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Successful Scientific Writing

Successful Scientific Writing

Successful Scientific Writing

A Step-by-Step Guide for the Biological and Medical Sciences
3rd Edition
Janice R. Matthews, Scientific Editing Services, Athens, Georgia
Robert W. Matthews, University of Georgia
December 2007
Adobe eBook Reader
9780511352805
$44.99
USD
Adobe eBook Reader

    The detailed, practical, step-by-step advice in this user-friendly guide will help students and researchers to communicate their work more effectively through the written word. Covering all aspects of the writing process, this concise, accessible resource is critically acclaimed, well-structured, comprehensive, and entertaining. Self-help exercises and abundant examples from actual typescripts draw on the authors' extensive experience working both as researchers and with them. Whilst retaining the user-friendly and pragmatic style of earlier editions, this third edition has been updated and broadened to incorporate such timely topics as guidelines for successful international publication, ethical and legal issues including plagiarism and falsified data, electronic publication, and text-based talks and poster presentations. With advice applicable to many writing contexts in the majority of scientific disciplines, this book is a powerful tool for improving individual skills and an eminently suitable text for classroom courses or seminars.

    • Offers extremely pragmatic and comprehensive step-by-step coverage of all aspects of scientific presentation, in a well-structured, entertaining style
    • The advice is practical, having arisen from the authors' own cumulative experience as working scientists, editors, and mentors
    • Self-help exercises based on actual scientific manuscripts reinforce concepts and allow writers to practice the techniques that are presented

    Reviews & endorsements

    'This book is beyond reproach and should be regarded as compulsory reading for all biomedical and science undergraduate and postgraduate students and all others likely to have to write or edit scientific reports.' The Times Higher Education Supplement

    '… very well organized and easy to scan for useful tips … will soon become one of the more well-thumbed volumes on our laboratory bookshelf.' Trends in Neuroscience

    '… pragmatic, well-written and comprehensive … each stage - from marshalling ideas through bashing out a first draft, revising it, honing it for publication and correcting it in proof - is demystified with exercises and examples.' New Scientist

    '…does not disappoint. It is everything a 'How to' book needs to be, stuffed with plain common sense and sprinkled with useful tips.' The Biologist

    '… strongly recommended for all geoscientists. There are three possible ways to use it. The first is to read it as a normal book from the first page to the last … The second way is to use it as a reference … The third way is … as a textbook … Despite of what way to choose, you will find this book always very suitable. Reading of any passage is enjoyable and stimulating. The book in the whole is a great success …' Zentralblatt for Geologie und Palaeontologie

    See more reviews

    Product details

    December 2007
    Adobe eBook Reader
    9780511352805
    0 pages
    0kg
    37 b/w illus. 31 tables 27 exercises
    This ISBN is for an eBook version which is distributed on our behalf by a third party.

    Table of Contents

    • 1. Preparing to write
    • 2. Composing a first draft
    • 3. Visual support for the written word
    • 4. Visual support for the spoken word
    • 5. Revising to increase coherence
    • 6. The second revision: word choice and style
    • 7. Attending to grammar, numbers and other mechanics
    • 8. The rest of the story.
      Authors
    • Janice R. Matthews , Scientific Editing Services, Athens, Georgia

      Janice Matthews is a scientist, writer, and educator with a broad background in the biological sciences and a professional focus on facilitating clearer communication of scientific material. She graduated summa cum laude from Michigan State University, obtained a Master of Arts in Teaching from Harvard University, and earned the Educational Specialist degree in Science Education from the University of Georgia. She has written and edited books, technical manuals, and hundreds of scientific research papers in the veterinary and biological sciences, both in university settings and for private industry.

    • Robert W. Matthews , University of Georgia

      A Josiah Meigs Distinguished Teaching Professor and member of the Teaching Academy at the University of Georgia, Robert Matthews is a specialist on the behavior of insects, particularly wasps and bees. He earned his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees from Michigan State University and his Ph.D. from Harvard University. His publications include books, popular articles, and over 160 peer-reviewed research articles.