Course Texts

• Ann Penrose and Steven Katz, Writing in the Sciences
• Coursepack of student papers, journal articles, and grant proposals
• Victoria McMillan, Writing Papers in the Biological Sciences, 3rd Edition [WPBS]

Supplemental Texts

• Robert A. Day, How to Write and Publish a Scientific Paper

Tentative Class Schedule

Week 1
Introduction to the course
Writing sample and class survey
Science as a Social Enterprise (Chapter 1 of Writing in the Sciences)

Week 2
Communication Forums in Science (Chapter 2 of Writing in the Sciences)
Discuss need for awareness of audience and prevailing paradigms
Review of Grammar and Science Writing Style
Resume and Cover Letter Samples, peer revision
WPBS (184-191)

Week 3
Library tour
Reporting Results to the Scientific Community (Chapter 3 of Writing in the Sciences)
Considering Ethics in Scientific Communication (Writing in the Sciences, Chapter 8)
Discuss sample journal article

Week 4
Abstract due-- WPBS (55-59)
Reviewing prior research (Writing in the Sciences, Chapter 4)
Assignment: Review of article
Reading: WPBS, Chapters 1 and 5

Week 5
Review of CBE Style -- WPBS, Chapter 6
Approval of project proposal/journal article idea
Writing Research Proposals (Writing in the Sciences, Chapter 6)

Week 6
Annotated Bibliography due
Using numbers and visual aids--WPBS, Chapter 3
Discussion of midterm assignment
Review of student sample midterm papers

Week 7
Midterm paper rough draft due
Peer revision
Sign up for midterm conferences

Week 8
Midterm paper final draft due
Sign up for oral and poster presentations
Midterm conferences

Week 9
Introduction to oral presentations
Review of past presentations
Preparing Conference Presentations (Writing in the Sciences, Chapter 5)
Read: WPBS (170-174)
Basic PowerPoint for biological contexts

Week 10
Oral presentations

Week 11
Oral presentations

Week 12
Oral presentations
Optional Procedures Manual
Review of sample final projects: grant proposals and journal articles
WPBS, Chapter 7

Week 13
Peer revision sessions on individual projects
WPBS, Chapter 8

Week 14
More peer revision
Final Conferences with instructor

Week 15
Final project due.
Students are urged to submit papers for publication in undergraduate science forums