The Science Student's Guide to Dissertations and Research Projects

Description

Scientific research should be interesting and exciting. When you finally get your data and, even better – it makes sense! There's nothing quite like it. Your final research project will give you a flavour of what it will be like if you decide you would like to make a career in scientific research. This book will help you get the most out of that experience. In her years of work with students, Jess Bownes has answered countless questions about conducting and writing about scientific research. In this book, she distils her advice into one essential guide to writing dissertations and research projects and addresses the most common concerns and questions that science students have. This book supports students through the entire process of working on a dissertation, from the early but crucial planning stages, through to undertaking practical work and collecting data, researching literature, and writing up one's findings. The structure of the book mirrors key stages of a research project or dissertation, making it easy for students to dip in and out as they work on their project. With lists, step-by-step guides and plenty of practical examples, each chapter helps readers to approach their research in a focused and efficient manner. The book provides guidance on how to work effectively with one's supervisor so that readers can better judge when to work independently and how and when to seek advice. As students are often worried about committing accidental plagiarism in research projects, Bownes dedicates a chapter to this topic to ensure students have the skills and knowledge to use sources appropriately. This is an essential companion for any undergraduate or Masters student who is writing a dissertation or research project in the sciences. Cover Contents List of figures List of tables Chapter 1 Introduction What is a dissertation and a research report in STEM? Undergraduate vs. postgraduate dissertations How to use this book What is in this book? Chapter 2 Using the marking criteria to get the best grade possible Introduction How do lecturers use the marking scheme? Example intended learning outcomes How can students use the marking scheme? Exercise 1: Self-evaluation Next steps Chapter 3 Working with your supervisor Introduction Why do you work with a supervisor? Who is your supervisor? The student–supervisor relationship How to make the most of your supervisor Other support structures you can use Exercise 2: Considering supervisor styles Next steps Chapter 4 Planning your work Introduction Time management in research The big picture A step-by-step process for planning your research Day-to-day time management Overcoming obstacles and challenges The problem-solving plan Common academic challenges Coping with personal challenges Conclusion Next steps Chapter 5 Collecting your data Introduction Why is good practice important? How do I maintain good practice throughout my dissertation? How do I maintain good practice in my practical work? Next steps Chapter 6 Finding and analysing the literature Introduction Why do I need evidence from the literature? Sources of evidence When do I read? Reading with a purpose Beginning the literature search Strategies for effective critical reading Final word on critical reading Next steps Chapter 7 Using evidence in your dissertation Introduction What academic rules do I need to consider when writing about literature? Academic literature as evidence Constructing a scientific argument Using language to convince your reader Exercise 3: The building blocks of a scientific argument Presenting data as evidence Using other visual evidence Applying the evidence to your research Next steps Chapter 8 Writing a science dissertation Introduction Links between science writing and the scientific method The core principles of science writing Clear writing Concise writing Unbiased writing Focused writing Accurate writing Appropriately cautious writing Structuring your dissertation Fundamental writing rules Exercise 4: Structuring a paragraph Next steps Exercise 4: Answers Chapter 9 Avoiding plagiarism in your research Introduction What is plagiarism? How is plagiarism detected? What are the penalties for plagiarizing? Avoiding accidental plagiarism Referencing sources properly Why do we reference? What do I cite? Exercise 5: Paraphrasing Exercise 6: Direct quotes How do I cite? Conclusion Next steps Exercise 5: Answers Exercise 6: Answers Chapter 10 Editing and proofreading Introduction Chapter editing Create one document Editing the full dissertation Proofreading Conclusion Glossary Further reading Index