SCIENTIFIC WRITING (Theory)

Paper Code: 
24HFN422
Credits: 
04
Contact Hours: 
60.00
Max. Marks: 
100.00
Objective: 

This course will enable the students to –

  1. Understand the nuances of scientific writing.
  2. Gain an insight into ethics in scientific publication
  3. Learn the process of developing a research proposal/ project proposal

 

Course Outcomes: 

Course

Learning outcome

(at course level)

Learning and teaching strategies

Assessment Strategies

Course Code

Course

title

24HFN422

Scientific Writing

(Theory)

 

COFN127: Identify the key elements and analyse the characteristics of scientific writing to produce clear and effective scientific documents

COFN128: Effectively outline, organize, and compose research manuscripts or reports

 

COFN129: Produce high-quality scientific documents that meet the standards of scholarly communication in their field

COFN130: Prepare scientific documents based on ethical guidelines and develop skills in presentation of scientific

information

COFN131: Develop a research design/project on a topic relevant to their field

COFN132: Contribute effectively in course-specific interaction

Approach in teaching:

Interactive Lectures, Discussion,

Learning activities for the students:

Self-learning assignments, Case studies on preparation of diet plans for a given situation

 

 

 

Class test, Semester end examinations, Individual and group projects

 

12.00
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
12.00
Unit II: 
Academic writing
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
12.00
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)
 
12.00
Unit IV: 
Ethics in research and making of effective presentations
  • 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

 

12.00
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: 
  1. Robert A. Day. How to Write and Publish a Scientific Paper, 7th edition, Greenwood, 2011.
  2. Martha Davis. Scientific Papers and Presentations. (2012). 3rd Edition. Academic Press.
  3. Michael Alley. The Craft of Scientific Writing. (2018). 4th edition Springer-Verlag New York.
  4. 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.
  5. Peter J. Gosling. Scientist's Guide to Poster Presentations, Kluwer academic/Plenum publishers, 1999
  6. Edward Barrett, Leslie Perelman. The Mayfield Handbook of Technical and Scientific Writing, McGraw-Hill, 1997.
  7. Alley,M.(2018) The Craft of Scientific Writing. New York: Springer.
  8. Bernard, H.R. (2012). Social Research Methods: Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches.Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications

 

References: 

1.     Black, J.A. and Champion, D.J. (1976). Methods and Issues in Social Research. NewYork: John Wiley andSons.

2.     Blaxter, L.,Hughes, C, and Tight, K. (2006). How to research. New Delhi: 3rd Edition. Open University Press.

3.     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

4.     Elmes, D.G.,Kanowitz, B.H. and Roediger, H.L. (1989). Research Methods in Psychology (Third Edition).New York:West Publishing Company.

5.     Katz, M.(2009) From Research to Manuscript: A Guide to Scientific Writing(2nd Ed). New York: Springer 

Academic Year: