1) AIM and Objective (0.5 page): Define and organize the aim so they can be related logically and directly to the research methods 2) Project Description/ Introduction (5 pages): background What is known? What is not known? Why should we figure out what’s not known? • Rationale and significance • Importance of research related to specific aims and long-term objectives • List possible outcomes of research and how it will improve understanding • Justify the model systems being used 3) Experimental Design (3 pages): Be focused and clear Correspond methods to aims Distinguish between research design and specific methods Do not repeat methods if used for multiple aims Reference well-known/standard methods • Describe new/specialized methods • Explain why better than others • Discuss relevant controls • Explain data collection, analysis, interpretation • Must be done in a way to allow appropriate statistical analysis • Identify expected outcomes, pitfalls, limitations • Define success and failure • Consider alternative strategies