I. The paper discusses common problems in scientific writing and provides strategies to improve clarity, logic, and flow. It addresses issues like unclear intent, poor organization, and weak conclusions. The authors provide a framework to help structure scientific papers in a logical sequence from introduction to discussion.

2. Schedule subject to change

6. Basic information on CIAM 6117
Course content:
I Introduction to oceans and coasts
II Coastal processes
III Ocean waves
IV Global processes
V Coastal Ecosystems
VI Impact of human activities on coastal
environments
VII Coastal management strategies

7. Basic information on CIAM 6117
Field trips (tentative)
• National Weather Service, San Juan, Puerto Rico
• Playa Escambron/Playa Cerro Gordo
• Magueyes Island Lab, UPR-RUM, La Parguera
NOTE: Due to university transporation policies and
fiscal limitations, we will need to use personal
vehicles for all field trips.

8. Basic information on CIAM 6117
- One scheduled exam during the period of 14-20 Dec 12. It
represents 25% of the final class grade.
- 75% of your assessment will be based on the combination of
participation (THIS IS A PARTICIPATORY CLASS), the outline,
pre-proposal, and full proposal.
- The first step of writing the proposal will be a brief outline of
the paper by Gopan and Swan on 30 Aug 12. Next, a full
sentence outline of your proposal will be due 20 Sep 12.
The pre-proposal is due 1 Nov 12. Each pre-proposal will be
presented on 25 Oct 2012 and critically and anonymously
reviewed by two peers. Reviews will be due the following
day 26 Oct 12. The final full proposal will be due on 13 Dec
12.
* NOTE: dates subject to change

9. Basic information on CIAM 6117
Paper discussions
• Students will work in groups to lead a
scientific paper discussion.
• A sign up sheet will be provided, along with a
complete list of titles. Papers are in Adobe pdf
file format and will be available on Blackboard
and/or email.

10. Basic information on CIAM 6117
Paper discussions
Introduction
1. What was the objective of the study?
2. Does the title precisely state the subject of the paper?
3. Does the statement of purpose match that in the
introduction?
4. Does all information lead directly to the purpose of the
study?

11. Basic information on CIAM 6117
Paper discussions
Methods
5. Are the methods valid for studying this problem?
6. Could the study be duplicated from the information given?
7. Is the sample selection adequate? Is the experimental
design appropriate?
8. Does all information belong in the methods? Can the
methods be subdivided for greater clarity?

12. Basic information on CIAM 6117
Paper discussions
Results
9. Does the title or legend accurately describe content? Are column
headings and labels accurate? Are the data organized for ready
comparison and interpretation?
10. Review the results as presented in the text while referring to data in
the tables and illustrations. Does the text complement, and not simply
repeat, data? Are there discrepancies in results between text and
tables?
11. Check all calculations and presentation of data.
12. Review the results in the light of the stated objective. Does the study
reveal what the researcher intended?

13. Basic information on CIAM 6117
Paper discussions
Discussion
13. Does the discussion merely repeat the results? Does the
interpretation arise logically from the data, or is too far-
fetched? Have shortcomings of the research been
addressed?
14. Is the interpretation at odds or in line with other
researchers’ thinking?
15. Consider the published research on this topic. Have all
key studies been considered?
16. Has the author suggested further work?

14. Basic information on CIAM 6117
Paper discussions
Overview
17. Are the topic and format appropriate for that journal?
18. Reread the abstract. Does it accurately summarize the
article?
19. Is all material organized under the appropriate heading?
Are sections subdivided logically into subsections or
paragraphs?
20. Reflect on the author’s thinking and writing style. Does
the author present this research logically and clearly?

15. Basic information on CIAM 6117
Writing assignments – in groups of 2
• Full Outline
• Pre-proposal Proof-read all work before you turn it in!
• Critical review (individual)
• Full Proposal
We will use the Sea Grant Proposal Guidelines for content
with an example of a successful proposal (courtesy of
Dr. Paul Bayman, Dept. of Biology)

16. Basic information on CIAM 6117
Writing assignments
Academic Integrity
• The lack of integrity and academic and scientific fraud include
plagiarism, falsification, false attribution, copying on tests and all
violations of the canons and practices of honesty generally
accepted by the academic community.
• Disciplinary procedures can include reprimand, probation,
suspension of privileges such as participation in certain activities
and programs, and permanent expulsion from the university.
• No form of fraud will be tolerated.
Catálogo de Estudios Graduados, Decanato de Estudios Graduados
e Investigación y el Reglamento de Estudiantes, UPRRP

17. OUTLINES
Primary reasons for creating an outline:
• Aids in the process of writing
• Helps you organize your ideas
• Presents your material in a logical form
• Shows the relationships among ideas in your
writing
• Constructs an ordered overview of your writing
• Defines boundaries and groups
From the OWL at Purdue

18. OUTLINES
How do I create an outline?
• Determine the purpose of your writing
assignment
• Determine the audience you are writing for
• Develop the thesis of your paper
From the OWL at Purdue

19. OUTLINES
Then:
• Brainstorm: List all the ideas that you want to
include in your paper.
• Organize: Group related ideas together.
• Order: Arrange material in subsections from
general to specific or from abstract to
concrete.
• Label: Create main and sub headings.
From the OWL at Purdue

20. OUTLINES
Types of Outlines:
• Alphanumeric
– Roman Numerals
– Capitalized Letters
– Arabic Numerals
– Lowercase Letters
From the OWL at Purdue

21. OUTLINES
The College Application Process
Examples: I. Choose Desired Colleges
A. Visit and evaluate college campuses
B. Visit and evaluate college websites
1. look for interesting classes
2. note important statistics
a. student/faculty ratio
b. retention rate
II. Prepare Application
A. Write Personal Statement
1. Choose interesting topic
a. describe an influential person in your
life
(1) favorite high school teacher
(2) grandparent
2. Include important personal details
a. volunteer work
b. participation in varsity sports
B. Revise personal statement
From the OWL at Purdue

22. OUTLINES
Examples:
I. Man-made pollution is the primary cause of global warming.
A. Greenhouse gas emissions are widely identified by the scientific
community to be harmful.
1. The burning of coal and fossil fuels are the primary releasers of
hazardous greenhouse gases.
1.0 Choose Desired College
1.1 Visit and evaluate college campuses
1.2 Visit and evaluate college websites
1.2.1 Look for interesting classes
1.2.2 Note important statistics
From the OWL at Purdue

23. OUTLINES
Assignment:
Gopen GD and JA Swan. 1990. The science of scientific
writing. American Scientist 78: 550-558
– Two pages MAXIMUM for Thursday (30 Aug 12)