Download Writing in the Sciences 2

Transitions Programme
Workshop 2
Isobel Pastor-Bristow
[email protected]
Aim & Outline
To think about how you are going to
develop as a writer during your degree
and give you some ideas that might help.
• Argument
• Critical thinking
– Scientific Models
• Planning
The ‘argument’ of a piece of writing
is the journey that it takes the
reader on, or the story that it tells.
Argument – Journey/Story
• The writer and the reader know clearly
what this piece of writing is about; there is
a sense of direction.
• Selected ideas or events are linked
together in a particular sequence.
• There is a clear beginning and end, and a
sense of rounding off to finish.
Taken from Crème and Lea 2003, Open University Press
How can argument affect
my writing?
Discuss the membrane as a link and as a
barrier.
Introduction: what structural features does the
membrane consist of?
How the membrane functions as a link.
How it functions as a barrier.
Conclusion: bring two aspects together.
How can argument affect
my writing?
Discuss the membrane as a link and as a
barrier.
Introduction: what structural features does the membrane
consist of?
First structural feature (a) as a link, (b) as a
barrier.
Second structural feature (a) as a link, (b) as a
barrier.
Conclusion: the same things that make the membrane work
as a link also make it work as a barrier.
Taken from Crème and Lea 2003, Open University Press
Find your storyline
What is the issue your argument will
address? Try wording it in different ways.
What interest do you have in this issue?
Why is this controversial?
The debate centres on…
There is still work to be done on…
(What will my contribution be?)
Subheadings
Development of the Perception of Contingency
Introduction
• What is Contingency?
• Intentional Contingency – A Precursor to Theory of Mind?
• Brain Imaging
•
•
•
•
– PET
– fMRI
Which Parts of the Brain do We Use to Detect Contingency?
Anatomical Development of Structures Involved in the Perception of
Contingency
Cognitive Development of the Perception of Contingency
The Present Study
–
–
–
–
The Stimuli
The Importance of Sound
Full List of Stimuli
Aims of the Study
Put the subheadings in order
How are genetic influences important
determinants of disease?
How are genetic influences important
determinants of disease?
• Genes determine the proteins a cell can produce and are
stored in DNA molecules in the nucleus.
• Proteins are essential to all cellular functions. If a
protein cannot be correctly synthesised, it may not be
able to perform its role in the cell.
• When a cellular pathway is disrupted, the cell can
dysfunction and the tissue it forms a part of may be
compromised.
• If a tissue is not able to function correctly, symptoms
may be produced.
Argument
• Find what works for you.
• Expect to alter you plan as you write –
computer helps.
• Identify the structure your writing requires outlining.
• Determine your central idea and organise
themes around it.
Outline
Argument
• Critical thinking
– Scientific Models
• Planning
Critical thinking
• Skill to be developed during your degree.
• Tool to help in reading and writing.
• Gather information, evaluate it subjectively
and reach logical and well supported
conclusions.
• Ask appropriate questions as you read
AND write.
Models
• Scientists talk in models.
Separate neurons with gaps model
vs.
Neuronal network model
• Models can be corroborated or disproved
and replaced.
• Analysing models – critical thinking.
Outline
Argument
Critical thinking
– Scientific Models
• Planning
Planning Essays
•
•
•
•
The
The
The
The
Diver
Patchwork Writer
Grand Plan Writer
Architect Writer
Which one are you? Are you a mixture of
more than one?
Essay Tips
• Write a sentence for each paragraph you will
want to write – can then move them about
easily to form thread of argument
• Index tag points you want to use in your
references so they can be found easily while
writing
• Write the introduction last
• Write the conclusion first
• Read what you have written aloud to see if it
sounds right
• Find best environment for you – but don’t
become distracted by this!
• Take a break before trying to do your final check
• Use writing checklist
Outline
Argument
Critical thinking
– Models
Planning