Basic Science Communication
Skills
Dr Kate Barry
Dept Biological Sciences
MQU
Science Essay
Purpose: is to use what is known about a
subject to prove an argument or point of
view. Not all of the knowledge of a topic may
be used in an essay, but only what is relevant
to the argument.
In an essay, mentioning the people who
discovered or developed the knowledge is
generally only for referencing purposes.
Science Essay
Structure: This is what helps students to
organize the argument, making best use of the
evidence gathered. The required elements of
the final work to be submitted are listed here.
1. Introduction
2. Body (can use subheadings)
3. Conclusion
 Reference list
Science Essay
• The intro should state the argument or proposition, place the question in
a scientific context, and outline how you intend to approach the topic.
• The main task is writing the body of the essay, which should be presented
in the form of a reasoned argument. The form of this varies with the
subject of the essay, but as the argument develops, it should be clear to
the reader what relevant evidence has been discovered, where/how it has
been discovered and how it supports the argument. In most subjects, subheadings within the main body of the essay will help the reader to
understand the argument (and will also help you to keep on track).
• The conclusion should restate the purpose of the essay, summarise the
points made, state your conclusion and reason for that conclusion clearly
and concisely.
• Reference list should list only the sources used in the essay.
Literature Review
Purpose: designed to be a critical analysis of all
the knowledge that has been discovered
about a subject. Its purpose is to examine all
that others have already discovered about the
subject.
In a lit review, researchers working on the
subject are considered to be key.
Literature Review
Structure: Often still has an intro, body and
conclusion. However, the organisation/order
of information within the body is much
stricter.
1. General to specific
2. Chronological
3. Methodological
4. Thematic
Scientific Report/Paper
Purpose: to report novel results, usually
empirical, and to relate those results to
previous knowledge in the field.
A well-written scientific paper explains the
scientist's motivation for doing an experiment,
the experimental design and execution, and
the meaning of the results.
Scientific Report/Paper
Structure: written in a style that is clear and
concise.
1. Abstract
2. Introduction
3. Methods
4. Results
5. Discussion
 Reference list
Scientific Report/Paper
1. Abstract (200-300 word summary)
• should factually describe the purpose,
techniques, results and implications.
• no details of methods
• it should grab attention
• should be written last
Scientific Report/Paper
2. Introduction
• places the study in the context of previous
research
• states why the topic is important or useful
• explains any abbreviations
• starts with the big picture and ends with the
specifics of the current study
Scientific Report/Paper
3. Methods
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•
•
•
•
sets out what you did (usually in sequence)
explains how you did it
indicates what materials/equipment you used
reader should be able to replicate the study
easiest section to write, can be started before
end of experiment
Scientific Report/Paper
4. Results
•
•
•
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presents what you found
usually includes graphs and tables of data
should be presented as simply as possible
should contain only factual information (i.e.
statistical tests) but no discussion
• no raw data!!
Scientific Report/Paper
5. Discussion
• should begin by summarising the main findings
• explains what the results mean, particularly in
relation to the intro
• indicates whether the results were consistent
with expectations
• draws conclusions and suggests areas for future
study
• start small and finish with the big picture
Scientific Report/Paper
Other more informal sections….
Conclusion: restates the main results and explains
their significance.
Acknowledgements: acknowledges significant
assistance plus financial support.
References: provides a list of sources of information
that have actually been cited within the report.
Should follow the referencing conventions of the
unit/journal. Endnote is great!
Poster
Purpose: to visually and succinctly communicate
research results. If the mix of
photos/figures/text is correct, a person should
be able to fully read your poster in under 5
minutes.
A poster is never simply cut and paste from a
scientific paper!
Poster
Structure: written in a style that is exceedingly
clear and concise.
1. Introduction/Background
2. Methods
3. Results
4. Discussion/Conclusion
 Reference list
Poster
Posters use short, sharp sentences that are
often in point form. Large chunks of text are
undesirable. Text should be large and broken
up by photos, figures, tables etc.
Except for their succinct nature, poster sections
are very much like scientific paper sections.
Writing skills help
Academic Communication in Science:
http://www.handbook.mq.edu.au/2013/Units
/UGUnit/ACSC100 (for credit)
Academic Literacy: Undergraduate Writing Skills
(not for credit)
Monash University LLOnline: Writing in Science