How to write scientific papers: I

1. How to write scientific papers: I Changying Li 12-16-2009

2. Outline • Why is writing important • Types of scientific paper • Components of a research paper • The order of wring a paper • Two golden rules • Good writing habits • Writing style: more later… • References on writing

3. Types of Scientific Papers • Review paper • Pros: gain high citation number; no need for experiments • Cons: must have a full grasp of the field • Research paper • Pros: appropriate for most students • Cons: Cannot write without data

4. Why Writing • Science is not done without communication! • To publish papers • To write thesis and dissertations • To advance your career: • appointed to key positions • gain access to economic resources • occupy major gate-keeping roles

5. Components of a Paper • Title • Authors • Addresses • Abstract • Introduction • Materials and Methods • Results and discussion • Conclusion • Acknowledgement • References

6. Writing Order • Have a outline even before doing the experiment! • Materials and methods, while doing experiments • Organize data: tables, and figures • Results and discussion • Conclusion • Introduction • Abstract • References

7. Two Golden Rules • (1) write brieflyeveryday • (2) keep the creating and editing functions separate (dirty writing, and then clean the mess)

8. Good Writing Habits • 1. Write everyday; make writing a moderate priority. • 2. Write first (before email, phone calls, newspapers...) • 3. Keep a chart of when and what. • 4. Write while you are fresh, preferably in the morning. • 5. Set firm limits on the length of writing sessions. • 6. Set reasonable specific goals for writing sessions. • 7. Try working on 2-3 manuscripts concurrently.

9. Good References • The science of scientific writing. G.D. Gopen, J.A. Swan • The craft of research. • The elements of graphing. • Components of research papers. • Ten steps to write a paper.

10. Thanks! Discussion?