You will each be writing your own BIOCHEMTRACTS paper based on the periodicals of the now discontinued CHEMTRACTS series. These research summaries and reviews were designed to give scientists rapid access to key articles in the field, in a unique format intended to initiate and stimulate new research activity. The primary contribution of these journals was the speedy transmission of only the most exciting groundbreaking research, selected by the leading experts from the mass of recently published literature. The articles were presented in a condensed, standardized format, coupled with an authoritative perspective and commentary. The experts focused on the purpose of the study and its approach, and gave their own views on the research and its implications.
For your paper assignment, you will play the role of the “leading expert.” This paper is not a group project and therefore should be your independent work. Your paper should follow the CHEMTRACTS format and contain the following sections:
(Condensation) | (Commentary) |
---|---|
Purpose of the Study Background Researchers’ Approach What the Researchers Accomplished |
Commentary on Research References |
A sample CHEMTRACTS article will be provided to guide you in your writing. Note that there is some flexibility in the arrangement and scope of sections.
You should select your journal article carefully. Make sure you are able to identify the scope and significance of the article. Please select your journal article from one of the following periodicals (several other journals could be appropriate – ask me if in doubt):
- ACS Journals (http://pubs.acs.org/)
- ASBMB Journals (http://www.asbmb.org/)
- Science (http://www.sciencemag.org/)
- Nature and associated journals (http://www.nature.com/siteindex/index.html)
- PubMed Central Journals (http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/)
You must select a complete research article (not a review); the article must have been published after September 1, 2021. Please keep the following important due dates in mind for your paper:
Sep 15 | Choice of journal article due. Please discuss your choice with me. You may want to choose 2-3 articles. |
Sep 18 | Statement of Paper Purpose Statement-You should be able to say: “This article is important and matches our course themes; I can tell you why and how!” |
Oct 2 | Draft of Introduction/Background Section Due |
Oct 23 | Draft of Approach and Accomplishments Sections Due |
Nov 1 | Draft of Commentary Section Due |
Around Nov 22
(end of finals) |
Final copy of paper due. You should make all amendments to your paper based on the suggestions of the reviewer(s). |