BIO181 - General Biology

The document provides guidelines for writing a biological research paper, including formatting, structure, and citation practices.

Biology Research Paper Format Overview

This document outlines the structure and guidelines for writing a biological research paper at California State University, Bakersfield. ​

Writing the Paper Guidelines

• The paper should present and interpret data collected during an investigation. ​
• Construct an outline to logically present information supporting conclusions. ​
• Use clear and precise language; avoid padding and ensure every sentence is meaningful. ​
• Write in the active voice unless the passive voice is warranted. ​
• Paraphrase source material and cite appropriately to avoid plagiarism. ​

Paper Format Requirements

• The paper must include sections: Title, Abstract, Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion, and Literature Cited.
• Section headings should be capitalized, centered, and immediately followed by the content. ​
• Do not include a Table of Contents. ​

Title Creation Guidelines

• The title should clearly communicate the results and main focus of the research.
• Avoid vague titles; specify manipulated variables and the organism studied. ​
• Example of a clear title: "Light and temperature both affect the growth of the bacterium Escherichia coli." ​

Abstract Composition Instructions

• The abstract is a concise summary of the study, limited to one paragraph and 250 words. ​
• It should include background, hypothesis, methods, results, and a broader conclusion. ​

Introduction Structure

• The introduction should outline the purpose of the investigation and provide background information. ​
• It should conclude with a clear statement of the hypothesis and predictions. ​

Methods Section Details

• Describe the data collection and experimental design in sufficient detail for replication. ​
• Write in the past tense and avoid listing materials or instructions.

Results Presentation Guidelines

• Present data straightforwardly without analysis; highlight significant findings. ​
• Use tables and figures to summarize data, ensuring they are referenced in the text. ​

Discussion Section Organization

• Start by explaining the results and whether the hypothesis was supported. ​
• Compare findings with previous studies and discuss biological implications. ​
• Conclude with broader applications of the results.

Literature Cited Formatting

• Include all cited works in alphabetical order by the first author's last name. ​
• Follow specific citation formats for articles, books, and chapters. ​

Tables and Figures Construction Rules

• Tables should have headers and figures should have captions; both must be self-explanatory.
• Use horizontal lines only in tables, and ensure all data is clearly labeled with units.

Glossary of Important Terms

• Definitions for key terms such as "et al.," "hypothesis," "paraphrase," "peer-review," "plagiarism," and "prediction" are provided for clarity in scientific writing. ​

Scientific Method Overview

The scientific method is a systematic approach to investigating natural phenomena and testing hypotheses related to biological traits. ​ - It involves defined methodological steps: observation, question identification, hypothesis formulation, experimentation, data evaluation, and dissemination of findings. - Each hypothesis can be tested in various ways, and results are discussed as "supporting" or "not supporting" rather than definitively proving or disproving a hypothesis. ​ - The process emphasizes the importance of comparing new data with previously published work to validate findings.

While it's possible to use generative AI to help with various aspects of writing a biology research paper, it's crucial to understand the limitations and ethical considerations involved. Generative AI can be used to improve language and readability, but it should not be used to replace human oversight and critical thinking. Authors must carefully review and edit any AI-generated text, ensuring accuracy and proper citation of sources. 

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

What AI can help with:

• Improving language and readability:

  Generative AI can assist with grammar, sentence structure, and overall flow of the writing. 

• Generating initial drafts:

  AI can be used to create a first draft of certain sections, like the abstract or introduction, based on provided information. 

• Summarizing information:

  AI can help condense large amounts of text or research findings into concise summaries. 

What AI cannot do (and what you should be cautious about):

• Replacing human judgment:

  AI should not be used to interpret data, draw conclusions, or make critical scientific judgments. 

• Ensuring accuracy and preventing plagiarism:

  Generative AI can "hallucinate" information or make up citations, potentially leading to inaccurate or plagiarized content. 

• Guaranteeing originality:

  While AI can generate text, it's crucial to ensure the work is original and not simply reproducing existing content. 

Ethical considerations:

• Disclosure: Many journals require authors to disclose the use of generative AI in their research paper. 
• Authorship: AI should not be listed as an author or co-author on a research paper. 
• Responsibility: The human authors are ultimately responsible for the accuracy, integrity, and originality of the research paper, even if AI was used in the writing process. 

Best practices:

• Use AI for language and readability improvements, but carefully review and edit the output. 
• Always verify the accuracy of AI-generated content and citations. 
• Be transparent about the use of AI in the writing process. 
• Consider using AI tools to aid in literature searches and data analysis, but always cross-reference and validate the results. 

In conclusion: Generative AI can be a valuable tool for scientific writing, but it should be used responsibly and ethically. Authors should prioritize human oversight, critical thinking, and meticulous fact-checking to ensure the integrity and accuracy of their research.