department of biology at george mason university


 

Writing Guide Home A Guide to Writing in the Biological Sciences

Welcome!

General Information

 
This web page is designed for undergraduate students in the Biology Program, to help develop and perfect the writing skills that are necessary in the biological sciences.  The guide especially supports students in General Ecology (BIOL 307), the department's writing-intensive course.


At the left, you will find general information and quick tips from professors to guide you as you begin thinking about scientific writing.  We have also included detailed descriptions of writing assignments that you are likely to encounter as you complete your degree in Biology.  

Before you begin writing, you must research and study your topic.  The scientific accuracy of the final product, the organization of your ideas, and the quality of your writing are all important.  You will find additional help with those different aspects by following links to the Writing Center, Libraries, and other Biology Department resources.

An introduction to writing in Biology 
Practical tips for scientific writing
Professors' perspectives on student writing
Specific Information for Writing Assignments
Short answers for tests 
Summary of a scientific article
The poster session
Writing a scientific paper

References and Credits

Writing Guide Home

ESP Department

Dept. of Molecular & Microbiology

The Writing Center

GMU Libraries

College of Arts and Sciences

GMU Home