Writing in the Sciences

1. Writing in the Sciences Presented by the MSU Writing Center Grace Bernhardt and Robyn Tasaka

2. About the Writing Center Main Writing Center 300 Bessey Hall M-F 9-5 By appointment 432-3610 Stop by and talk to receptionist Library Satellite Across from Cybercafe Sun-Th 3-10 p.m. Walk-in only First-come, first-served

3. Our Objectives for Today To give a brief overview of how to provide peer response; To give you a brief overview of writing for journal publication; To give you a brief overview of the research proposal writing process; and To provide you with resources.

4. MAPS MAPS is a tool to help you through the writing process. It is a tool for thinking, planning, writing, evaluating, and reflecting. Mode Audience Purpose Situation

5. Mode Genre or type of writing What are some modes of writing that you compose? What are the expectations for this type of writing in terms of structure, format, level of formality, etc.?

6. Audience Who are you writing for? How much does your audience know about your topic?

7. Purpose What is the goal of your text? Why are you writing?

8. Situation Of the writer: In what environment do you write best? Of the writing: What are the external affordances/constraints on the writing?

9. Identifying your Writing Concerns What are some common challenges you face in your writing? Identify higher-order concerns like organization, use of evidence, strength of argument as opposed to lower-order concerns like grammar and spelling which can be a focus later in the writing process

10. Providing Peer Response The Four-Step Process Author identifies concerns with writing Author reads paper aloud Author silent; responders respond Author rejoins; asks further questions or clarifies

11. Writing for Publication What are the common sections typically included in a scientific journal article?

12. Common Sections What does each section do or accomplish? Abstract Introduction/Literature review Materials and Methods Results Discussion

13. What is a research proposal? A research proposal is used to gather support for a proposed project. A good proposal identifies a gap in the current research and presents a well thought-out plan for addressing a specific issue.

14. Overview of The Proposal Writing Process Define your project Locate funding sources Read proposal guidelines Contact the funding agency Develop a plan Write the proposal Submit the proposal Follow up

15. Define Your Project Clearly define what it is you want to do and why--identify a need for the work you want to do. Determine the methods and framework for your research. Determine what you will need to carry out the research; make sure research is feasible in terms of money and other resources.

16. Locate Funding Sources With a project in mind, begin researching funding agencies. Determine funder�s goals, objectives, and priorities. If your project does not match their goals, you are less likely to be funded.

17. Funding Databases MSU Database http://www.lib.msu.edu/harris23/grants/ National Science Foundation http://www.nsf.gov/funding/

18. Read through Guidelines Thoroughly read and understand the guidelines. Make sure you are eligible. Note things like the submission deadline, page limit, required attachments. Note the format that your proposal should be in.

19. Contact the Funding Agency Making personal contact is a good way to make yourself stand out. Ask for clarification or further explanation of the guidelines.

20. Develop a Plan Gather the information and materials necessary to begin writing the proposal. Get the necessary support and approval from other project team members. Do the necessary reading. Find examples of proposals that you can use to familiarize yourself with this type of writing. Create an outline.

21. Write the Proposal According to Peter E. Dunn, Professor of Entomology and Associate Vice Provost for Research at Purdue University, a research proposal usually has the following pieces: Cover sheet, Summary/Abstract, Project Description: Identification of problem or needs assessment, Project goals and objectives, Rationale and Significance, Project plan or proposed methodology, Citations or references, Resources needed PIs Qualifications, Facilities and equipment available, Current and pending support.

22. Learn More about the Specific Sections of a Proposal Peter Dunn�s PowerPoint: �Proposal Writing: Persuading Someone That You Have a Great Idea!� www.gradschool.purdue.edu/downloads/fund/Dunn_Proposal_Writing_Handout_Fall_2004.ppt

23. Writing Tips Use clear language in describing your proposed project. Limit jargon that your reader might not be familiar with and explain terms as needed. Be persuasive! Convince them your research is valuable and important Spend time proofreading and revising!

24. Submit your Proposal and Follow-Up Plan to submit your proposal before the submission deadline. Follow all guidelines for submission make sure your proposal is in the correct format and submitted the correct way (by mail, electronically etc.) Confirm they received your proposal. Inquire as to any next steps.

25. Mistakes to Avoid Starting too late Not following instructions Missing deadlines Bad grammar, punctuation, spelling Not learning from past grant applications Topic unrelated to sponsor�s goals Research is unoriginal Scope of project is too large; project unfeasible Need for research is unclear An underdeveloped project

26. Responding to Reviewers Do not expect every proposal to be successful! Many funding agencies encourage you to revise and resubmit. Sometimes you are given reviewer�s comments; read these and use them to rewrite or for writing proposals in the future.

27. Writing in the Sciences Resources George Mason University Department of Biology. �A guide to writing in the biological sciences.� http://classweb.gmu.edu/biologyresources/writingguide/Students.htm (January 30, 2007). Kennedy, Mary. 1995. Writing in the Disciplines, 3rd ed. Harcourt Brace, TX. Pechenik, Jan A. 2001. A Short Guide to Writing About Biology, 4th ed. Addison-Wesley, NY. Penrose, Ann; Katz, Steven. Writing in the Sciences: Exploring Conventions of Scientific Discourse; St. Martin�s Press: New York, 1998. Guide for Better Science Writing: Indiana University: http://www.indiana.edu/~cheminfo/14-05.html

28. Further Questions? MSU Writing Center writing@msu.edu http://writing.msu.edu Phone: 517-432-3610 Or Walk In