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Assignment

3: Research Proposal THIS IS A GROUP ASSIGNMENT



WHAT: A 4-6 page (12 font, single-spaced) research proposal in which your group (n=4) develops a
hypothesis for how a specific wetland process or structure is influenced by a specific driving force, and
prepares a research proposal to test that hypothesis. This will require a literature review to provide
background information, relevance, and importance for the project (given in the Background and
Broader Impact sections; see below). The literature review will also provide information to identify
methods (experimental design, sampling, equipment, etc.) and approaches necessary for testing the
hypothesis.

WHY: The purpose of this proposal is to provide students with experience developing a research
question into a proposal for submission to a funding agency, gain practice working in multi-disciplinary
groups, and improve scientific research and writing skills. These proficiencies are critical not only to
students seeking to pursue research-based careers, but for all students planning to work in the
increasingly interdisciplinary environmental science fielded.

HOW: Using the included proposals as a guide, work together to develop a question (or set of
questions) of shared interest. Note, that as an interdisciplinary group, you may focus on a particular
system or process, but ask individual research questions. In this case, it is important to clearly identify
the unifying theme of the proposal. Ideally, the literature review you did for Assignment 2 can be
useful in developing this proposal.

Proposal Layout:
Background: Set up your hypothesis and proposed project by describing the general
process/structure, its importance to wetland functioning and ecosystem services, and why/how it
may vary across different wetland systems. Supporting information should come from the peer-
reviewed literature. Conclude this section with an explicit statement of the hypothesis(es) and your
studys objective(s).

Project Description: A description of the general approach that will be used; leave specific methods
and site/experiment details for the next section (see below).

Workplan: Describe the site locations/requirements, experimental design, and methodology that
will be used to test the hypothesis. References for specific methods are needed.

Broader Impacts: Broader impacts include: 1) how the project will promote teaching (e.g., graduate
courses, involvement with high schools) and training (student mentoring programs); 2) how the
information will be disseminated to reach a variety of audiences (e.g., scientific publications,
outreach documents, kiosks, workshops, etc), and 3) how the project will benefit society through
enhancing scientific understanding and/or natural resource management as it pertains to your
subject matter.



WHEN: The proposal (submitted as a digital file via Sakai) is due on 11/25/2014 at 11:55 pm.

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