Grading Rubric for Cell & Molecular Biology (BIOL 405)
Disease Papers: Spring 2008
Throughout the semester, you will create two projects describing the cell biology of a specific aspect of a human disease. The first project will be a 3-4-page paper that will include the biology of the disease/pathogen, and a discussion of the specific cell biology aspect of the disease or pathogen. The second project will follow the same general guidelines, but does not have to be a formal paper; it may be a poster, skit, etc. In addition, one project will be chosen for an oral in-class presentation. All final drafts must be submitted in hard copy, and via Turnitin. The final draft of the paper will not be graded until the originality report from Turnitin is received.
Once all papers have been submitted, I will remove identifying information and re-distribute them to the class. Using the following rubric, please grade your classmate’s paper based on organization, clarity, content, and referencing.
1. Organization: 5 points
Each paper must have the following sections: Introduction, Body, Conclusion, Reference page, cover page, page numbers and length (3-4 pages)
2. Clarity: 5 points
The paper should have a logical flow – it should have a good thesis statement, and should lead the reader easily from one paragraph to the next; transitions should be smooth. This section also includes the mechanics of the paper: there should be minimal spelling errors, and appropriate language and grammar should be used.
3. Content: 15 points
The following questions should be addressed in each disease paper. Although all questions may not apply in every paper, the majority of questions should be discussed. As discussed in class, at least 6 of the 8 questions should be addressed.
- What is it? (Brief description of the virus, bacteria, or the problem of a particular cell.)
- What does it do?
- What is the normal function of the targeted host (or part[s] of the body)?
- How is the normal function/tissue/cell being affected during this disease?
- Are there any treatments for this virus/bacteria/disease?
- Is there any cure?
- How many people does this disease affect – annually, locally, globally, etc.?
- Can it be passed on to another person? If so, how?
4. References: 5 points
Each paper should have a total of four references, of which 50% must be primary research articles. (If there is a problem obtaining the appropriate number of primary research articles, please see the professor before the paper due date. For example, with permission, it may be possible to increase the total number of references, while only including one primary research article.)
All sources should be current – published within the last five years (2003-2008). Sources should also be credible; websites are allowed, but their credibility should be closely assessed by the paper’s author. (Please remember that you may use an online dictionary – such as Wikipedia – only once during the semester.)
Citation style should be consistent within the paper.
Pictures should have the source info (website, textbook, journal, etc.) directly below the picture. Full reference information is NOT required, and does not have to be included on the References page.
5. Turnitin.com: Remember that all final drafts MUST be submitted in hard copy, AND via Turnitin. NO paper will be graded until the originality report from Turnitin has been received.