure
• goal is clearly included as a hypothesis, question, or statement
• approach is described and justified
• excessive background information is excluded
• appropriate depth

Materials and Methods (15 points)

• appropriate level of detail, identity of materials
• appropriate depth/content, accurate
• logical order, use/choice of subheadings
• procedural details are not specific to a single possible result
• ALL relevant procedures included

Results (20 points)

• organization, choice of visuals/data (excludes raw data and analytical tools such as standard curves)
• text summarizes major findings & references figures and tables by name/number
• minimal or no interpretation included, appropriate depth
• professionally formatted table (use of rule lines, title placement, headings with correct units, numerical alignment), "stand alone"
• figures include properly formatted figure caption/labels (e.g., identifies gel composition, lane contents, sizes of standards, and bands of interest), "stand alone"
• kinetics data presented clearly and accurately, including statistical analysis of Km's
• accurate analysis, precision considered in all numerical data
• acknowledgement of source of data

Discussion (20 points)

• opens by reorienting reader to research goal/significance
• organization: overall; same order as Results
• accuracy and clarity of interpretation
• integration of biochemical theory
• comparison of data with published studies
• distinct conclusions supported by data
• ends with a final conclusion that relates to the overall goal
• appropriate depth

References (5 points)

• cited both within text and in References section
• consistent formatting in citations, correct format used
• Introduction: appropriate and relevant
• Materials and Methods: appropriate and relevant
• Discussion: appropriate and relevant

Professional Writing Style (10 points)

• follows Instructions to Authors
• clarity and terminology use
• coherent flow of information appropriate for genre
• sentence/paragraph structure, consistent formatting
• grammar/spelling, proofread for errors

Copyright, Acknowledgements, and Intended Use
Created by B. Beason (bbeason@rice.edu), Rice University, 17 December 2004
Updated 21 April 2015