Getting Started
Download resources developed by OCPD
Read the six part Writing Research Articles series.
- How to Write the Title and Abstract, and annotated samples
- How to Write the Introduction Section, annotated intro 1, and annotated intro 2
- How to Write the Materials and Methods Section Handout, annotated methods 1, and annotated methods 2
- How to Write the Results Sections, annotated results 1, and annotated results 2
- How to Write the Discussion Section, and annotated discussion 1
- How To Write Figures, Tables and Legends
Other online resources
- "How to Write a Paper in Scientific Journal Style And Format," a multi-page website designed by Greg Anderson at Bates College, provides guidelines for each section of a scientific paper, as well as suggestions on how to give effective feedback and how to revise the paper.
- "The Science of Scientific Writing," a fascinating multi-page article on improving scientific writing by George Gopen and Judith Swan (published in American Scientist)
- Communicating with Journal Editors - This website features tips and sample correspondence letters; resource created by Vivian Siegel, former editor of Cell and PLOS Biology.
Delving Deeper
Take a course at UCSF
- Writing Predoctoral Fellowships (for first year graduate students). Course Director: Professor Zev Gartner. Offered every Fall by the CCB Graduate Program. Other graduate programs interested in having their students attend this course should contact Arezou Razavi.
- Scientific Writing is an eight-week course twice a year taught by Pamela Derish, M.A., Publications Manager, Surgery. Faculty, fellows, and residents in the Department of Surgery have priority, but depending on space availability, researchers outside Surgery may also attend. Visit their website for more information.