BIOL 1162

Writing Scientific Papers

Adopted from:UH Writing Center WorkshopMarch 2005by Jennifer Shade Wilson

Abilities Required for a Paper

Organizing ideas logically

Thinking clearly

Expressing yourself accurately and concisely

Scientific Method

Observation Hypothesis Experiment Conclusion

Sections of a Paper

Abstract Introduction Methods & Materials Results Discussion References

Abstract vs. Introduction

Abstract – completely summarizes the essence of your report; must be self-contained (it must make perfect sense to someone who hasn’t read your report)

Introduction – States the purpose of the study and provides context; general background information progresses to your specific research objectives

Methods - Do’s and Don’ts

Do’s Provide details of material and equipment used Present a concise description of data collection

procedure that allows precise replication of the study

Don’ts: - Don’t use lists to describe materials and equipment - Don’t describe results of the experiment- Don’t interpret your results in the methods section.

Results vs. Discussion

Results section – presents facts, which are descriptive; a summarization of data

Discussion section – presents points, which are analytical; an interpretation of data

Results – “Do’s”

Do use words to draw the reader’s attention to key patterns/trends in your data; i.e.,there should always be some explanatory text.

Do describe each table and each figure individually and sequentially.

Each figure/table must have a number and a title. The titles should be self-explanatory. Titles should be informative – NOT “y-axis vs.

x-axis.”

Results – “Don’ts” Do not discuss why the experiment was

performed.

Do not discuss how the experiment was performed.

Do not discuss whether the results were expected, unexpected, disappointing, or interesting.

Do not exclude data just because it contradicts a favored hypothesis.

Results – Language Lesson 1

What is the difference in meaning between the following two statements?

Caterpillars generally fed at faster rates on diet A.

Caterpillars feed at faster rates on diet A.

Results - Language Lesson - 2

Transformation efficiency was expressed as the number of antibiotic-resistant colonies per microgram of pAMP.

Our group expressed transformation efficiency as

the number of antibiotic-resistant colonies per microgram of pAMP.

Discussion Section – “Do’s”

Interpret your results/data. Connect your results to current literature. Describe any anomalies in your data and

potential sources of error.

Discussion – Language Lesson

How are the following two sentences different

from each other? The use of seat belts prevents physical injuries

in car accidents.

According to simulation studies, the use of seat belts may reduce certain types of physical injuries in car accidents.

Resources/References

Smith, J.K. 1987. Peas need water. J.Botany 85 (31): 53-59.

Knisley, K. (2002). A student handbook for writing in biology. Sunderland, MA: Sinauer Associates.