Growth Factor and Neural Development Lab

Many growth factors act only on nervous tissues (neurotrophic factors) and are implicated in neural development. Design an experiment (based on your readings of the scientific literature) that will allow you to show how a particular growth factor, such as FGF8, is involved only in the development of the nervous system and not any of the other organ systems.

Format of the Lab Report

The lab report must at least 3 pages in length; a 12-point font must be used; it must be double spaced; and citations must be included within the text of your document as well as in a separate Works Cited Section. The Works Cited Section must be a separate section. You may ask me for advice well before the submission deadline. Please note that asking me for advice is only to confirm whether or not you are on the right track. I will not grade your lab assignment prior to your submission on Canvas.

Your lab report must accurately document the sources from which your material was gathered. Any time you describe an individual's data or other experimental results, paraphrase an author(s), or describe data from the textbook, you must credit that individual. Direct quotes should not be used, instead paraphrase the statement and include the appropriate citation(s). It is incorrect to include just a single citation at the end of a paragraph for the following reasons: 1) a citation only refers to the sentence that directly preceded it; and 2) the other data or ideas stated in the paragraph are now not cited. Be careful and familiarize yourself with Montclair State's policy on plagiarism (see course syllabus). When in doubt, always cite your sources. The proper citation of your sources is of paramount importance, and lab reportssubmitted without proper documentation will have a significant amount of points deducted.

You must support your assertions with citations from the primary literature.

Rubric

Growth Factor Lab Rubric

Growth Factor Lab Rubric

Criteria	Ratings	Pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeBackground information on the role of growth factors in neural/nervous system development	20 pts Sufficient background information provided in a clear, logical format 10 pts Moderate amount of background information provided and presented in an average format 5 pts Insufficient amount of background information provided and presented in a confusing, unclear format	20 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeProposed experiment/approach to show that a particular growth factor is only involved in neural/nervous system development	50 pts Convincingly demonstrates how a particular growth factor is only involved in neural/nervous system development 35 pts Moderately demonstrates how a particular growth factor is only involved in neural/nervous system development 20 pts Poorly or confusingly demonstrates how a particular growth factor is only involved in neural/nervous system development	50 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeUse of citations	30 pts Includes sufficient in-text citations and they are all in the required format. The Works Cited section is also in the required format. 15 pts Includes few in-text citations and/or they are not in the required format. The Works Cited section is also not in the required format. 0 pts Does not Include any in-text citations	30 pts
Total Points: 100