1. Reflective Essay, BIOL 3095: Scientific Literature
Alejandra M. De Jesús Soto
RISE Program
When I started at the course BIOL 3095: Scientific Literature, I had many expectations in
my mind. I wanted to know if it would be useful for my studies and my professional life. I
wondered how the course would help me make a scientific investigation; if I would grow as a
scientist. We must consider what is meant to be a scientist.A scientist is a person who participates
or performs a systematic activity to acquire new knowledge, in other words, practicing scientific
research. On the other hand, scientific research is a process that, by applying the scientific method,
seeks to obtain relevant and reliable information to understand, verify, correct or apply
knowledge.As part of the math department, I was wondering how I could be part of an
investigation. Although math belongs to the natural sciences program at the University of Puerto
Rico in Cayey, there are people who question it.This is because there is a distinction between
mathematicians and scientists that began to arise from the twentieth century. As a reflection and a
way of clarifying my doubts, I analyzedhow this course has helped me to grow as a young
scientist.
At the beginning of the semester, professors told us that we had to write a review article.
For this, we had to find research articles in several internet databases and printed sources.From the
beginning and duringthe first classes, we learned the difference between a primary and a secondary
source. Furthermore, we learned to use keywords that make a search more specific. This research
was conducted throughout the semester, step by step. We choose the subject of our interest and
then we made an outline as a guide. I acquired the skill to identify reliable sources in order to use it
in my work. In addition, conducting the annotated bibliography was useful to organize the content
of my review article. In addition, we discussed several scientific articles during class in order to
assist to seminars that were an important part of the course. Undoubtedly, I got familiar with
scientific concepts and research that contribute greatly to the scientific community. The workshops
relatedto plagiarism, critical thinking, personal statement, scientific writing and interviewing
helped me to grow as a student and to be a better professional in the future. While we were in
compliance with the objectives of the course, I have learned to be a better young scientist.

2. One of the most important skills that I learned during this course is teamwork.Although
most of the work was done individually, many people such as professors EneidaDíaz and Elena
Gonzálezhelped us in the research process with their knowledge and skills. To obtain clear and
accurate results we need the help and collaboration of various professionals from different
expertise background.This is the best way to clarify ideas, correct errorsand help us to develop a
research and write an article.Presentations helped us to focus on the best way to transmit
knowledge. If we are going to publish a study it is essential to correct it and verify each detail. We
must send a clear and accurate message. The workshop related to teamwork was a great
experience; the skills of each member are essential for the benefit of the research.In the future
there would not be professors and students, but colleagues and other professionals who will work
together with me in the course of an investigation. I recognize the importance of using qualified
professionals during the development and publication of a research. This learning acquired helped
my growth as a young scientist.
Some people do not consider mathematicians as scientists because generally
mathematicians do not follow the steps of the scientific method to make mathematical discoveries
and, in turn, the scientific method is not valid to prove mathematical results. However, there is an
intimate relationship between mathematics and applied sciences.Applied science, as its name
implies, is to apply the knowledge of one or more fields of science in practical problems. In his
book "Science, his method and philosophy," Mario Bunge said: "Not all scientific research seeks
objective knowledge. So, logic and mathematics-that is, the various systems of formal logic and
the different chapters of pure mathematics- are rational, systematic and verifiable, but are not
objective, not give us information about reality..." Definitely, being part of this course helped me
increase my knowledge about scientific research and see the use of mathematics, because both of
these areas depend on one another. Meeting Mr. Victor Ocasio, whose preparation is in
mathematics, was very helpful to me and to develop critical thinking skills.
In conclusion, this course helped me in my development as a young scientist. All the
knowledge acquired while searching for information in scientific research area will be useful for
me as a student and professional. I learned about the importance of a good team in order to
achieveour goals. Also, I understood the use of mathematics in scientific information. Finally, I
quote the words of Albert Einstein: "Never consider the study as a duty, but as an opportunity to
penetrate into the beautiful and wonderful world of knowledge."