Respiratory Therapy- Prof. Sparaco AHS 112: Term Paper Guidelines

I. Topics

Any topic reasonably related to the materials covered during the first year of the program is acceptable; TOPICS MUST BE SUBMITTED TO THE INSTRUCTOR FOR APPROVAL VIA ELECTRONIC MAIL ON OR BEFORE 11:59 PM ON FEBRUARY 12, 2016 at the following address: Robert.Sparaco@ncc.edu.

Topics may include, but are not limited to:

• Overview of particular aspects of any pulmonary, cardiovascular, or cardiopulmonary disease; 
• A detailed review of any topic previously covered during the first year of the program, where the paper goes beyond the scope or depth covered in the course 
• A comparison of any class of respiratory care equipment; 
• An original study relating to any class of respiratory care equipment 
• Any related area in which you have a particular interest.

II. Formal Requirements:

Papers are to be typed¹ electronically, double spaced, and not less than five (5) nor more than eight (8) 8-1/2 by 11 inch pages (excluding references), with one and one-half (1 & 1/2) inch margins on all sides. Completed papers are to be submitted in VIA ELECTRONIC MAIL ONLY ON OR BEFORE 11:59 PM EDT ON APRIL 21,2017 to the following address: Robert.Sparaco@ncc.edu. Papers may be submitted only in  Adobe PDF format, with file name consisting of the following:"AHS 112 Paper- [Last Name] - {Paper Title], e.g., "AHS 112 Paper- Jones- Cystic Fibrosis".

Organize the paper as follows: 

a.  Title Page: to include title of paper, your name, course name, instructor's name, and semester submitted.

b.   Abstract: Number this page 1. Abstract is to be by itself, on a separate page headed by the title of the paper. The abstract is a summary of the paper which briefly presents the essential points or conclusions in not more than 150 words. The abstract should be complete in itself, and include such things as purpose, findings, procedures, etc.

c.   Text: Number the first page of text page 2. Internal subsections of text can follow without pause. The text of the paper should begin with an introduction section. Other subsections can follow as the topic requires.

d.   References: References are used to support statements of fact, to indicate sources of information, or to guide readers to further information. Be careful to make clear in the text the reason for a specific citation (i.e., do not imply support of a statement of fact by citing a reference that simply addresses the issue.) Cite only sources that you have actually consulted and evaluated. Cite original, peer-reviewed journal articles in preference to textbooks, review articles, abstracts editorials or letters. A MINIMUM OF FIVE CITATIONS TO FIVE DIFFERENT, RELEVANT, PEER-REVIEWED PROFESSIONAL JOURNAL ARTICLES PUBLISHED WITHIN THE LAST 5 YEARS ARE REQUIRED. (See accompanying list of approved journals.)

The first reference you cite is Reference 1, the next is Reference 2, etc. After the first citation of a reference, use its original number if you cite it again later. Cite references by superscript, using Arabic numerals.

Start the list of references on a separate page after the text. On the reference page, list the cited material in numerical order. List all references according to the examples provided in the “Preparing the Manuscript” section of the Respiratory Care Journal website available at : http://www.rcjournal.com/guidelines_for_authors/preparing_the_manuscript.cfm

III. Grading

• Title Page, Abstract & Text: Adherence to Formal Requirements: 20%
• Abstract & Text: Substance: 40%
• References / Adherence to Formal Requirements: 20%
• Correct English grammar, usage and spelling: 20%

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

¹Computers with word processing software, internet access, and free email access for use by students are available in the college library & RC Labs.