Biology Research Report Instructions
Each student must write one research report on their project topic. The format for the report is outlined
below. The report should be at least 2 pages in length, not including pictures. All text should be 12 point
font and single spaced.
Format for Research Reports - Each student must write one research report on their project topic. Each
report should consist of the following sections that should be identified using the following word/wording:
Title – The title should be the name of your topic/subject of your report.
Introduction – Please provide a clear and concise introduction about your topic. If written correctly, the
reader should be able to obtain a clear understanding of what the content of rest of the paper will be.
Main Body of the paper: This portion of the paper should contain an organized progression of
information that is presented to the reader starting with a Background on your project topic. Further
information should then be presented as it relates to project topic and its importance as it relates to
biology. In writing the paper, you can make reference to anything that you use in strengthening or
supporting the topic of your paper. The information should provide the reader a clear understanding of
what is the focus of the research report.
References – Please include a list of references you used to create your report using MLA citation style
(Check this website for examples: http://www.library.cornell.edu/resrch/citmanage/mla). A minimum of 5
references should be cited (at least three should be a reference different than your book or the internet).
Terms - You must also properly utilize at least 5 different terms that you have learned during this course
in the report. Please use a change in format, such as color, bold, underline, italics etc. to indicate that
the term refers to something you learned in class i.e. ATP, mitochondria etc.
Grading and Timeline - This report is worth 25 points and is due on the last day of lecture (April 30th).
On this day, you will need to hand in a hard copy of the report. I will not accept electronic versions!
Points will be awarded based on format (5 points), content (15 points), and grammar/spelling (5 points).