My RAP Project
Chem 4011, Spring 2011 (adapted from ChE 4221, F. Hung)
Background: Ultimately, we will write something like a draft manuscript, at least
somewhat similar to the project you are repeating, but at this stage it is desired to think
like the original investigators had to when they proposed the project for funding.
1. Meet with your faculty advisor(s) to discuss your RAP project.
2. Write a one-page summary of the research topic. Think of this as a short document that
would introduce a program manager at a funding agency or an industrial research
manager to what you are proposing. Often, continuation of a project would hinge on their
response to this sort document, so your summary should be a concise, logical, and
convincing argument explaining the importance of the work. You should write in general
terms that are readable for engineers/scientists who are not experts in your particular
research topic. Structure your abstract as follows (i.e., one paragraph addressing each of
the following points in a succinct way):
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What do you intend to do in this research project? What are the objectives/goals/aims?
Why is this work practically important and/or interesting at a fundamental level?
Identify one or more testable hypotheses about the work. For each, describe what your
observations will be if the hypothesis is true. Describe alternative strategies if the
hypothesis proves false. Show some introspection—i.e., look like you have thought about
this deeply.
What approach do you propose to make this advance? How are you going to do this work?
What impact might this work have on technology and/or society? Will the work transform
how we think about science, engineering, production, etc.? (transform from what to what?)
Very briefly, what has already been done? What is lacking in the current state-of-the-art and
what advance is being proposed in this research?
These bullets should also help you define questions to discuss with your faculty advisor.
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My Project Needs the following items to be ordered.
Materials
Description
Resources
Name of
resource, e.g.,
MALDI
Quantity
Location
Vendor
Catalog
number
Time needed
Fee
Price/Unit
Total Price
Total
The project has been approved as feasible by Prof. __________________________
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