12ubio Biochemical Research Essay and Computer Modeling Project

What are we doing?

  • a) we will learn to use advanced molecular computer modeling software called HyperChem

  • b) we will learn how to use PhotoShop to render images for illustration in your report

  • b) you (and partner) will decide upon and research a biochemical using the Internet / library

  • you will compose a scientific report (in Word or Publisher or as a web page onto the Internet!)

How?  We will use class time to learn some computer skills do research and compose the actual project.  The communications lab will be open during the first part of some lunches for your convenience and assistance.

                                                       Getting Started   

1) Select a molecule that has enough information available and that is of interest to readers (topical)
2) Title describes the general topic you are describing
3) Introduction - give a clear description of the molecule and the following
 

  • molecular mass

  • molecular formula

  • class of molecule it belongs to (hydrocarbon, lipid, etc.....)

  • unique characteristics (medical, environmental, industrial etc.......)
    keep this very brief , tell the reader what lies ahead
     

4) Main Body of Essay -  expand on your topic

  • interesting historical trivia, who discovered, effects on history, later developments,

  • description of the molecular structure,  functional groups etc

  • molecular structure
    A) as stick diagram (elements and stick bonds)
    B) molecular electron cloud (spheres) that you make yourself in
    HyperChem modeling programme
    > models will be placed at/or near point of reference and
    referred to as Figure - X .......
           

     note the 4 iodine atoms and 2 tyrosine molecules
    Figure X - Ball and stick model of Thyroxin

  • possibly reactivity, method of production, similarity to other molecules

  • use as a commercial or industrial product

  • medical/pharmaceutical uses  (possible mode of action)

  • any possible environmental problems associated with the molecule

  • anything you discover of importance or interest

  • other interesting images that might make the report visually appeling and thus attractive to the reader

5) Summary

  • a recap of important points as a set of concluding remarks

  • keep it short (remind readers of key take home points)

6) Glossary  put on a separate page at the end of the report

  • an alpha list of words that you have used in your report that are not clearly understood by someone in this course

7) References (don't call this a bibliography) 
                                              Examples
1) Raven and Johnson - Understanding Biology 2nd ed.1991 pg 53.
publisher - Mosby Year Book
2) Thyroxin - http://www.waichung.demon.co.uk/webanim/T4Web.htm
 University of Glasgow (often impossible to locate web author)

USE   www.whois.org     to verify dubious web addresses you might be surprised

Hints : work as a research and editorial team (or individual) to produce the best work and remember that the best science writing is short concise and to the point rather  than wandering with off topic ideas.

>>>>Please submit all rough work and research printouts with your final report for a small evaluation. This is required to reduce the growing incidence of Internet plagiarism. <<<<

Evaluation Statement  click here