Writing Assignment Guidelines

BIO 291 - Principles of Ecology - Summer 2010

Old Dominion University
College of Sciences
Biological Sciences
Frank Day

1. Organization- At the top put the full citation (see format below) followed by a one-page summary of an environmental or ecologically based article from a scientific journal. Highlight (with a colored pen or font or highlighter) uses of ecological principles discussed in class. The only web sources allowed are legitimate on-line journals that can be cited without a URL. The source must be scientifically based (not a newspaper or non-scientific magazine). News reports such as Science News are NOT acceptable. Attach a xeroxed or printed copy of the first page of the paper with the abstract.

2. Format- length- 1 page printed on good quality printer, double-spaced, 12-pt font, 1 inch margins

3. Citation Format- In the style of Ecology; examples:

Smith, B.A. 1990. A study of root growth in northern forests. Journal of Root Research 56: 125-135.

Jones, J.A., B.W. Brown and B.A. Smith. 1995. Root Growth. Academic Press. New York, New York.

6. General Tips- Do not use direct quotes or copy the paper's abstract (I check for this); paraphrase. Use proper grammar, including complete sentences.

7. Non-duplication- Your graded first summary must be turned in with the second summary. The work must be yours; do not use someone else's summary.