Writing in a Natural Science Discourse Community: Biology and Physics

By: Jayshawn Pickett, Forrest Hellard, Josh Wujastyk, Jordan Lee, and Elissa Rennie

November 13, 2013

What is Biology?

Biology Overview
Biologists study the chemical and physical principles of living things and of biological processes such as cell development, growth, and heredity Biologists work in offices, laboratories, and outdoors Biologists need a bachelors degree for entrylevel jobs, but a masters degree is often needed for advancement. A Ph.D. is necessary for most independent research and for college teaching jobs

Occupations in Biology
Microbiologist Horticulturalist Forensic Scientist Marine Biologist Dentist Anesthesiologist Pharmacist Toxicologist

4 Types of Portfolios
Personal Portfolio- Recognizing Learning Feedback Portfolio-Recording and Reflecting Accountability Portfolio- Validating learning Presentation Portfolio- Presenting Learning

Potential Benefits of Portfolios and Reflective Journals

Facilitate personal knowledge management Document an individual's history of development and growth; Function as a planning and goal-setting tool; Assist learners in making connections between learning experiences (this may include formal and informal learning); Provide the elements needed to assist learners in planning future learning needs based on previous successes and failures Facilitate social networking

Literacies for Physics

Physics is primarily a mathematical type of literacy. They are used to describe how things work through equations. (F=ma, w=mg, v=d/t) Learning styles that can visualize the way something works and can apply logic will succeed. Yet Physics often measures things that you cant see.

Academic Contexts for Physics

Classes include Thermodynamics, Kinematic studies, Nuclear Physics, etc. Most classes are hybrid and require online work. Required to read upcoming labs, online lectures, and problem solving session problems.

Visual Example

Animal Cell
1
2 3

7 5

Animal Cell

Intended Audiences
Biologists are the main authors Scientific journal articles are often aimed at other biologists Newspaper and magazine articles are aimed at scientists as well as the general public

Writing Topics
Biological research is the most common type of writing Writing usually narrates the scientific method Experimental results New findings in the field The goal of writing in biology is to add knowledge to the scientific community

Current Big Question

Is group selection real?

Group selection: Natural selection at the group level within colonies Scientists are currently trying to find out if this is an actual occurring concept This debate has even caused physical fights to break out among famous scholars

Citation Styles
In-text citation: Used to inform readers about which info is factual and from where it was obtained Listing sources: Sources are usually listed at the end of a scientific article for the reader to read the parent information

Genres: Scientific/research papers Lab reports Grant Proposals Reviews of Literature Format: Abstract Introduction Materials & Methods OR- Methods Results Discussion Works/Literature Cited

Genres & Format

Expectations of Writing
Clear, accurate, and concise Communicates effectively Pay close attention to data, detail, and procedure Complete description of methods and materials Put results in perspective Critical Thinking and the concept of Synthesis is needed

Writing Sources
Scientific/ Research Papers: http://www.plosbiology.org/article/info%3Adoi% 2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pbio.1001682 http://www.plosbiology.org/article/info%3Adoi% 2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pbio.1001127 Lab Reports: http://water.me.vccs.edu/report_example.htm http://www.marietta.edu/~biol/introlab/sampre p.pdf http://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ876526.pdf