HBM3204 Biomolecular Mechanisms of Disease

OVERVIEW

You will be given a journal article and will write an analysis focusing mainly on introducing the disease and the study. It is important to back up your analysis with other references, which you will source and cite.

DETAILS

You are required to summarise, in your own words, the following aspects of the article’s Introduction:

• The disease that the article is related to. i.e. what is the disease? What is the significance of this disease? Why is it important to study?
• What specific aspect of the disease is being investigated in the study? i.e. what is the mechanism (e.g. signalling pathway) being targeted in this study and why?
• If a particular experimental intervention/treatment is mentioned in the Introduction section (e.g. drug, type of nucleic acid, viral vector etc..), how does it work and why use that particular approach?
• The Aim(s) and hypothesis of the study in relation to the background material given in the Introduction. What is the rationale for this study?
• If the hypothesis of the study is supported by the results, how significant will this be in terms of understanding or treating the disease? 

ASSESSMENT INSTRUCTIONS

1. 1. In preparing this report, it is likely that you will need to consult, and cite, other references in order to build/enhance your understanding of the topic. The inclusion of well-labelled diagrams/figures (and Figure legend; does not contribute to the word count) may be helpful for the reader to understanding the disease, the mechanism being studied, and/or the treatment approach being used.
   2. Your report should not exceed the word limit. Marks will be deducted for excessive length or very brief assignments (+/- 10%) as well as for repetition. A carefully planned report, with clear, concise expression will create a more favourable impression. Poor spelling and grammar will reduce your score. The word limit does not include the title page, contents, headings, subheadings, diagrams, legends, tables or references. 
   3. Your report must be typed. It should be double-spaced, using a 12-point font with most text in black ink. There should be a one-inch (2.5 cm) margin on the left side of the page for comments. Headings should be bolded. Material in tables, references and in-text citations do not contribute to the word count.
   4. Make sure you have a recognisable introduction, one or more paragraphs that represent the body, and a conclusion in your report.
   5. Diagrams or figures can taken directly, or adapted, from a scientific article or review, as long as the reference is provided in the legend. Diagrams must be referred to in the main text and have a figure legend underneath.
   6. Use Harvard or APA 7 referencing system.