Systematic review on interactions of PME and calcium on plant cell wall growth.
Abstract It should be about 200 – 300 words in length (maximum 300 words). Note: This is the only section we have stated a maximum in terms of section word count. (5 % MARK ALLOCATION)
Introduction Your introduction should provide enough background for your write-up to becomprehensible to an intelligent non- specialist. It should explain the specific problemthat your project addresses. It may be that you are filling a perceived gap in theexisting theory/knowledge or replicating/developing a method. As always, thisbackground should be supported by previous work in the area i.e., accurately citingall sources. (15% MARK ALLOCATION)
Method (15%)
This section should describe the materials, equipment, participants, methods, procedures, and techniques employed in a style like that you read in journal articles related to your field of study. You should aim to describe your method so that an experienced and informed scientist could repeat the work from your description. Once again, follow the style of papers written in the field you are working in. Often, subheadings are used to break aspects down and provide a logical flow. (15% MARK ALLOCATION)
Results (20%)
This section should present your results so that it is clear what each experiment/parameter measured and analysed was intended to achieve and conclusions that can be drawn from the results. It should NOT be just a series of tables or graphs. The results should be presented in a processed form that can be easily understood. It should not include large quantities of raw results. Raw data collection and detailed processing will be examined in the project notebook. If you feel that aspects of raw data must be included in places, then make sure to consult your supervisor first.
Meanings or interpretations you attach to the results, should be clearly presented. It should not be left to the reader to derive meaning from the data. It is inappropriate to duplicate the presentation of any one set of data in different forms unless this greatly aids interpretation and is acceptable practice in your subject area. For example, choose whether to present data as a table or a graph but do not present both (for same data set), just because you can. Use of this strategy to “pad out” the project is obvious and is likely to gain no further markers. Ensure that all numerical data have correct units.
Label all graphs and diagrams as Figures i.e., Figure 1, 2, 3 and so forth. If you have a figure label for a graph/diagram – then please note that this should go below the figure. Note: there is no need for label below and have a title also (as both would be stating much the same). Discuss specific aspects with your supervisor. Labels for all tables should go above the tables i.e., Table 1, 2, 3 and so forth.
Remember to include text to describe what the figures/table are showing. All too often, if this is left till last minute then only figures and tables are included, with no descriptive text included in results section. You will most certainly lose marks if this were the case. (20% MARK ALLOCATION)
Discussion (30%)
This section should explain how the results relate to the aim laid out in the ‘Introduction’. You should also place your own results in the context of previously published work. Inclusion of thorough citations (i.e., where you are obtaining information/ideas from) throughout relevant parts of your thesis is very important. Always ask yourself; “where is the evidence to back up what I am stating?”
State your overall conclusions or explain why your results were inconclusive (good reflection upon approaches, provides the ideal opportunity to make up for poor results, whether they are your fault or not). State and explain suggestions for further work and formulate suggestions for the future in this type of work. Consider any shortcomings in technique or experimental design and the significance this may have had on any unexpected findings. Show awareness of the limitations of the work and reasons why others may disagree with conclusions. Try to imagine how you would read your report if you held the opposite viewpoint, address the reservations you can and suggest how those you cannot, could be resolved. When it comes to limitations, note that this can be included in your write-up in a clever way. There is no need to have a section dedicated to ‘Limitations of Project’ (unless your supervisor suggests this is the way forward in your area of work). Instead find a way to weave the limitations into your discussion. Always write in third party, throughout the write-up; so no:
think this…”
suggestions are..” (30% MARK ALLOCATION)
Writing style and completeness of thesis/report (10% MARK ALLOCATION)
Structure and Organisation (5 % MARK ALLOCATION)
The report should be divided into the following sections:
Title page
Acknowledgments
Abstract
Contents
List of tables (optional and if applicable)
List of figures (optional and if applicable)
List of abbreviations (optional and if applicable)
List of symbols (optional and if applicable)
Introduction
Method
Results
Discussion
References
Appendices
Abstract – 5%
Introduction – 15%
Method – 15%
Results – 20%
Discussion – 30%
Writing style and completeness – 10 %
Structure and organisation – 5%
