Biology 101 Research Paper

GM Foods Research Paper

Biology 101 –Fall 2014

This writing assignment is designed to provide opportunities for the student to find, evaluate, select, synthesize, organize, cite, and present information and arguments clearly and effectively for understanding scientific issues on personal, societal, and global levels. This requirement is designed to help students achieve the University-wide Student Learning Outcomes (UPS 300.003) specifically to “communicate clearly, effectively, and persuasively, both orally and in writing”. ( http://www.fullerton.edu/senate/documents/UPS300.003_University%20Learning%20Outcomes_effec_1-28-13..pdf )

The development and use of GM foods has become a political issue. In November 2012, California Proposition 37: Genetically Engineered Foods Labeling was rejected. Since then, other states have proposed various plans that involved regulating or labeling foods that have been genetically modified. As you have strived to be an educated consumer and concerned citizen, understanding the facts of an issue are very important.

Write a well-researched paper that addresses the following key points:

1. Give a brief explanation of genetically modified food in general. Select one genetically modified food currently available to consumers (corn, soy or canola oil) and explain the process of modification. What genes are used and why are those genes selected?

2. Give your opinion on genetically modified food: Are you in favor or against the development and use of them? Are you concerned with their safety? What about current and proposed labeling requirements? Make sure your opinion is supported by evidence.

*NOTE: Your entire paper, even parts that ask for your opinion, must be well supported by evidence. Having a good number of quality references will help in this regard.

Total number of references (3):

In addition to information presented in the Genetically Modified Foods module, you must use and reference at least three additional sources for this paper. Any information included in your paper, including course materials, needs to be cited and included in your references.

It is important that your paper be thoroughly researched and clearly written. You should define all your terms and be concise (2 pages/ 450 – 550 words). This assignment is designed to give you the experience of applying your knowledge of biology to a current controversy or topic of interest. You will use the same sort of method that you will later use as an informed citizen and consumer when making decisions that involve biology.

Other resources

Primary Sources : You will find information in the “primary literature,” which is where the research was originally published. You can find these articles by using CSUF’s on-line search engines, or by asking for the help of a CSUF librarian. Examples of the primary literature include Science, Nature, Proceedings of the National Academy, and Genetics.

Secondary Sources : You may also find relevant articles in recent newspapers, popular magazines, or popular science journals. These are referred to as “secondary” sources, since they describe research that was published elsewhere. Examples of these include The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The Guardian, Time, Scientific American, Discover, New Scientist, and Science News.

Websites : If you choose to use a website, be aware that most websites are not peer-reviewed, and often present inaccurate information. Examples of excellent websites include those of the National Academy of Science, the National Institute of Health, the Centers for Disease Control, and WebMD. If you are unsure of the appropriateness of a website, check with your instructor. Alternatively, the CSUF library has an excellent guide to evaluating websites at http://library.fullerton.edu/ under Guides for Undergraduates. Wikipedia is not an appropriate website for research in a college course.

The structure of your paper

· Be sure to cover the points mentioned above and define all technical terms that you use.

· Your paper must be 2 pages (between 450 to 550 words) (not including references). Your paper should be double-spaced with one-inch margins, using 12 point Times New Roman font. No cover page or heading is required (the body of your paper should begin on the first line of the first page).

· You are not allowed to include any quotes in your paper. All of your writing must be original. You must paraphrase ideas from the literature, even if you provide an in-text citation.

· Information and ideas that are paraphrased must be accompanied by proper in-text citations in the body of your paper and a corresponding reference in American Psychological Association (APA) format.

· You need to review your paper for format, spelling, grammar and usage errors before you submit it, or you will lose points.

· Please also review the grading rubric before submitting your paper to make sure that you have done everything you can to receive a good grade.

Guidelines for citing references

In-Text Citations

In-text citations should be in APA format. You can find a summary of APA guidelines for your citations at: https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/02/

Reference Page

Your references should be formatted using APA guidelines. You can find a summary of APA guidelines for your reference page at: https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/05/

The Purdue OWL: Citation Chart is a quick reference on how to format citations and references using different formats, including APA can be found at: https://owl.english.purdue.edu/media/pdf/20110928111055_949.pdf

Submitting your research assignment

An electronic copy of the paper with references is due by 8 PM on October 27, 2014. If you do not submit your paper to Turnitin.com by 8pm on October 27, 2014 you will receive a zero for the assignment. All submissions will be evaluated, but if you submit a paper with a similarity index greater than 10% you will probably be reported for plagiarism to the Vice President for Student Affairs and receive a zero for the assignment.

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