Biology 302 Lab Report Rubric

1. INTRODUCTION (20)
Context (8)
• Demonstrate a clear understanding of the big picture; why is this question important/ interesting in the field of biology?
• Provide at least one explanation of why others would find the topic interesting and some relevant context for the research question(s).
• Details to include:
o What are HL-60 cells? Where do they come from? Describe the cells.
o Differentiation
o PMA
o DMSO
o Monocytes
o Granulocytes
o MMP-9 and it’s signal transduction pathway
Accuracy and relevance (6)
• Content knowledge is accurate, relevant and provides appropriate background for reader including defining critical terms.
• Background information is specific to content.
• Primary literature references are not critical, but if cited, done accurately (Xie paper should probably be cited).
Hypothesis (6)
• Hypotheses are clearly stated, testable and consider reasonable alternative explanations
• At least one relevant, testable hypothesis is clearly stated.
• The hypothesis may be compared with a “null” alternative which is usually the absence of the expected result.
• Details to include:
o Cell viability with treatments
o Differentiation experiments
o MMP9 expression

2. MATERIALS & METHODS (10)
Procedure, Controls & Replication
• Procedure is clearly explained.
• Appropriate controls (including replication) are present and explained and represent all variables being tested.
• Student demonstrates a reasonable sense of why controls/ replication matter for this experiment.
• Details to include:
o Trypan Blue Viability Assay
o Cellular staining
 May-Grunwald/Giemsa
o RT-PCR
 RNA isolation
 RT reaction
 PCR
o Zymogram

3. RESULTS (20)
Data Selection (8)
• Data are comprehensive, accurate and relevant.
• Reader can fully evaluate whether the hypotheses were supported or rejected with the data provided.
• Details to include:
o Trypan Blue data
o May-Grunwald data
o Agarose gel image for RT-PCR
o Zymogram gel image
Data Presentation (12)
• Data are summarized in a logical format with appropriate table or graph types. Properly label the data including units.
• Graph axes are appropriately labeled and scaled with informative and complete captions.
• The figure’s meaning is clear without requiring the reader to refer to the text.
• Details to include:
o Descriptive figure title for all figures.
o Figure caption with appropriate detail.
o Labels on gel lanes, bands, etc.

4. DISCUSSION (40)
Conclusions based on the data selected (20)
• Conclusions are clearly and logically drawn from data provided.
• A logical chain of reasoning from hypothesis then to data and finally to conclusions is clearly and convincingly explained.
o Make sure to clearly define conclusions from all experiments. Tie it all together.
• Conclusions take limitations of the data into account.
Alternative explanations / Limitations of data (10)
• Alternative explanations include possible hypothetical outcomes that may support conclusions drawn.
• Alternative explanations may be modifications of the original hypothesis and present corresponding conclusions.
• Conclusions take limitations into account.
• Details to include:
o Use specific details on alternative explanation and limitations of the data, just saying human error is inappropriate.
 Think critically about what may have happened in our experiments.
Significance of research (10)
• Paper gives a clear indication of the significance of the research and its future directions
• Suggests work that would fill knowledge gaps and move the field forward.
5. WRITING QUALITY (10)
• Spelling and use of grammar are mostly correct (you can still tell the meaning).
• Word usage makes reader’s understanding easier.
• A clear organizational strategy is present with a logical progression of ideas. The information is presented in an easy to read format.