Abbreviations should be avoided except when using terms
common to science. These terms include RNA, DNA, ATP, units of
measurement (g, cm) and chemical formulas.
Acronyms should
be used only after stating the full scientific
name of the substance once. The acronym should be introduced
along with
the first mention of the full term.
Example: “The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) is devoted to saving species endangered by human carelessness.”
Chemical
elements are not proper nouns and should not be capitalized.
When using the chemical symbol, only the first letter
should be capitalized:
carbon (C), iron (Fe), calcium (Ca).
Contractions, such as
didn’t, can’t and doesn’t,
should never be used in formal writing in the sciences.
Footnotes should not be used. Instead, use in-text citations.
Illustrations should clearly depict information to the reader.
Numbers are tricky to
report. The general rule is to write out numbers below 10 as
words (ex: one) and express numbers above 10
(ex: 10) as numerals. More information available
here.
Scientific names consisting of genus
and species should be underlined or italicized; only the
genus should be capitalized. For example,
Homo sapiens or Canis familiaris.
Singular and plural forms of some
scientific terms are confusing. Examples are available
here.
Tables and figures are useful for displaying large amounts
of quantitative information. They help the reader organize
information and internalize
it. Be sure that the title of the table or figure clearly describes
its contents.
Tenses The past tense should be used when describing
methods and results. The present tense is used in your personal
conclusion
and
when stating accepted facts.
Units of measurement should be metric
or SI (International System).
About the Author of A Checklist for Scientific
Writing
Candice Chovanec Melzow began working in
the Academic Center as a peer writing tutor in Spring
2002. Candice received a B.A. in English Literature with
teacher certification in May 2004 and an M.A.I.S. with
concentrations in literature and history in May 2006.
