Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is a key principle of effective writing that students are encouraged to practice?
What is a key principle of effective writing that students are encouraged to practice?
Which statement describes a common mistake students make when writing research papers?
Which statement describes a common mistake students make when writing research papers?
Which part of scientific writing is NOT mentioned as a focus in the course?
Which part of scientific writing is NOT mentioned as a focus in the course?
What should students avoid to ensure their work is not labeled as plagiarized?
What should students avoid to ensure their work is not labeled as plagiarized?
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What is emphasized regarding sentence structure in effective scientific writing?
What is emphasized regarding sentence structure in effective scientific writing?
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What main principle should be avoided in effective writing regarding complex ideas?
What main principle should be avoided in effective writing regarding complex ideas?
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Which characteristic of academic writing is highlighted as problematic?
Which characteristic of academic writing is highlighted as problematic?
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What makes scientific writing more engaging according to the principles discussed?
What makes scientific writing more engaging according to the principles discussed?
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What was the issue identified in the first example sentence about ACT immunotherapy?
What was the issue identified in the first example sentence about ACT immunotherapy?
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Which of the following is NOT a recommended approach in scientific writing based on the principles provided?
Which of the following is NOT a recommended approach in scientific writing based on the principles provided?
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Study Notes
Course Information
- Course Title: Scientific Writing (PP211)
- Instructor: Dr. Mohamed Adel
- Institution: Ahram Canadian University, Department of Pharmacy Practice
Learning Objectives
- Master key principles of effective writing
- Eliminate unnecessary information from writing
- Employ strong, active verbs in writing
- Utilize the active voice in writing
- Develop well-organized and concise paragraphs
- Understand and format sections of a scientific manuscript (e.g., results, methods, introduction, discussion)
- Avoid plagiarism
Introduction to Research Papers
- Research papers are common in higher education
- Common student approach: choose a topic, research it, write an essay
- Professor feedback often highlights issues like unclear research questions, overly broad topics, insufficient sources, plagiarism, and lack of journal articles
Effective Writing Principles
- Good writing clearly communicates ideas effectively
- Clear thinking is necessary for effective writing
- Effective writing takes time, revision, and a good editor
- Scientific writing should be readily understandable and engaging
Examples of Ineffective Writing
- Example 1: A complex sentence from a "Clinical Oncology" article focusing on immunotherapy procedures. The sentence was dense and difficult to understand.
- Example 2: A sentence discussing ascorbate radical production and recycling. This sentence was also dense and difficult to parse.
- Example 3: A sentence highlighting dysregulation of microRNA activity, with numerous complex terms and lengthy phrasing. This example highlighted problems with passive voice and overuse of jargon.
Principles of Effective Writing: Improving Style
- Clarity and conciseness: Cut unnecessary words/phrases
- Active voice: Use strong verbs, avoid turning verbs into nouns. Don't bury the main verb.
- Precise and direct word choice: Avoid vague words/phrases
- Structure of sentences: Avoid lengthy/complex sentences. Instead vary sentence structures and maintain a clear subject/verb/object structure.
- Remove unnecessary jargon and acronyms
Examples of Eliminating Clutter
- Example 1: This paper reviews cancer biology study design, using examples that illustrate specific challenges and solutions.
- Example 2: Increased athletic activity is associated with lower cardiovascular risk, lower blood pressure, and improved fitness.
- Example 3: Deficiency in cell-mediated immune response predisposes an individual towards active TB.
Ways to Improve Scientific Writing
- Eliminate unnecessary negatives
- Remove unnecessary uses of "there are" and "there is."
- Avoid unnecessary prepositions
Additional Sources of Clutter
- Dead weight words/phrases (e.g., "as it is well known," "as it has been shown")
- Empty words/phrases (e.g., "basic tenets of," "methodologic")
- Long/complex words/phrases that could be shorter (e.g., "muscular and cardio-respiratory performance" can be replaced by "fitness")
- Repetitive words/phrases
- Unnecessary jargon/acronyms (e.g., medical jargon).
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