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Discussion Paper -
(300 points.)
Research and write (using MS Word 2007 or Word 2008) on the topic "The Computer in the Sciences: <A subtopic>."
The computer processes data affecting nearly every facet of our life. It provides information at our fingertips, global communications, simulations, transactions, security, and more. The computer, the Internet, and related technology has played, and will continue to play, an important part in our future. Research the impact computers have had in a particular area of the Sciences. Reference and cite your sources to support all your included material. This includes anything you present as fact or opinion that is not considered "common knowledge." You are required to submit your paper to Turnitin.com via Blackboard and receive an Originalty Report.
For this paper "The Computer" is a composite of technology including the
Internet, as well as microprocessor chips, individual personal computers, servers,
and mainframes used to control infrastructure. The "Sub-topic" of your
choice should focus on and be limited to an area of the topic that provides enough
material for you to write this assignment. You are to narrow your focus enough to
effectively cover the topic within the assigned number of pages. The content of this
paper will also be used for your second speech.
You are expected to research and detail a specific application or process of computer technology in the sciences. Find something new or evolving that you can briefly explain to the class. This will NOT be a how-to-use-it ... paper. I am looking for your explanation of how something works based on research of a narrow area of computer use that you will then present to the class in your final speech.
Some possible general areas to consider for your
sub-topic may include:
- Medical Research or Diagnostics
- Military Applications
- Role in the Fight on Terrorism
- Role in National Elections
- Modeling and Simulations
- Artificial Intelligence
- Space Exploration
- CSI/Forensics
- Gnome Research or Tracking
- Datamining
- Accounting Processes made possible with computers
- Architectural CAD/CAM developments
- Etc.
Keep in mind that there are many ways to approach
this topic. This makes it possible to tailor the sub-topic to focus on your discipline
or area of interest when writing this paper.
NOTE: Plagiarism will not be
tolerated. Any appearance of plagiarism will result in a deduction of points at a
minimum up to failure of the assignment. Failure of this assignment will result in
failure of the course. Cite all your sources.
"According to my American Heritage Dictionary
of the English Language, the verb to plagiarize means 'to steal and use (the ideas or writing of another) as ones own.' When writing a paper you cannot simply take and use the words of the author (i.e., lift them from the book into your paper) without citing your source. If you use exactly the same words you must enclose them in quotation marks and cite the page number. If you take the ideas of an author, do not directly quote them, but paraphrase (i.e., change the wording a bit but keep the idea) you must still give a reference to the page or pages from which you have taken the material. If you fail to do this you are, very simply, cheating." - used with the permission of Dr. Sam Oppenheim, 1999.
The paper must include:
a cover page, contain three pages in the body, and have at least four references on a separate reference page for a total of five pages. Two or more references must be from the Internet and two or more references must be from printed sources.
For your references to count they must be entered into your document using the Insert Citation tool found in Word 2007 or Word 2008. You will also use the Insert Bibliography tool to create and format your final page. For a reference to be valid and counted toward this assignment, an in-text citation must be present in the body of your paper for each one. All references must appear on the final page.
APA style is to
be used for citations and references. Consult printed or online sources for more information on correctly formatting each. An example of a correctly formatted paper is here.
The paper must use: 1" margins (all around), double-spacing, a single 12-point font throughout, two page breaks where appropriate, two titles (one on the first body page and one on the reference page), a header (containing your last name and inserted page numbering) on all but the cover page (the first body page will number as page two), and Word styles applied as specified below.
Create ALL styles listed below. The style name will be your initials in caps (first and last -- i.e., as shown below with YI as "your initials" followed by the remaining portion of the style name) followed by the name shown below with the formatting as described. Please note that the description may vary slighlty. The application of EACH style in your document is required unless its typical use is shown as optional. The last two styles are to be applied if your paper contains a long quotation or list of bulleted items.
|
Style Name
|
Description
|
Typical Use
|
| YI Normal |
Font: <name, if changed>, 12 pt, Indent: First line: 0.5", Line spacing: Double, Space After: 0 pt, Style: Quick Style, Based on: Normal
|
body of document |
| YI Centered |
Indent: First line: 0", Centered, Style: Quick Style, Based on: YI Normal
|
titles - first body page & top of reference page. |
| YI Cover |
Position: Horizontal: Center, Relative to: Page, Vertical: Center, Relative to: Page, No wrapping, Style: Quick Style, Based on: YI Centered
|
cover page |
| YI Header |
Indent: First line: 0", Right, Style: Quick Style, Based on: YI Normal
|
header |
| YI References |
Indent: Left: 0", Hanging: 0.5", Style: Quick Style, Based on: YI Normal
|
references |
| YI Quote |
Indent: Left: 0.5", First line: 0", Right: 0.5", Space After: 6 pt, Style: Quick Style, Based on: YI Normal
|
40+ word quote - optional |
| YI Bulleted |
Indent: Left: 0.5", Hanging: 0.25", Bulleted + Level: 1 + Aligned at: 0.5" + Indent at: 0.75", Style: Quick Style, Based on: YI Normal
|
listed items - optional |
The use of MS Word-type styles is required to provide
a consistent look to your finished document. Styles for headers, indents, Italics,
body, etc. are to be used for all distinguishable elements and repeated for all similar
elements. We will cover their creation, modification, and use in class.
Grading will be primarily on following the directions given, the formatting of the
document, and the use of the software involved to complete the task. Spelling, punctuation,
and grammar count.
This assignment is to be sent as an attachment in email by the due date. Save as... with the name being "<your initials - first, middle & last>_paper", all lower case (e.g., dlb_paper.docx -- with the underscore as shown).
Beginning end of class Week Five you will be able to submit your paper to Turnitin.com via the link provided on the class assignment page in Blackboard (where you take your quizzes.) You will be able to submit your paper as many times as needed to insure that you are properly citing your sources and not plagiarizing material. Your paper must be submitted prior to being graded. Papers are due when shown on your assignment page. Papers will be accepted in Blackboard for up to two weeks after the due date (to allow for late submissions.)
Email, as an attachment, the assignment to the instructor (dbratten@charter.net). Email "Subject" must be "ClassID Paper" with no quotes (e.g., CS3000-5 Paper -- capitalized and spaced as shown using your ClassID).
A printout of the document must be turned in no later than the end of the following class period. Print the hard copy on a laser or inkjet printer (not dot matrix) and turn in to the instructor in class.
Resources:
Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association - for
additional details regarding APA style. This book is available in the bookstore and
the library and APA guides are available on the Internet.
University Writing Center - located in L112 (667-3465) - provide proofreading,
grammar assistance, APA style help, etc. for all your papers.
Grading Form used will be:
Total Points (300)
Deductions:
Missing from Turnitin (300)
Late :
Attachment (60 per class period)
Printout (30 per class period)
E-mail subject (20)
Saved name (5)
Incorrect file type (30)
Non-assigned topic (60)
Margins (10)
Word styles:
All styles missing (120)
YI Normal (2-10)
Name (2)
Description (5)
Missing (10)
Application Error (5)
Not Applied (10)
YI Centered (2-10)
Name (2)
Description (5)
Missing (10)
Application Error (5)
Not Applied (10)
YI Cover (2-10)
Name (2)
Description(5)
Missing (10)
Application Error (5)
Not Applied (10)
YI Header (2-10)
Name (2)
Description (5)
Missing (10)
Application Error (5)
Not Applied (10)
YI References (2-10)
Name (2)
Description (5)
Missing (10)
Application Error (5)
Not Applied (10)
YI Quote (2-10)
Name (2)
Description (5)
Missing (10)
Optional - Application Error (5)
Optional - Not Applied (10)
YI Bulleted (2-10)
Name (2)
Description (5)
Missing (10)
Optional - Application Error (5)
Optional - Not Applied (10)
Header:
Missing (10)
On first page (5)
Content (5)
Font:
Single (5)
One size (5)
Missing Titles (5 ea. - two required)
Missing page break (5 ea. - two required)
Number or type of pages (20 ea. - five required)
Missing reference from document Citations or w/o in-text citation or not listed on Bibliography (30 ea. - minimum of four required)
APA style not selected (10)
Spelling errors (5 ea.)
Punctuation errors (2 ea.)
Grammar errors (2 ea.)
Additional points deduction as determined by the instructor.
Note: Assignment will not be graded unless it is submitted to Turnitin.com via Blackboard and I receive both the hard copy and the email attachment.
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