1. Scientific Literature and Communication Unit 3- Investigative Biology b) Scientific literature and communication

2. Key areas Scientific literature and communication The importance of publication of methods, data, analysis and conclusions in scientific reports so that others are able to repeat an experiment. The importance of peer review and critical evaluation. The use of review articles, which summarise current knowledge and recent findings in a particular field. Critical evaluation of science coverage in the wider media.

3. Key areas Scientific literature and communication Common methods of sharing original scientific findings include seminars, conference talks and posters and publishing in academic journals. Most scientific publications use peer review. Specialists with expertise in the relevant field assess the scientific quality of a submitted manuscript and make recommendations regarding its suitability for publication. Increasing the public understanding of science and the issue of misrepresentation of science in the media.

4. Methods The methods section is the most important aspect of a research paper because it provides the information by which the validity of a study is ultimately judged. Therefore, the author must provide a clear and precise description of how an experiment was done, and the rationale for the specific experimental procedures chosen.

5. Methods It must be written with enough information so that: (1) the experiment could be repeated by others to evaluate whether the results are reproducible (2) the audience can judge whether the results and conclusions are valid.

6. Methods Now attempt activity 3 in your activity booklets.

7. Methods This section is written in the past tense “10mls of water was added” And it must also be written in impersonal language- don’t say “I did this” “we did this” “you” etc

8. Methods What would you expect to find in a methods section? A list of the materials used Explanation of how materials are prepared Describing the protocol Explaining how measurements were made and what calculations were performed Stating which statistical tests were done to analyse the data A labelled diagram if suitable

9. Data Data collected during the experiment will be included in the paper. The information will be presented in the appropriate format (tables and/or graphs). Although the author has analysed the results, the reader must also analyse the raw data to draw their own conclusions.

10. Analysis and Conclusions Results should be analysed so that the relevant conclusions can be drawn and relate back to the aim/hypothesis.

11. Analysis and Conclusions Then, relate your interpretations to the present state of knowledge and future needs for research. If you can answer "Yes" to the following questions you have written a good discussion section: Did you reach conclusions about the initial hypotheses? Did you compare conclusions to those of others? Did you identify sources of error and basic inadequacies of technique? Did you speculate upon broader meanings of the conclusions reached? Did you identify further steps needed in research on the problem? Did you suggest improvements of methods?

12. How is the literature communicated? Seminars Conference talks Posters Publishing in academic journals

13. Peer Review Scientists use peer review to decide which research results should be published in a scientific journal. The peer review process subjects scientific research papers to independent scrutiny by other qualified scientific experts (peers) before they are made public.

14. Wider Media Scientific research can now be shown to the general public in many forms (on the news, in magazines/papers). This allows for an increase in public knowledge in a particular field in science. However, don’t believe everything you read, science can often be misrepresented in the media!

15. Anybody who has an interest in science of the article should be able to read and understand the main concepts. The representation of Science must be accessible to all.

16. Methods Now attempt activity 4 in your activity booklets.

17. Key areas Scientific literature and communication The importance of publication of methods, data, analysis and conclusions in scientific reports so that others are able to repeat an experiment. The importance of peer review and critical evaluation. The use of review articles, which summarise current knowledge and recent findings in a particular field. Critical evaluation of science coverage in the wider media.

18. Key areas Scientific literature and communication Common methods of sharing original scientific findings include seminars, conference talks and posters and publishing in academic journals. Most scientific publications use peer review. Specialists with expertise in the relevant field assess the scientific quality of a submitted manuscript and make recommendations regarding its suitability for publication. Increasing the public understanding of science and the issue of misrepresentation of science in the media.