Focus of the Essay:
On some aspect of a living organism within a more general set of scientific criteria.
These things should be included in the essay:
Research question worthy of study.
Multiple hypotheses and considering alternatives
Gathering, measuring, recording and analyzing data
Evaluating data and procedure
Revisions to the procedure for future research
Graded on the ability to show the following:
Emphasis to the biological study of living organisms
Uses of methods and resources with personal involvement
Analysis of the limitations surrounding the research
Choosing the Topic:
Be careful to choose a topic that is purely related to biology rather than another subject area, such as biochemistry.
Topics related to human diseases should focus on the biological processes rather than the diagnosis or ramifications on society.
Consider the ethical situations posed by the topic.
Do not pick a topic that would depend on confidential medical information.
Avoid experiments hazardous to safety.
Sources:
Balance primary and secondary sources.
Primary Source: raw data from the experiment
Secondary Source: any other studies or reference materials
Use online sources sparingly.
Treatment of Topic:
Based on data collected through: experimentation, survey, microscopic observations, biological drawings, or fieldwork.
Base the data on sufficient resources but analyze these sources rather than summarize.
Provide evidence of personal contribution to research.
Clear description of experimental procedure.
The main body of the essay should consist of an argument or evaluation of the procedure.
Explanations of unexpected outcomes and modifications to the original hypotheses.
Present the material under a series of subheadings.
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