Readings and Homework Preparation

[D] Chapter 1: What is Scientific Writing?

[D] Chapter 3: Approaching a Writing Project.

Hanson, Michael J. "Efficient Reading of Papers in Science and Technology." (PDF)

Rettig, Hillary. "Optimizing Your Writing Process: Write Nonlinearly." (PDF)

Interested in reading more?

Rockquemore, Kerry Ann, PhD. "Writing Rocks," The Monday Motivator, National Center for Faculty Development & Diversity.

Writing for the public

[D] Chapter 24: How to Write Opinion (Book Reviews, Editorials, and Letters to the Editor).

[D] Chapter 26: How to Write for the Public.

[D] Chapter 33: Writing Clear Across Cultures and Media.

Bavaria, MD, Joseph E., Jehnagir J. Appoo, MD, Michel S. Makarou, MD, et al. "Endovascular Stent Grafting Versus Open Surgical Repair of Descending Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms in Low-risk Patients: A Multicenter Comparative Trial." Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 133, no. 2 (2007): 369-77.

Bhanoo, Sindya N. "New Wearable Sensor Can Collect Data From Sweat," New York Times, February 1, 2016.

Gorman, James. "The Venus Flytrap, a Plant That Can Count," New York Times, February 1, 2016.

Delude, Cathryn. "Vascular Disease: Pipe Repair." Proto, May 3, 2011.

"Mind the Gap: Communicating Science to Diverse Audiences." (PDF) Science Editor 31, no. 5 (2008): 158.

News Office. "Letter Regarding the First Direct Detection of Gravitational Waves," MIT News, February 11, 2016.

Reynolds, Gretchen. "Why Runners Get Slower With Age (and How Strength Training May Help)," New York Times, September 9, 2015.

Model Paper - Presenting Complex Information to Non-specialist Audiences

Dyson, Freeman. "The 'Dramatic Picture' of Richard Feynman." The New York Review of Books, July 14, 2011.

Fitzgerald, Michael. "How to Write a Memorable Memo." CIO, October 15, 2005.

Swales, John W., and Christine B. Feak. "Appendix on Email Published in the 2nd Edition of Academic Writing for Graduate Students." (PDF) University of Michigan Press ELT, 2012.

Peer workshop (2)

[C] Unit 7: Collocation and Corpus Searching.

Study the above; do tasks that have answer keys in [CA]; and bring questions to class.

[D] Chapter 15: How to Cite the References.

[H] Skim.

Fischer, Beth A., and Michael J. Zigmond. "Twenty Steps to Writing a Research Article."

Loui, Michael C. "Seven Ways to Plagiarize: Handling Real Allegations of Research Misconduct." Science and Engineering Ethics 8, no. 4 (2002): 529–39.

Newhouse, Margaret. "Transferable Skills."

Take the quiz:

Harris, Robert A. "The Importance of Using Sources Effectively - Self-Assessment: Rules of Citation Quiz 1." Chapter 1 in Using Sources Effectively: Strengthening Your Writing and Avoiding Plagiarism. 4th ed. Routledge, 2014. ISBN: 9781936523351.

[D] Chapter 9: How to Prepare the Abstract.

[D] Chapter 10: How to Write the Introduction.

[D] Chapter 23: How to Write a Review Paper. "Table 20-1"

Kumar, M. Jagadesh. "Making Your Research Paper Discoverable: Title Plays the Winning Trick." IETE Technical Review 30, no. 5 (2013): 361–63.

 Rew, Lois J. "Table 20-1: Types and Characteristics of Summaries." In Introduction to Technical Writing: Process & Practice. 2nd edition. St. Martin's Press, 1993. ISBN: 9780312067816.

Taylor, Dena. "The Literature Review: A Few Tips On Conducting It," Health Sciences Writing Centre, University of Toronto.

Sample journal abstract (informative)

Prather, Jonathan F., Susan Peters, Stephen Nowicki, et al. "Precise Auditory-Vocal Mirroring in Neurons for Learned Vocal Communication." Nature 451 (2008): 305-10.

Sample journal abstract (descriptive)

Banister, David, and Robin Hickman. "How to Design a More Sustainable and Fairer Built Environment: Transport and Communications." IEE Proceedings - Intelligent Transport Systems 153, no. 4 (2007): 276-91.

The craft of writing effective abstracts

Reis, Ricardo. "Where is the Natural Rate? Rational Policy Mistakes and Persistent Deviations of Inflation from Target." The BE Journal of Macroeconomics 3, no. 1 (2003).

Su, Guolong. "Polynomial Decomposition Algorithims in Signal Processing." (PDF) Master Thesis, June 2013.

Task 1

Examine these abstracts and answer the following questions.

• The objectives of the research?
• The key words identifying the methods used?
• The results of the research?
• The conclusions drawn from the results?
• What could you do to improve each abstract?

Task 2

Skim each of these abstracts and cross out all the language that describes the research prject, in particular. The resulting phrases are "shared language' and can be incorporated into your own writing without fear of plagiarism.

Model EECS thesis abstract

Task 1

Follow Driscoll's guidelines (see Study Materials) as you analyze the model abstract. How closely does the EECS abstract conform the guidelines?

Task 2

Find out whether these guidelines are suitable for writing a thesis abstract in your discipline. If not, consult with colleagues in your department and create preparation guidelines that you will be able to use when you are writing up your thesis/dissertation.

[C] Unit 6: Hedging, Boosting, and Positioning.

Study the above; do tasks that have answer keys in [CA]; and bring questions to class.

[D] Chapter 11: How to Write the Materials and Methods Section.

[D] Chapter 12: How to Write the Results.

[D] Chapter 13: How to Write the Discussion.

Gillen, Christopher. "The Data Suggest: Writing in the Sciences." Chapter 13 in They Say, I Saw: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing. 2nd ed. Edited by Gerald Graff and Cathy Birkenstein. W. W. Norton & Company, 2009. ISBN: 9780393933611.

Optional

Frodesen, Jan, and Margi Wald. "Writing about Increases and Decreases." Chapter 2 in Exploring Options in Academic Writing: Effective Vocabulary and Grammar Use. University of Michigan Press ELT, 2016. ISBN: 9780472034260.

Writing up research (6): Publishing & professionalism

[D] Chapter 5: Ethics in Scientific Publishing.

[D] Chapter 6: Where to Submit Your Manuscript.

[D] Chapter 14: How to State the Acknowledgements

[D] Chapter 19: Rights and Permissions.

[D] Chapter 20: How to Submit the Manuscript.

[D] Chapter 21: The Review Process (How to Deal with Editors).

[D] Chapter 22: The Publishing Process (How to Deal with Proofs).

[D] Chapter 40: How to Provide Peer Review.

Grens, Kerry. "Self Correction: What to Do When You Realize Your Publication Is Fatally Flawed." The Scientist, December 1, 2015.

Grove, Jack. "Questioning the 'Myth' of Linguistic Bias." Inside Higher Ed, March 25, 2016.

Reis, Joanne B., and Carl G. Leukefeld. "Contending with Reviewers' Comments." Chapter 2 in The Research Funding Guidebook: Getting It, Managing It, & Renewing It. SAGE Publications Incorporation, 1997. ISBN: 9780761902317.

Responding to Peer Review, matt.might.net.

Whitesides, George M. "Whitesides' Group: Writing a Paper." Advanced Materials 16, no. 15 (2004): 1375–77.

To prepare for class discussion of professionalism, read the following articles and keep notes on supporting points and counter arguments

Bertamini, Marco, and Marcus R. Munafò. "The Perils of 'Bite Size' Science," New York Times, January 28, 2012.

Lin, Thomas. "Cracking Open the Scientific Process," New York Times, January 16, 2012.

Price, Richard. "Peer Review Needs to Expand So That More Scientists are Reviewing Papers," The Guardian, October 23, 2013.

Yandell, Kate. "Bonding in the Lab: How to Make Your Lab Less Like a Factory and More Like a Family." The Scientist, October 1, 2013.

Review all of your graded quizzes, exercises, formal paper drafts and memos from the semester. Note down any patterns you notice and conclusions you can draw about your writing.

In your individual consultations, be prepared to discuss your questions, problems, and goals for your final paper.