An Introduction to Writing in Biology

Your Biology classes will give you knowledge of facts and the scientific training to read and understand topics in Biology.  The goal of this writing guide is to help you to write and communicate those facts and ideas, once you understand them clearly.

Scientific writing is clear, concise, and disciplined.  Good English is essential, since you must get your point across in few words.  

If English is not your first language, you may find it useful to have your writing proofread by a native speaker of English.  The Writing Center also provides English as a Second Language assistance. 

Students in General Ecology should know that this course is the Biology Department's writing-intensive course.  Therefore, the scientific accuracy of your writing AND the quality of your writing are under scrutiny.  This means Lab Instructors are grading your writing accordingly, and you should pay attention to: what you want to write (content), how you want to present it (organization), and how you will write it (style).  This applies to short answers on homework questions as well as the scientific paper.

References and Credits

Writing Guide Home

Biology Department

GMU Libraries

College of Arts and Sciences

GMU Home