COURSE GUIDE ENG 10 (Writing of Scientific Papers)* English Division, Department of Humanities College of Arts and Sciences, UPLB
Course Description Principles underlying underlying the preparation p reparation and writing of scientific papers Course Goals The course is about the preparation and writing of scientific papers. It deals with the application of general and specific principles of scientific and technical writing. Thus, it prepares you, the students, for your thesis or practicum-report writing, particularly particularly on how to communicate and report your research, simulating the whole scientific processes. At the end of the course, you will gain an understanding of how to effectively write scientific and technical papers. Course Objectives At the end of the term, term, you are expected to 1. Differentiate scientific scientific writing from other types types of writing; 2. Identify common errors and problems problems in usage usage and mechanics mechanics of style in scientific scientific writing, and correct or improve on them; and 3. Write scientific scientific and technical papers, applying applying the basic principles principles of clear effective writing. Prerequisites ENG 10 may be taken by students of junior standing who have passed ENG 2. These prerequisites are meant to ensure that you are equipped with the necessary exposure/preparation in your field of specialization, which you need in writing and communicating communicating scientific papers. Course Materials Upon enrollment, you will be provided access to the course guide and handouts through the groupsite.
____ *Course Guide is approved by the ENG 10 Committee.
Course Outline I.
Introduction to Scientific Writing (4 hours) A. Science: Dynamic and Static View B. The Research Process References: Brown, W. 1993. “Defining the Process of Science.” The Science Teacher. 26-28. (Call No. LT-9043803) Henson, RM. and Soriano, R F. 1999. Communication Research: Course Guide in Communication Research. Manila: Booklore Publishing Co. Kerlinger, F. 1973. Foundations of Behavioral Research. Beverly Hills, USA: Sage Publications. Librero, F. 1996. How to Write a Thesis Proposal: Some Practical Guidelines. College, Laguna: College of Agriculture, Publications Program.
C. Nature and Scope of Scientific Writing References: Magpayo, E. R., Taber, M.A., Diano L., Nonato, B., and Realo, M. 1993. “Definitions and nature of technical writing. The role of the technical writer. The importance of possessing technical writing skills.” Contemporary Technical English. Quezon City: MY Publishing House, 1-19. Mills, G and Walter, J. 1980. “Special Techniques of Technical Writing.” Technical Writing. New York, USA: Holt, Rinehart and Winston. 1-12. Stratton, C. F. 1979. “Technical writing: what it is and what it isn’t.” J. Technical Writing and Communication, 9(11):9-15. Wilkins, K. 1977. “Technical writing: Effective communication.” J. Technical Writing and Communication (11):35-43.
D. Plagiarism and Ethics in Scientific Writing Reference: Day, R. 1995. How to Write a Scientific Paper. New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston. (Note: Available at the UPLB Main Library and at the IRRI Library.) II. Basic Principles and Techniques in Scientific Writing (6 hours) A. Definition B. Classification C. Description Course Guide for ENG 10 Second Semester, AY 2014 - 2015 Page 2 of 8
1. Of a Mechanism 2. Of a Process D. Comparison and Contrast E. Interpretation References: Magpayo, E. R., Tabor, M.A., Diano, L., Nonato, B., and Realo, M. 1993. “Basic techniques of technical writing, the ABC of report writ ing,” Contemporary Technical English. Quezon City: MY Publishing House, 40-54. Mills, G. and Walter, J. 1980. “Special Techniques of Technical Writing.” Technical Writing. New York, USA: Holt, Rinehart and Winston. 1-12. III. Correct Usage and Mechanics of Style (5 hours) Reference: Mills, G. and Walter, J. 1980. “Special Techniques of Technical Writing.” Technical Writing. New York, USA: Holt, Rinehart and Winston. 1-12. IV. Thesis/Research Proposal (12 hours) References: Aquino, G. 1971. Essentials of Research and Thesis Writing. Quezon City:Phoenix Publishing House. Alcantara, R.D. and Espina, F.P. 1995. Technical Writing for Filipino Students. Quezon City: Katha Publishing Co., Inc. Librero, F. 1996. How to Write a Thesis Proposal. Some Practical Guidelines. College, Laguna: College of Agriculture, Publications Program. Nem Singh, R.P. and Calixihan, J.O. 1994. Fundamentals of Technical Writing. Metro Manila: National Bookstore, Inc. Samson, D.C. 1993. Editing Technical Writing. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Technical Proposal Format. http://www.handord.gov/tanks.hfi/business/c10rfp/format.htm V. Scientific Paper and Scientific Poster (4 hours) A.
Scientific Paper 1. Definition 2. How to write the scientific paper a. Introduction b. Review of Literature (Related Studies) c. Materials and Methods (Methodology) d. Results and Discussion/Analysis of Data e. Conclusion f. Abstract 3. How to publish a scientific paper Course Guide for ENG 10 Second Semester, AY 2014 - 2015 Page 3 of 8
a. Ethics in authorship b. Valid publications 4. Documentation style and mechanics Reference: Day, R. 1995. How to Write a Scientific Paper. New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston. (Note: Available at the UPLB Main Library and at the IRRI Library) B. Scientific Poster 1. Importance 2. Parts of a scientific poster 3. Mechanics and style References: Kirkeby, K. A. Preparing professional scientific posters. http://www.ce.umn.edu/smith/supplements/poster/guide.htm. Retrieved 19 April 2008. O’Connor, M. 1992. Writing successfully in science. London: Chapman & Hall. Purrington, C. B. 2006. Advice on designing scientific posters. http://www.swarthmore.Edu/NatSci/cpurrin1/posteradvice.htm. Retrieved April 19, 2008. Grading System (Total = 1000 points) Lecture Class- 500 points (50%)
Quizzes/activities - 300 Midterm Exam - 100 Pre-Final Exam - 100
Recit/ Writing Lab Class- 500 points (50%)
Writing Exercises - 200 Research Proposal (drafting stage and final) - 250 Scientific Poster - 50
REMEMBER: YOU NEED TO PASS BOTH COMPONENTS TO PASS THE COURSE. Assessment of Research Proposal/Poster Your research proposal and scientific poster will be evaluated using the following criteria: Research Proposal: Content Organization Language Use
50% 25% 25%
Course Guide for ENG 10 Second Semester, AY 2014 - 2015 Page 4 of 8
GRADING SCALE 980-1000 950-979 900-949 850-899 800-849 750-799 700-749 650-699 600-649 500-599 499-BELOW
1.0 1.25 1.5 1.75 2 2.25 2.5 2.75 3 4 5
Scientific Poster: Content Organization Language Use Layout
50% 25% 15% 10%
Class Guidelines/Policies 1.
2.
Consultation Schedule/Venue: To be announced Consultations should be done only on specified days and time. Your teacher’s other official hours are spent in conducting classes, reviewing lessons, preparing exercises/quizzes/exams, checking papers, attending meetings, etc. “Ambush” consultations in the most unlikely places (stairs, COOP, banks, church, Grove area, shopping places, etc.) will not be entertained. You are encouraged to consult with the teacher on subject-related matters/problems/queries/clarifications, early in the semester. Attendance
In adherence to University policies, your teacher is very particular about tardiness and absences. a.
Tardiness
Three “late” = 1 absence (University rule) Attendance is checked 10 minutes after the time. There will be no make-up activity for any quiz/exercise missed during the time you were late.
b. Absences
Be reminded of the UP Code on Attendance (Chapter 50, Art. 346): Course Guide for ENG 10 Second Semester, AY 2014 - 2015 Page 5 of 8
“When the number of hours lost by absence of a student reaches 20 per cent of the hours of recitation, lecture, laboratory or any other scheduled work in one subject he shall be dropped from the subject; Provided, That a faculty may prescribe a longer attendance requirement to meet their special needs. If the majority of the absences are excused, the student shall not be given a grade of “5” upon being thus dropped; but if the majority of the absences are not excused, he shall be given a grade of “5” upon being thus dropped. Time lost by late enrolment shall be considered as time lost by absence. ”
If a student commits a total of four (4) unexcused absences in either the recitation or the lecture class, he can already be given a grade of “5.0” even if the combined total of unexcused absences have not reached seven (7). Dropping is at the discretion of the lecturer and recitation faculty. ONLY THE LECTURER AND THE RECITATION TEACHER CAN APPROVE ANY REQUEST FOR DROPPING. There is no make-up for any graded activity missed during the time you were absent, except in case of an ailment that required hospitalization or of an ailment that is highly communicable, e.g., measles, chicken pox, mumps, sore eyes, typhoid fever, etc. Your teacher will require presentation of an official excuse slip from your Office of the College Secretary. Follow the UP Code rules on such requests. Request for any make-up graded activity - absence due to fulfilment of a requirement in another course – will be disapproved. Your being absent from the previous meeting is no excuse for not participating in the next class discussion. Class is dismissed 10 -15 minutes before the time (University rule).
Submission of Requirements
Your teacher is very particular about deadlines. Deadlines for submission of requirements will be announced well ahead of the schedule, to give you ample time to prepare. Assignments/Requirements will be collected only during class hours; late assignments will not be accepted. If you decide to submit the requirement ahead of schedule, you should personally submit it to your teacher. Do not just put it in the teacher’s pigeon hole or ask a friend to submit it for you.
Testing/Evaluation
A quiz will be given before a new topic is discussed.
“Surprise” quizzes will be given every now and then.
IMPORTANT REMINDER: “Any form of cheating or dishonesty shall be punishable.” (UP Code on Conduct and Discipline, Chapter 81, Art. 473) Course Guide for ENG 10 Second Semester, AY 2014 - 2015 Page 6 of 8
For the first offense (one paper), a grade of 5.0 will be given for that paper. For more than one offense (more than one paper), a grade of 5.0 will be given for the course, not just for the papers.
Others 1. Your mobile phones should be put in the silent mode or put off and should be kept in your bags. 2.
Function of Seat Plan
3.
Information Card If, after the first meeting, you decide to stay in the class, for the next meeting bring a medium-sized index card, with the following information written on it:
Side A of the card: Name, nickname, student number, cell/landline number, birth date, home address, college address, degree course, college, thesis/sp/registration adviser, and expected grade. Attach a 1 x 1 photo (the most recent) on the upper right-hand corner of the card. CARDS TO BE COLLECTED NEXT MEETING.
Side B: Class schedule for the semester, including room assignments
ENG 10 LECTURERS AND RECIT FACULTY MEMBERS TO BE ANNOUNCED
LECTURE/RECIT CLASS SCHEDULE/TOPICS/ACTIVITIES
DATE/ WEEK
LECTURE CLASS
RECIT/ WRITING LAB CLASS
JAN 27-30
Orientation/Discussion of course guide
Meeting 1
FEB 3-6
Unit 1: The Nature of Science and Scientific Writing
Meeting 2
FEB 10-13
Plagiarism and Ethics in Scientific Writing
Meeting 3
Course Guide for ENG 10 Second Semester, AY 2014 - 2015 Page 7 of 8
EXERCISES TO PREPARE
Collection of class cards; checking of attendance and form 5/form 26; inform class that the course guide will be discussed in the lecture class; discussion of recit activities and class policies Reiterations; questions and queries about the course guide, etc; Writing exercise to assess writing ability of students Ex. 1:Defining processes of science (Illustrate the processes
FEB 17-20 *Feb. 19 is a holiday. FEB 24-27 *Feb. 25 is a holiday.
Unit 2: Basic Principles and Techniques in Scientific Writing (definition, classification, etc.) Unit 3: Correct Usage and Common Errors in Grammar
Meeting 4
MAR 3-6
Principles of Effective Writing
Meeting 6
MAR 10-13
Unit 4: The Research Proposal (technical and information requisites, problem identification)
Meeting 7
MAR 17-20
Significance of the Study MIDTERM EXAM
Meeting 8
MAR 31 APR 3 *Apr 2 and 3 are holidays. APR 7-10 *Apr 9 is a holiday. APR 14-17
Review of Literature
Meeting10
APR 21-24
Tabular, Textual and Graphic Presentation Summary, Conclusion and Recommendations, Abstracts
MAR 24-27
APR 28MAY 1 *May 1 is a holiday. MAY 5-8
Meeting 5
Meeting 9
Materials and Methods/Methodology
Meeting11
Data Analysis and Interpretation
Meeting12
Meeting13 Meeting14
Scientific Poster Meeting15
MAY 12-15
PRE-FINAL EXAM Meeting16
MAY 19-22
Final Evaluation, Removal Exams, etc.
Meeting17
LINK ON OFFICIAL LIST OF 2015 PHILIPPINE HOLIDAYS http://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/philippines/
Course Guide for ENG 10 Second Semester, AY 2014 - 2015 Page 8 of 8
of science as applied to your field) Exercise in the module on Plagiarism and Ethics in Scientific writing Ex. 2: Extended definition of a process in your field
Ex. 3: Common errors in grammar (S-V agreement, Verb tenses, etc.) Revising for correctness, conciseness, and clarity Formulation and approval of Research Problem (proposal) MIDTERM EXAM REVIEW (or continuation of proposal topic approval) Exercise on the Significance of the Study section
Exercise on the Review Literature section Exercise on Materials and Methods/ Methodology Exercise on Data Interpretation and Analysis Exercise on Tabular, Graphic and Textual Presentation
Exercise on Summary, Conclusions and Recommendations; Abstracts Workshop on Scientific Poster Making Course Evaluation; Grade Computation
