Scientific Writing

Paper Code: 
HHD 422
Credits: 
3
Contact Hours: 
45.00
Max. Marks: 
100.00
Objective: 
This course will enable the students to :
1. Understand the nuances of scientific writing.
2. Remember the insight into ethics in scientific publication
3. Understand the process of developing a research proposal/ project proposal

Course Outcomes (CO’s):

Course

Learning Outcomes

(at course level)

Learning and Teaching Strategies

Assignment Strategies

Paper Code

Paper Title

HHD 422

Scientific Writing

 

Student will–

COHD 127: Produce clear and effective scientific documents

 

COHD 128: Prepare scientific documents based on ethical guidelines

 

 

COHD 129: Develop skills in collation and presentation of scientific information

 

COHD 130: Develop a research design/project on a topic relevant to their field

Approaches in Teaching:  Analyze dissertations, research reports and project evaluation reports Videos on scientific writing shown, Discussion with lectures.

 

Learning activities for the Students:

Self learning assignments, field practicals.

Quiz. Prepare PPT, CA test , Semester End Examination.

 

9.00
Unit I: 
Unit I
Key elements of scientific writing
Quality information
Nature of language
Structure
Characteristics of scientific writing 
Clear and precise use of language
Accessibility to the intended audience
Correct information
Logical sequencing of information
Use of correct grammar
Appropriate use of technical terms, illustrations or diagrams
 
9.00
Unit II: 
Unit II
Drafting a scientific document
Research the document
Gather information
Plan the format
Create an outline
Write first draft
Check the accuracy
Revise and amend the document
Type of academic journal articles
Letters/communications
Research notes
Articles
Supplemental articles
Review articles
 
9.00
Unit III: 
Unit III
Writing effective scientific documents
Reports (Research/Progress)
Scientific paper (Journal/Conference)
Review paper
Abstracts
Theses
Electronic/Web based document
Elements of scientific documents
Sections/subsections
Headings/subheadings
Front matter (Title, Title page, Abstract, Table of contents, List of figures, List of tables, List of terms, Acknowledgements)
Body (Introduction, Review of literature, Methodology, Results, Discussions, Summary, Conclusion, Recommendations)
End Matter (References, Appendices, Indices)
 
9.00
Unit IV: 
Ethics and scientific publication
Ethics in Paper writing
Permission
Data fabrication and falsification
Plagiarism
Redundant and duplicate publication
Conflict of interest
Authorship issues
Animal and human welfare concerns
Reviewer responsibility
Oral Presentation
Format of oral presentation (Informal/formal)
Visual aids – LCD projector, overhead projector (OHP) and transparencies or other display media
Delivery –  Voice projection, Body language, Spoken v. written language, Notes, Time limit
 

 

9.00
Unit V: 
Writing a project proposal for grants
Rationale and importance of research
Empirical and  Theoretical conceptualization
Presenting pilot study/ data
Research proposal and time frame
Clarity and specificity of method
Clear organization
Outcome of research and its implications
Budgeting
Available infrastructure and resources
Executive summary
 
Essential Readings: 
Robert A. Day. How to Write and Publish a Scientific Paper, 7th edition, Greenwood, 2011.
Martha Davis. Scientific Papers and Presentations. (2012). 3rd Edition. Academic Press. 
Michael Alley. The Craft of Scientific Writing. (2018). 4th edition Springer-Verlag New York. 
Janice R. Matthews, John M. Bowen, Robert W. Matthews. (2014). Successful Scientific Writing: A Step-By-step Guide for the Biological and Medical Sciences, 4th Edition. University Press.
Peter J. Gosling. Scientist's Guide to Poster Presentations, Kluwer academic/Plenum publishers, 1999
Edward Barrett, Leslie Perelman. The Mayfield Handbook of Technical and Scientific Writing, McGraw-Hill, 1997.
Alley,M.(2018) The Craft of Scientific Writing. New York: Springer. 
Bernard, H.R. (2012). Social Research Methods: Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches.Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications
Black, J.A. and Champion, D.J. (1976). Methods and Issues in Social Research. NewYork: John Wiley andSons. 
Blaxter, L.,Hughes, C, and Tight, K. (2006). How to research. New Delhi: 3rd Edition. Open University Press. 
Blum, D., Knudson M., and Henig, R. M.(2005) Field Guide for Science Writers:The Official Guide of the National Association of Science Writers. USA; Oxford University Press. http://www.nasw.org/field-guide
Elmes, D.G.,Kanowitz, B.H. and Roediger, H.L. (1989). Research Methods in Psychology (Third Edition).New York:West Publishing Company. 
Katz, M.(2009) From Research to Manuscript: A Guide to Scientific Writing(2nd Ed). New York: Springer 
 
E-CONTENT:
 
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