Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
you will follow it through to the end. You want to succeed with your first project, particularly
because it is going to lead toward a Master's or doctorate. Coming up with a complicated
project to start out with makes completion less likely and it will discourage you from
continuing on in the field. Your advisor will be able to make suggestions with regard to
how to make your particular project as feasible and manageable as possible.
PROJECT LOGISTICS
Thinking about the logistics that will be involved will help you determine how manage-
able your project will be. See
Table 2.6
. Do you have access to the proper equipment you will
need? For example, if you want to do a stable isotope or DNA analysis, you will need access
to very specialized equipment. Will you need special permission to access the sample? How
will you go about obtaining that permission? How much time will data collection take? Will
you have that time available based on your schedule? Will the study involve destructive
analysis, and if so, is it absolutely necessary and can you receive permission for this? (Refer
to the section on ethical considerations, later in this chapter.) Can you receive permission for
transport of samples (teeth, etc.) to the laboratory for stable isotope or other specialized anal-
ysis? (See, for example, Bethard [Chapter 15], this volume.) Will you need any technical or
specialized help (with data collection, with sample preparation, with analysis, etc.)? Will
you be allowed to publish the data? Will you need money for analysis, travel, etc., and if
so, where will you get it from? Answering these questions will help you refine your idea
even further depending upon the answers. Sometimes your idea may come to a standstill
if for example you do not receive permission to carry it out. Other times it might be delayed
if you need to apply for funding. Again, your advisor can help you during this process with
suggestions and guidance if you do hit any roadblocks.
Locating a Sample
Finding a sample can be one of the simplest parts of your logistics if you intend to study
skeletal collections. As mentioned earlier, by this point you should have an idea of which part
of the world you wish to focus on. During your review of the literature, many papers will list
the name of the collection used
d
let that serve as your starting point. However, if you plan on
TABLE 2.6 Refining Your Idea: Logistics Involved
Is your project manageable and feasible?
Do you have/can you obtain access to necessary equipment?
Do you need special permission? How do you obtain permission?
Is destructive analysis involved? Do you need permission for this?
How much time will it take
d
do you have the time available?
How will you transport the samples if applicable?
Will you need special technical assistance?
Will you need permission to publish the data/results?
Do you have/can you obtain the resources to carry out the study?
Does the project meet accepted ethical standards?
