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Introduction

Due: Oct 6, 2024 by 11:59 p.m. Points: 60

This assignment is designed to guide you in drafting the introduction section of your perspective paper in computational biology. By applying the provided guidelines, you will structure your introduction effectively, synthesize the literature you have reviewed, and set the stage for presenting your unique perspective on your chosen topic.

Objectives:

  • Understand the components of an effective introduction in a scientific perspective article.
  • Synthesize existing literature to provide a comprehensive background for your topic.
  • Develop a clear and engaging introduction that outlines your perspective and its significance within the field of computational biology.
  • Practice academic writing standards, including proper citation and referencing.

Instructions

  1. Review Provided Guidelines:
  2. Utilize Previous Work:
    • Incorporate the literature you have gathered and summarized in your previous assignments. Ensure that you reference and synthesize this literature to build a solid foundation for your introduction.
  3. Draft Your Introduction:
    • Length: Approximately 1.5 pages (around 500-750 words).
    • Content Requirements:
      • Opening Statement: Capture the reader’s attention and establish the relevance of your topic.
      • Background Funnel: Provide essential context, gradually narrowing down from broad concepts to your specific focus.
      • Current Gaps: Identify key challenges or gaps in the current research that your perspective will address.
      • Your Perspective: Clearly introduce your main argument or viewpoint, including a strong thesis statement.
      • Article Structure: Outline the organization of your paper, briefly mentioning the main sections or key points you will cover.
      • Use of Literature: Integrate and cite relevant literature to support your introduction.
  4. Formatting Requirements:
    • File Format: Submit your draft as a PDF file.
    • Font: Use a readable 12-point font.
    • Spacing: 1.5 line spacing.
    • Margins: 1-inch margins on all sides.
    • Header: Include a header with your name, the course number, and the date (e.g., “Jane Doe | BIOSC 1630 | October 4, 2024”).
    • References: Provide a reference list at the end of your introduction. Use the APA format.
  5. Submission Instructions:
    • Upload your PDF file to the designated assignment link on Canvas by the due date and time.

Submission Guidelines

  • File Naming: Use the format Lastname_Firstname_IntroDraft.pdf (e.g., Doe_Jane_IntroDraft.pdf).
  • Proofread: Ensure your draft is free from grammatical errors and follows the formatting guidelines.
  • References: Double-check that all in-text citations correspond to entries in your reference list and adhere to the chosen citation style.
  • Plagiarism: Ensure all sources are properly cited to avoid plagiarism. Use plagiarism detection tools if available.

Rubric

Your introduction draft will be evaluated based on the following criteria. The total possible points for this assignment are 60 points.

Criterion Points Description
Opening Statement 10 Effectively engages the audience, establishes context, and sets the tone for the perspective. The opening should be compelling, relevant, and concise, drawing the reader into the topic. It should clearly introduce the specific area of computational biology being addressed.
Background Funnel 10 Provides a clear progression from broad concepts to the specific topic, includes relevant history and critical concepts. The background should logically narrow down from general information about computational biology to the specific focus of the paper, including key milestones and essential concepts.
Current Gaps 10 Identifies relevant challenges or controversies and links them to the perspective. The draft should clearly outline one or two main gaps in the current research and explain how these gaps justify the need for the perspective being presented.
Your Perspective 10 Clearly introduces the main argument and its contribution, with a strong thesis statement. The perspective should be well-articulated, demonstrating originality and relevance. The thesis statement should be specific, debatable, and set up the direction for the rest of the paper.
Article Structure 5 Effectively outlines the rest of the article and key points to be covered. The structure should provide a brief roadmap of the main sections or arguments that will be discussed, ensuring logical flow and coherence with the thesis.
Use of Literature 10 Effectively incorporates and cites relevant literature throughout the introduction. The draft should demonstrate a strong understanding of existing research, citing seminal and recent studies appropriately. References should support the background, gaps, and perspective presented.
Writing Quality 5 The writing is clear, concise, and appropriate for an undergraduate audience in computational biology. The draft should be well-organized, free of grammatical errors, and use appropriate academic language. Clarity and readability are essential for effective communication.
Detailed Rubric Breakdown
  1. Opening Statement (10 points)
    • 10-9: Exceptionally engaging and relevant; clearly sets the tone and context.
    • 8-7: Engaging and relevant; sets a clear tone and context.
    • 6-5: Moderately engaging; some relevance to the topic.
    • 4-0: Lacks engagement or relevance; does not effectively introduce the topic.
  2. Background Funnel (10 points)
    • 10-9: Comprehensive and logically structured; smoothly narrows from broad to specific.
    • 8-7: Clear progression with relevant information; minor gaps in flow.
    • 6-5: Adequate background but lacks some logical flow or depth.
    • 4-0: Incomplete or poorly structured; fails to provide necessary context.
  3. Current Gaps (10 points)
    • 10-9: Clearly identifies significant gaps; effectively links to the perspective.
    • 8-7: Identifies relevant gaps with a clear connection to the perspective.
    • 6-5: Identifies gaps but with a weak connection to the perspective.
    • 4-0: Fails to identify relevant gaps or link them to the perspective.
  4. Your Perspective (10 points)
    • 10-9: Thesis is clear, specific, and highly relevant; demonstrates originality.
    • 8-7: Clear and relevant thesis; adequately sets up the paper.
    • 6-5: Thesis is present but may lack specificity or relevance.
    • 4-0: Thesis is unclear, vague, or missing.
  5. Article Structure (5 points)
    • 5-4: Clearly outlines the structure with logical flow.
    • 3-2: Provides a basic outline but may lack some clarity or detail.
    • 1-0: Vague or incomplete outline of the article structure.
  6. Use of Literature (10 points)
    • 10-9: Integrates a wide range of relevant literature seamlessly; citations are accurate.
    • 8-7: Uses relevant literature effectively with minor citation issues.
    • 6-5: Incorporates literature but may lack depth or have some citation errors.
    • 4-0: Minimal or ineffective use of literature; numerous citation errors.
  7. Writing Quality (5 points)
    • 5-4: Exceptionally clear, concise, and free of errors.
    • 3-2: Generally clear with few errors; minor issues with conciseness.
    • 1-0: Unclear, wordy, or contains multiple grammatical errors.

Additional Tips for Success

  • Start Early: Begin drafting well before the due date to allow ample time for revisions.
  • Follow the Guide: Refer to the Introduction Guide for Scientific Perspective Articles to ensure all components are addressed.
  • Be Selective with Sources: Choose the most relevant and impactful literature to support your introduction.
  • Maintain Clarity: Use straightforward language and avoid unnecessary jargon. Define specialized terms as needed.
  • Revise Thoroughly: Review your draft multiple times to enhance clarity, coherence, and flow.
  • Seek Feedback: Share your draft with peers or utilize writing center resources for constructive feedback before submission.