A Student Research Proposal--Model #1

NOTE: When prepared in print format, this memo is two pages long. Refer to your textbook and/or information presented by your instructor for information about how to set up the printed pages (spacing, margins, second page headings, and so forth).

MEMORANDUM

DATE: May 12, 1999

TO: Dr. Susan Fagan, Instructor of Technical Writing
       University of Oregon

FROM: Rachel C. Miller   

SUBJECT: Proposal for Final Research Report


Introduction

          The bright, swirling colors of computer-generated fractal patterns brought fractals to the public eye several years ago. Fractals are now regarded as artistic displays and are common images on T-shirts, posters, and screen savers. But what are fractals? What can they be used for? My final research paper will answer these questions and provide an up-to-date report on the current applications and uses of fractals in the world of biology.


History and Background

          A fractal is a mathematical equation that is relatively simple compared to its computer-generated image. If a complicated physical system, similar to a computer-generated fractal image, can be represented by a fractal equation, then the equation will provide a simpler model that can be analyzed, studied, and manipulated much easier than the physical system itself. Fractal models are widely used today in biology because they more accurately represent physical systems than pre-existing models. For this reason, fractal modeling has had a profound impact on the study of biological systems and the understanding of the world we live in.


Qualifications

          My background in physics and math has given me the ability to understand mathematical and physical concepts and to analyze complex information. These skills will help me to interpret the scientific concepts and terminology of the research material into a language that a general reader can understand.


Audience

          My report will be written for an audience familiar with general science and mathematical concepts. I will be writing at the science level; therefore, all biological and mathematical terms and concepts that are not assumed to be common knowledge will be defined.


Research Topics

          The report will address the following topics:

1. brief histories of the discovery and development of fractals by mathematicians
2. mathematical definitions and general properties of fractals including geometry, dimensionality, scaling, and self-similarity
3. geometrical vs. statistical self-similarity
4. self-similarity in space and time
5. how fractals can be used to model biological systems and the advantages of fractal modeling
6. specific examples and applications of biological fractal modeling

Proposed Sources

          Most of my sources will be secondary research sources including books, journal publications, and Internet publications. Two books that I will be using extensively are Fractal Geometry in Biological Systems: An Analytical Approach, edited by Philip M. Iannaccone and Mustafa Khokha, and Fractals and Chaos: Simplified for the Life Sciences, written by Larry S. Leibovitch. These and other books have detailed photographs and images that illustrate biological fractal modeling. The Internet also has web sites on fractals that will provide good color images of fractals for use as figures in the report.

          I might conduct some primary research such as interviewing a professor in the math department about fractals and/or a biology professor about fractal modeling. Any professor I consult will be University of Oregon faculty.


Conclusion

          The research for my paper will be guided by the topics stated above. I look forward to the information that I will learn during the process of this report. I will be happy to further discuss this proposal at your convenience.

 

Last Updated 02/10/00