Grant Proposal assignment BS914 The aim of this assignment is to teach you how to write a good grant proposal

and to demonstrate that you understand what systems biology is, how experimental and theoretical methods can be integrated in a Systems Biology approach to a biological question and the advantages of a systems approach. The assignment is to write a grant proposal outlining a research plan that takes a systems biology approach to answer a biological question. You will be put into groups and write one proposal per group. This is how most systems biology proposals are written a combination of researchers with varying background. Think about the different types of experimental and theoretical approaches you have heard about during the presentations and read about, and how these could be used to solve a different biological problem. The proposal should include: Aims of the project (~1/2 page) clear, succinct outline of what you propose to do and why Background to the research question (~1.5 page) giving the reviewer information on the biological question, why it is of value to answer this question and any previous work contributing to the proposal Proposed work (3 pages max) an outline of what experiments and theoretical techniques you would do. Emphasise why you would do a particular experiment/mathematical method, what information it will give you, and how you will use this data. It is not necessary to give great detail about methods, it is more important to show what data/information the method will give you, why it is a good method to use for your project, and crucially how you will use the data. It is important to demonstrate how the experimental and theoretical work will be integrated. It should not be two separate approaches but one systems biology proposal that enables you to answer questions not possible using just a wet or dry approach. References

The proposal should be typed in Arial font size 11, single spacing. Use Endnote (or similar) to collate your bibliography. You will write the proposal in sections. We have three sessions in the Teaching Grid where you can all work together and brainstorm your proposal, as well as get help from myself and Dr Chris Penfold from the Systems Biology Centre. Use these sessions well it is much easier to come up with ideas in a group rather than individually and the idea is that most of your proposal planning (if not writing) can be done in these group sessions. Most grant proposals fall down on: a) not making it clear why particular experiments are being carried out and what information a particular method (wet or dry) will give you b) not making it clear how this information/data will be used to answer the questions you are addressing

Think about this when you are planning and writing your proposal. Dont spend too long on finding the perfect topic it is better to have a good systems biology plan to address a boring question than have an amazing question and a poor approach. I am assessing your ability to write a systems biology grant proposal rather than think up the most pressing question in biology! Try and stick to the timeline I give below, otherwise it will become very hectic towards the end. To prepare for the first session, look back over the lectures you have had in BS914 and BS918 and familiarise yourself with various techniques and how they were used in the projects you heard about.

Timetable for Grant proposal:

20th Feb 10.0013.00 Develop initial outline of proposal for 1-3 potential research areas

5th Mar 12th Mar

10.0013.00 10.0013.00

Decide on research area and specific questions. Develop experimental and theoretical plan around these questions
Develop detailed experimental and theoretical plan, ensure integration between these two aspects

You are free to write your proposal on any topic. It could be related to one of the lectures you have heard, papers presented or a completely new area. All that is important is that you find a biological question that you can address and that would benefit from a systems biology approach. Assessment: Final deadline for grant proposal hand in: 9 am on 19th March. You will be given a group mark for the proposal. This will then be adjusted depending on the groups assessment of each persons contribution/effort. These assessments will be done confidentially using the form at the end of this document.

Teaching Grid Information The sessions will be in the Teaching Grid. The Grid is on Floor 2 of the Library on the Central Campus. Please note that you will need a valid University ID card to gain access to the Library. Please bring cables/adaptors with you to connect your laptops to the smart boards.

Self and group assessment for grant proposal writing assignment

The purpose of this exercise is to give recognition to the varied contributions that individuals make to the working of a group. I will use the completed forms as a guide to distribute marks between team members. If very large differences occur in the perception of the contribution of particular individuals I will talk to the group concerned to come to an agreement. Using the form below independently assess the relative contribution of each team member, including yourself. The following grading system should be applied: 1 Minimal, or did not contribute in this way 2 Below average 3 Average 4 Above average 5 Outstanding In assessing the relative contributions of team members, account should be taken of the quality and effectiveness of the contribution as well as the amount of effort expended. Average refers to the average contribution of your group members to that particular process. You are encouraged to use the range of points at your disposal and avoid the tendency to give everyone a similar score. Please send your completed form to Katherine by Monday 19th March.

Your Name: Please write each group members name in the first column, followed by their numeric score (1-5, see above) for each part of the grant proposal writing process. Then please email me the completed form.
Project Processes Group members including yourself leadership, group organisation and support proposal writing, figures, editing

Ideas and suggestions

research

Total

Comments If you wish to raise any particular points about either the way your group operated or the assessment procedures please write them below.