Eng 10 Course Guide 2nd Sem 2010-2011

COURSE GUIDE

ENG 10 (Writing of Scientific Papers)

English Division, Department of Humanities

College of Arts and Sciences, UPLB

Course Description Principles underlying the preparation 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 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, you are expected to

1. Differentiate scientific writing from other types of writing; 2. Identify common errors and problems in usage and mechanics of style in scientific

writing, and correct or improve on them; and 3. Write scientific and technical papers, applying the basic principles of 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 scientific papers. Course Materials Upon enrollment, you will be given the course guide and some handouts. 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.

Course Guide for ENG 10 1st semester, AY 2010 - 2011

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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

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 writing,” 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)


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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 Related 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 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.

http://www.ce.umn.edu/smith/supplements/poster/guide.htm

http://www.swarthmore.edu/NatSci/cpurrin1/posteradvice.htm


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Grading System Lecture Class - 50% Writing Lab Class - 50%

Midterm exam (20%) Writing exercises (20%) Pre-Final Exam (20%) Research proposal (20%) QEA (10%) Poster (10%)

Note: Your final grade should not be lower than 30% for each of the classes (lecture;

laboratory). Assessment of Research Proposal/Poster Your research proposal and scientific poster will be evaluated using the following criteria: Content 50% Organization 25% Language Use 15% Layout 10% Class Guidelines/Policies

1. 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.

2. 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 5 minutes after the time. • There will be no make-up activity for any quiz/exercise missed during the time you

were late.

b. Absences

• Maximum of 8 unexcused absences (lecture and lab classes combined). Beyond the allowable number of unexcused absences, a student’s name is automatically cancelled or dropped from the official class list. A student, however, is encouraged to file the necessary dropping form.


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• 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.

• Your being absent from the previous meeting is no excuse for not participating in the

next class discussion.

• Class is dismissed 10 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. 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.


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• Side B:

Class schedule for the semester, including room assignments

FACULTY MEMBERS TEACHING ENG 10: LECTURER

PROF. MABINI DG. DIZON • LITE Program Office, 2nd Flr., CAS Building, UPLB • Cubicle 20, Dept. of Humanities (DHUM), CAS Annex 1 Building, UPLB

WRITING LAB FACULTY MEMBERS DR. MA. SHEILA SIMAT Eng 10 T-1R, Eng 10 B-6R

MS. MARIYEL HIYAS LIWANAG Eng 10 T-2R DR. TRICIA YAMBAO Eng 10 T-3R, Eng 10 B-2R MS. RIZZLE MAY OSTIA Eng 10 T-4R, Eng 10 B-3R MR. LAURENCE MARVIN CASTILLO Eng 10 T-5R MS. EILEEN GRUTA Eng 10 T-6R, Eng 10 B-5R MR. ERIC PALIGAT Eng 10 B-1R MS. KATRINA MAQUILAN Eng 10 B-4R

* - Cubicle assignment will be announced later. STUDENT GUIDE/111010

DATE LECTURE CLASS WRITING LAB CLASS

EXERCISES TO PREPARE

NOV. 11- Orientation/Discussion of course Mtg 1 Collection of class cards;


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12 guide checking of attendance and form 5/form 26;inform class that the course guide will be discussed in the lecture class

NOV. 18-19

Unit 1: The nature of Science and scientific writing

Mtg 2 Reiterations; questions and queries about the course guide, etc; Writing exercise to assess writing ability of students

NOV. 25-26

Plagiarism and Ethics in Scientific writing

Mtg 3 Ex. 1:Defining processes of science (Illustrate the processes of science as applied to your field)

DEC. 2-3 Unit 2: Basic Principles and techniques in scientific writing (definition, classification, etc.)

Mtg 4 Exercise in the module on Plagiarism and Ethics in Scientific writing

DEC. 9-10

Unit 3: Correct usage and common errors in grammar

Mtg 5 Ex. 2: Extended definition of a process in your field

JAN. 6-7 Principles of effective writing

Mtg 6 Ex. 3: Common errors in grammar (S-V agreement, Verb tenses, etc.)

JAN. 13-14

Unit 4: The Research proposal (Technical & information requisites, problem identification)

Mtg 7 Revising for correctness, conciseness, and clarity

JAN. 20-21

Significance of the Study

Mtg 8 Formulation and approval of Research Problem (proposal)

JAN. 27-28

Midterm Exam

Mtg 9 Midterm Exam review

FEB. 3-4 Review of Literature

Mtg 10 Exercise on the Significance of the Study section

FEB. 10-11

Materials and Methods/Methodology

Mtg 11 Exercise on the Review Literature section

FEB. 17-18

Data Analysis and Interpretation Mtg 12 Exercise on Materials and Methods/ Methodology

FEB. 24-25

Tabular, textual and graphic presentation

Mtg 13 Exercise on Data Interpretation and Analysis

MAR. 3-4 Summary, Conclusion and Recommendations, Abstracts

Mtg 14 Exercise on Tabular, Graphic and Textual Presentation

MAR. 10-11

Scientific poster

Mtg 15 Exercise on Summary, Conclusions and Recommendations; Abstracts

MAR. 17-18

Pre-final Exam

Mtg 16 Workshop on Scientific Poster making

MAR. 24-25

Course Evaluation

Mtg 17 Course Evaluation; Grade computation


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Mtg 18 Grade computation

Student guide/111010

Documents

Eng 10 Course Guide 2nd Sem 2010-2011