Archive for category: Biology

Write it as you would if it were an original research experiment that you performed on your own.
It is very important that you read some scientific papers before you try to write one. You cannot possibly expect to write a paper in the scientific format and style until you have read some published papers! Pay attention to the tone, style, and format, and then try to emulate it in your paper.
When writing, you may assume that your reader has a scientific background, but do not assume that the reader knows anything about your specific experiment. Again, write your paper as if you were sending it to a scientific journal for consideration as a published article. Use clear and concise language. Organize your paper into cohesive paragraphs. Be sure to use double spacing when typing your paper, except for table titles, footnotes, or graph legends. Spend some time reading and reviewing instructions and follow the guidelines carefully.
Title
Concise and explains what the study is about
Abstract
Does not exceed length limit (200 words or less) Communicates the purpose/question/hypothesis of the report. Provides a synopsis of your research
Clearly but concisely communicates the finding of the work. Does not go excessively into details or background.

Introduction
Organized into logically constructed paragraphs.
Provides background information to support why the hypothesis, predictions, and experimental design makes sense, or to support the argument for why the study is important.
Describes a minimum of two published research articles relevant to this work.
Clearly states the hypothesis that you formed before beginning the experiment. Provides a clear statement of the scientific question to be addressed.
Provides a 1 – 2 sentence summary of the experimental design, usually at the end of the introduction Ends with a 1 – 2 sentence statement of the findings.

Methods
Adequately describes methods used to test hypothesis/prediction Adequately describes specific materials and procedures used Includes what statistical methods were used.
Does not include irrelevant details.
Results
Figures
Figure # at bottom. Figure legend tells the reader enough to understand the figure but is not verbose. Both axes are labeled and units of measurement are given.
The scale should clearly present data patterns and differences between samples.
Groups with statistically different means are indicated.
Text should clearly describe results but not duplicate figures and tables. Provides statistical vitals, i.e. p- value, critical value (e.g. t-stat), means, and variances. Figures not in color.
Discussion
Must not be redundant with the results section; it interprets rather than restates results. Interprets the data with respect to the hypothesis
– did the results support the hypothesis, and why?
– point out any results that do not support hypothesis
Relates the results to existing theory or knowledge, citing sources
If results support your hypothesis, briefly suggest a follow up experiment that might eliminate experimental confounds. If results were inconclusive, suggest plausible reason(s) why and propose a way to test your suggestion (note: “human error” or procedural errors are not acceptable reasons).
Follows proper format and lists every reference used.