1. Available at http://planet.uwc.ac.za/nisl How to Write a Research Proposal BCB 703: Scientific Methodology Vanessa Couldridge

2. Communicate reasons, goals and design of intended research for the purposes of funding, permits, or postgraduate study Proposals need to answer three main questions: 1)What research question is being asked? 2)Why is this research important? 3)How will this research be conducted? Research Proposals

3. Proposals generally include the following sections:  Summary  Introduction/ Background  Aims and Objectives  Methods  Reference list  Budget Research Proposals Proposals generally include

4.  Provide a brief summary of your intended research and what you hope to achieve  Be clear and concise  Avoid unnecessary jargon  Make an impact on the reader Summary Summary

5.  Background information relevant to your proposed research  Current state of knowledge in the field  Identify gaps in that knowledge  Set up your research question  Your research must lead to the advancement of the field in some way  Cite relevant literature Introduction Introduction

6.  Make it clear exactly what it is that you plan to accomplish  This is the crucial part of your proposal  Be specific  Write clearly  State your hypotheses  Say what you hope to determine by testing these hypotheses Aims and Objectives

7.  Should be as detailed as possible  State what statistical analyses you will use  If you have any preliminary data, include it  Include a timeline, for example: Methods ActivityAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec Collect animals from fieldxx Run experimental trialsxxx Statistical analysisxx Write-upxxx Methods

8.  List all the literature cited in your proposal  Follow standard CSE referencing format (covered in a previous chapter) References References

9.  Provide a detailed break-down of all the expenses you are likely to incur  For example: equipment or consumables that you may need to buy, accommodation and food if you are going on field trips, petrol for traveling  Be as accurate as you can  Obtain quotes if necessary Budget http://www.travelbutlers.com Budget

10.  Writing a good proposal takes time  It is a valuable exercise that helps you to:  Review the literature  Develop your research ideas  Clarify exactly what will be required  Plan your time  Practice your writing skills And Finally… and Finally…