At some point during the term, students will be required to write a 5 page grant proposal in the style and format of the NSERC General Operating Grants. The proposal will be on a subject selected by the student and approved by the instructor. Generally, grant proposals will describe an experimental plan which uses molecular genetic techniques to address a biological problem, or an applied project in genetic engineering. The proposal may be handed in at any time during the term.

• The proposal is limited to 5 pages, including text, figures, tables, and references. 
• The introduction should provide necessary background that the reader needs to understand the research, and should provide the rationale for doing the project.
• Clearly state, perhaps in outline form, the objectives
  
• Don't put in a materials and methods section. Only put in the detail on methods that are critical to whether or not the research is feasible. Don't put in details on standard methods used by everyone in the field. DO include details which, if omitted, might cause the experimental approach to fail.
• What do you hope to learn from the research?
• Why is the research significant?
• Include tables, figures or other data that make the proposal easier to understand.
  

EXAMPLES OF GRANT TITLES:

Development of new plant transformation vectors utilizing genomic sequence domains to enhance consistency and level of expression.

Biological containment of transgenes in maize using antisense RNA technology.

Differential expression of chlorphyll a/b binding (cab) protein genes with respect to circadian cycles.

Cloning of seed-specific genes from canola.

Engineering of male-sterility and fertility-restorer genes for use in hybrid canolas.

Elimination of tetrahydrocannabinol production in hemp by transposon mutagenesis.