Mastering Scientific and Medical Writing a self help guide

Crediti ECM: 10

Titolo: Mastering Scientific and Medical Writing: a self help guide

Autore: Silvia M. Rogers

Responsabile scientifico: Silvia M. Rogers

Editore: Springer Healthcare Italia

ISBN: 978-3-642-39446-1

Ore di studio: 10

Codice ECM: 4146-198032

Professioni: tutte le professioni

Obiettivo formativo: Argomenti di carattere generale: informatica e lingua inglese scientifica di livello avanzato, normativa in materia sanitaria: i principi etici e civili del ssn

Collana: Springer

Validità: sino al 09/07/2018

The main purpose of scientific writing is to record data. Without a written record of our findings, there is no proof that we have done the research, and precious information may be lost. Many experiments may have to be repeated, simply because there is no record of the data. Needless to say, this negligence adversely impacts on the efficiency of sharing scientific knowledge. One of the main challenges of scientific writing is to pack vast and complex information into clear and well-structured texts. It is a skill that requires not only knowledge of the scientific field but also practice in writing. Uncertainties about the required style and format of scientific papers may delay publication of important new findings. We must bear in mind that scientific writing differs substantially from literary writing. While literary writing is an art based on principles of personal style, fiction, and originality, good scientific writing is a craft that builds on clear communication of scientifically researched facts. Good scientific writing hinges on the ability to express complicated concepts in clear words, thus pointing out the beauty of science without unnecessary decoration. Although we would all agree that the beauty of science is in the science itself , not in the language used to describe it, we have to accept that a confusing account of our findings will not do justice to the science that lies behind it. What can we, as writers, do to ensure that our scientifi c message reaches the intended target population? Good scientific writing is understandable, transparent, clear, credible, efficient and simple.

1 Introduction
2 Good Versus Poor Scientifi c Writing: An Orientation
3 Words and Units: Orthography and Punctuation
5 Putting It Nicely: Style
6 Redundancy and Jargon: Focusing on the Essentials
7 Quoting Published Material: Reference Formats
8 Ethics of Scientifi c Writing: Avoiding Discrimination
9 Sticking to Your Word: Avoiding Plagiarism
10 Structuring Scientifi c Texts: Getting the “Story” out
11 Appendix
12 Exercises
13 Solutions to Exercises
References