Guidelines on Writing the Formal Paper

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Guidelines on Writing the Formal Paper

1) Abstract

Summarize your paper in a few sentences. (c.a. 100-200 words)

2) Introduction i) Overview

Clearly state all the objectives of the group of studies you are writing about, explain how they relate to each other, and delineate the scope of your paper. ii) Background

Give a thorough introduction to the background science relevant to the general area of these studies. Explain any relevant theory and standard techniques used in the area, along with any acronyms and jargon typical to the field. Remember though that it is always better avoid the use of abbreviations and acronyms as mush as possible. ii) Relevance/Impact

In the context provided by the background science now lay out the argument that justifies the need to research in this area. Point out the significance of these works to the field.

Comment on it potential impact on the development of the scientific area and on society as a whole. What are we going to learn? Why is it important to learn this? How will this new knowledge translate benefits to society such as economic impact, improvement in quality of life, improvement to the environment etc etc...

3) Methods/Justification

Outline the experimental methods specific to the studies you are covering and explain why they were used as opposed to alternatives. Avoid giving too much detailed information; just outline the general approach and why they have chosen it.

4) Results

Give a brief summary of the results in each study in logical flow. Make a careful choice representative data you will include. Do not present too much so that the flow of the paper is disrupted, however make sure you show results from each study of interest - not just one!!. Make effective use of tables and diagrams. Be sure to stick to just the most important findings of each study. Carefully select any relevant figures and table to be referred to later in your assessment of the findings. Ensure that the figures are of acceptable quality otherwise produce your own.

5) Discussion

Combine the findings of all the studies, make comparisons between then and draw conclusions. Discuss how this body of work has impacted the field and assess the significance of the results with respect to the objectives of the studies. Assess whether the results are valid and if there any major faults in the experimental methods and design that compromise their validity.

6) Conclusions

Briefly re-emphasize the important finding and the conclusion drawn from them in a final statement .

Evaluation

Content 25 %

Scope 25% (Approximately 10 related primary sources are recommended)

Format 25 %

Writing 25 % (spelling, typographical accuracy, grammar, and the use of proper scientific idiom)

Structure

1) Title page

2) Abstract

3) Introduction

4) Materials and methods

4) Results

5) Discussion

6) Conclusions

7) References

All manuscripts must be written using double spacing.

All Manuscripts will be at least 2000 words in length.

Figure, tables, schemes must be clearly labeled, have an accompanying detailed caption (single spaced), and be referred to in the text.

References and notes must the numbered in order of appearance.

All equations and schemes must be numbered in order of appearance.

Refer to the American Chemical Society Style Guide, ( The ACS Style Guide , 3rd ed.;

American Chemical Society: Washington, DC, 2006 ) for information on the format of references, figure and table captions.

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