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Writing Center

University Writing Center Texas A&M University University Writing Center

RWFM 491 Research in Wildlife and Fisheries

College: Agriculture and Life Sciences
Department: Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences
Type: W
Status: Approved

NOTE: WFSC 491 has changed to RFWM 491 effective Summer 2022.
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REPORT ON RECERTIFICATION OF W COURSE: RWFM 491
 
CERTIFICATION PERIOD: 9/1/23 to 9/1/27                  
 
We recommend that RWFM 491 Research be certified as a writing (W) course. We have reviewed a representative syllabus and have determined that the course meets or exceeds the following criteria: (1) 92% of the final grade is based on writing quality; (2) the total number of words is 2300; (3) the instructor to student ratio is 1:5; and (4) the assigned writing is appropriate to the major.
 
RWFM 491 is offered for 1 credit when it is offered as a W course. When students request the course, the faculty is notified of the expectations for the writing components. Students write a short paper on a possible research topic they would like to pursue, another on research concerns, then an introduction to the larger research paper followed by a methods section and finally a section detailing results, discussions, and conclusions. This scaffolding of the paper helps students receive feedback as they compose. In addition, they turn in drafts for the research paper sections and receive written instructor feedback. Instruction is done by individual faculty and covers topics such a plagiarism, using the library, citation, and basic writing skills as needed.