Notes from workshop today on Purpose of Qualifying Exam and Research Proposal Writing

Purpose of qualifying Exam

1. Assessing foundation of fundamental knowledge

- information synthesis- application, bring information together for experiments, etc.

2. Ability to understand scientific literature

- ability to select interesting, doable topics

- critique literature, see flaws

- know how to extend from what is known

3. Think intelligently about doing science

- know significance of the work

- recognize how to do experiments (tecgubuques, controls, analyses, statistics),  how to draw conclusions

- recognize potential problems

4. Cultivate behavior patterns for success

- self motivation

- planning and organizing info and tasks

- discipline

- seek advice

- asking for, receiving and responding to criticism

- communication skills (oral, written)

- time menegement

Preparing a Research Proposal 

NIH style grant:

1. Specific aims and/or hypothesis

- Aim is question/goal - not a specific experiment

- Very clearly defined: good, necessary questions; existing techiques to do the work

- 1st aim is crucial.

- 3-4 aims appropriate

2. Background

- What are known/unknown

- Why is your questions important

- What will be gained by answering it

- What controversies

3. Experimental design (alternative approaches)

- for each exp., state: purpose and rationale, techniques, and preliminary (hypothetical) data and interpretation

4. Methods

- References!

- Understand the techniques

- Give enough detail; know the advantages and disadvantages (limits)

- Know the reality (num. of animals to be used)

5. Conclusions, alternative approaches

- Potential conclusions, problems, and alternative approaches