MLAB 2263 Molecular Diagnostics Clinical
 

MLAB 2263 Molecular Diagnostics Clinical

Instructions for Creating Research Paper

DUE DATE TBA

Each student must prepare a research paper and PowerPoint presentation. Select a molecular diagnostic procedure performed at the clinical site and obtain the package insert. MAKE A COPY TO SUBMIT WITH YOUR REPORT.

General Instructions

  1. Research the literature for additional information about the test. A minimum of five different full text professional references must be used. You are strongly encouraged to meet with an librarian as the college subscribes to many databases with access to full text articles. These databases can be accessed from home, you do not have to go to the library once you know how to sign in. SUBMIT A COPY OF EACH FULL TEXT ARTICLE WITH YOUR REPORT.
  2. Submit a 5 page report (minimum) using 1 inch margins and 2 line spacing. The cover page and reference page DO NOT count as pages for the report. Detailed instructions of specific content guidelines are found below..
  3. Submit your report and references in a three-ring notebook with the sections divided using tabbed dividers and labeled as follows:
    A. Cover page
    B. Report – minimum of 5 pages in length
    C. Package Insert
    D. Reference page (Five references or more) - This page DOES NOT count towards the 5 page report.
    E. Print out of 5 professional full text articles listed on reference page.
  4. The presentations will be given during a time to be scheduled utilizing a PowerPoint presentation format. During the presentation of the case study information, each student will have a 10-20 minute time period to present their findings. Each member of the class will evaluate the presentation using a clearly defined evaluation form.

Content of Research Paper

  1. Cover Page - does not count towards 5 pages.
  2. Abstract - this is done last and should be one paragraph in length.
  3. Overview of Disease/Marker testing for including the DNA or RNA marker testing for and primers used if known
  4. Clinical significance of marker.
  5. Principle of the procedure including how endpoint is detected.
  6. Overview of extraction method and how the extraction method works, ie, substance for cell lysis, how DNA is extracted (column, salt precipitation)
  7. Overview of amplification method - describe specifically how this occurs, ie, principle of PCR including the target and primers used..
  8. Overview of detection method - is the target isolated by gel or is a labeled product detected. If a gel is used describe the principle of electrophoresis and include the size of the product detected, the purpose of the ladder and controls that are run. If possible include a scanned picture of the gel or find one on the internet. If product is labeled, what label is used and what is the principle of the detection method. Provide a picture illustrating the principle if possible. NOTE: Add pictures AFTER you've written the 5 pages of text.
  9. Limitations of the procedure.
  10. Causes of erroneous results.
  11. Summary
  12. References - does not count towards 5 pages, use proper format
  13. Copy of package insert from kit.
  14. Copies of full text articles used to create paper.
  15. PLEASE PRINT OUT the Grade sheet and make sure that all items listed are present! This form will be used to determine your grade.

PowerPoint Presentation

  1. Title slide with name of test, your name and date.
  2. Write 3-5 objectives which describe your content and you wish your audience (fellow students and instructor) to gain from your presentation. Please visit Writing Edcuational Objectives for assistance in writing objectives. Points will be counted off if objectives are not present or not in the correct format.
  3. Use the items 3-11 listed above in the "Content of Research Paper" to create a PowerPoint presentation.
  4. Try to find pictures which illustrate the content, ie, principle, extraction, etc. You can borrow pictures from the Fundamentals course pages if you wish.
  5. Write 5 multiple choice questions based on your objectives. These will be submitted separately as a word processed document.
  6. Practice your presentation, it should be 10-15 minutes, 20 maximum.
  7. Send your PowerPoint and multiple choice questions (with answers indicated) to your instructor through the digital drop box.
  8. Presentations TBA
  9. PLEASE PRINT OUT the grade sheet so you know how your presentation will be graded and prepare accordingly.
  10. Presentations from previous classes.

Resources

  2. Research and Writing Step By Step
  3. How to Write an A+ Research Paper
  4. How to Write a Research Paper
  5. Do a Google search if these do not help.
  6. Visit with an ACC librarian. ACC pays for subscriptions to databases with full text articles. This should be one of the FIRST steps when you start gathering your resources.

 

 

 

Last Update: August 18, 2009
Web Author: Terry Kotrla, MS, MT(ASCP)BB
Original publication date: June 2008
Comments: kotrla@austincc.edu