Chemistry

 The topic should be something of interest to you and the paper should discuss some aspect of the topic
in a reasonably in-depth manner demonstrating your critical, evidence-based thinking. The things we
talk about this semester in class are not off-limits but it is probably a good idea to use them as ideas to
get you thinking about related topics that you would like to learn about. The final paper is essentially
expository writing style.
These guidelines are to give you a rough structure of what to follow. If you have any questions, please
discuss this with me and I can provide more guidance.
Requirements
• 3000 words in length (excluding direct quotes and citations)
• Abstract – A one paragraph overview of what the paper is about at the beginning of the paper
• Demonstrates evidence-based reasoning.
• Analysis. Clearly establish the relevance of facts and data to the overall narrative of the paper.
o Example of good anaysis: “A large increase was found that corresponded to 5% more
patients...”
o Each on its own is an example of bad: “A large increase...” or “5% of patients...”
• Use of numerous citations in text to reinforce claims made
o Citations need to use footnotes to indicate where the source is used.1 These are
superscripts which have the source listed at the end of the document.
1) Rose, B.D. “CHEM 113 Final Paper guidelines”
o For formatting the sources and citations, American Chemical Society is preferred, but
any format that is consistently used and referenced with footnotes in text is fine. See,
for example, http://library.williams.edu/citing/styles/acs.php
Best Papers Include
• Approximately 12-18 sources that help reinforce claims made.
• Figures when appropriate. They can allow for clear concise clarification and can include things
like:
o diagrams
o chemical equations
o chemical structures
o pictures
• No grammar errors. Have it proofread by friends, family, or the academic support center.
• No hyperbole
• Your informed opinion. You first need to establish that you are informed by presenting credible
information.