You are here: Home / Resources / Teaching Materials / Writing Microbiology Resource Announcements (MRA) / Description
Resource Image

Writing Microbiology Resource Announcements (MRA)

Author(s): Arturo Diaz1, Julia Lee-Soety2, Shima Chaudhary3, Denise L Monti4, Viknesh Sivanathan5, Richard Pollenz6

1. La Sierra University 2. Saint Joseph’s University 3. South Texas College 4. University of Alabama at Birmingham 5. Howard Hughes Medical Institute 6. University of South Florida

1427 total view(s), 836 download(s)

1 comment(s) (Post a comment)

Download

Adapt 0
Summary:
This resources provides a framework for students to write a Microbiology Resource Announcement, collaboratively.

Licensed under Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal

Version 3.1 - published on 26 Jan 2023 doi:10.25334/CFAW-6M21 - cite this Last public release: 5.1

Keywords

  1. phage
  2. Bioinformatics and Genomics
  3. Genome announcement
  4. manuscript
  5. MRA

Alignments

  1. Resource Type
  2. Audience Level
Contents:
view all files

Description

After annotating their phage genomes, students will write a manuscript describing the phage(s) they discovered. The manuscript will be published on the pre-print repository BioRxiv where it will be indexed and searchable via Pubmed and can be readily referenced. Faculty and students can then submit the same manuscript for peer review and consideration for publication in the journal Microbial Resource Announcements (MRA).

 

Learning objectives  
After completing this module, students should be able to:

  • Write drafts of a manuscript describing characteristics of their phage, including isolation parameters, morphological characteristics, and genetic content. 

  • Collaborate with their peers to write a final draft of the manuscript ready for submission to BioRxiv and/or MRA.

  • Understand that scientific writing is an ongoing process from drafting, finalizing, peer review, and final publication.

  • Be proficient in locating suitable resources and using appropriate citations for the publication.

 

How is the module structured to promote student development as a scientist?  

One of the most important aspects of being a scientist is becoming an excellent writer to communicate the results of projects. Quality writing exemplifies the basic skills expected of a trained scientist: organization, attention to detail, and critical analysis. After annotating their phage genomes, students will initially write a manuscript draft before working collaboratively as a class to develop a final draft. This module will promote peer collaboration, encourage engagement and independence, model scientific thinking, and produce scientific output.

 

Intended Teaching Setting

  • Course level:  majors, first-year students, upper-level students, honors students

  • Instructional Setting:  In-person classroom or online

  • Implementation Time Frame:  4-5 hours from writing preliminary draft to final draft ready for submission

 

Project Documents

Facilitator document:
    0 - Facilitator Guide
Learning activity document(s): 
    1 - MRA Data Collection Template
    2 - MRA Template 
    3 - MRA Faculty Checklist
    4 - MRA Rubric

 

Acknowledgments:  HHMI

 

Notes

Version 1.1 updates the change from using Genome Announcement to Microbiology Resource Announcement. The Guide also provides clarity on the process to work with the University of Pittsburgh to assure that Genbank Accession numbers and SRA information is submitted.

Version 2.1.  This version, uploaded in January 2022, reflects substantial updates to the original QUBES resource.  Version 2.1 is intended to serve as a resource for faculty and students writing a Microbiology Resource Announcement.  The templates included in this version of the QUBES resource are designed to ensure that all information needed for MRA submission is included in the final written document.  The resource also includes an updated grading rubric that reflects the information necessary for MRA submission.  

Version 3.1.  This version, uploaded in January 2023 includes a new General Template that could be used to generate a genome announcement with a published format.  The General Template might be appropriate for bioRxiv, or similar publications.    The updated General template is a result of feedback from faculty using Version 2.1.  

Cite this work

Researchers should cite this work as follows:

Close

Home

Search