1. Biology of Water and Health Research Project Guidance-2006

1.1. Purpose

The purpose of the written project is to provide all participants with the chance to explore in-depth a topic of relevance to the course. In contrast to some of the homework assignments, the paper shall be completed as an individual assignment. The research project will form the basis for both a written submission, described below, and the preparation of a poster which will be presented in our last class meeting

1.2. Scope Statement

• 5 pages in length.

• This shall be returned to you ungraded.

• Provides justification for the selection of your proposed water and human or ecological impact related problem.

• Justification may be provided via a variety of criteria such as disease incidence/prevalence, economic impacts, rate of change, size of affected populations, severity of the deleterious effect, does an intervention exist?, etc.

• Please use this submission as means of making progress on your “Boundaries of the problem” and “Synthesis of background literature” section of your paper. This is NOT make work but if properly done can go pretty much directly into your final paper.

1.3. Final Format of the Written Project

• Due two days after the poster session presentation. This will allow for any modifications prompted by discussions concerning your project which occur at the poster session.

• Not to exceed 15 pages in length with references heavily emphasizing primary sources .

1.4. Structure Template

• Two- three pages should address the boundaries of the problem

• Three- four pages should include a synthesis of background literature

• Three- four pages should list available interventions¹

• Three- four pages should provide conclusions and recommendations.

¹Interventions could be novel and innovative, i.e. not bound by existing practice.

1.5. Examples of Possible Research Project Topics

• Possible behavioral and systemic mechanisms to ameliorate As contamination in Bangladesh.

• Definition of and mounting interventions for emerging water pollutants in the United States.

• The privatization of water supply on a global basis: A positive or pernicious influence from a human health perspective?

• Making the case to shore up global water data acquisition and dissemination.