Write Like a Chemist: A Guide and Resource

by Marin S. Robinson, Fredricka L. Stoller, Molly S. Costanza-Robinson

Write Like a Chemist is a unique guide to chemistry-specific writing. Written with National Science Foundation support and extensively piloted in chemistry courses nationwide, it offers a structured approach to writing that targets four important chemistry the journal article, conference abstract, scientific poster, and research proposal. Chemistry students, post-docs, faculty, and other professionals interested in perfecting their disciplinary writing will find it an indispensable reference.
Users of the book will learn to write through a host of exercises, ranging in difficulty from correcting single words and sentences to writing professional-quality papers, abstracts, posters, and proposals. The book's read-analyze-write approach teaches students to analyze what they read and then write, paying attention to audience, organization, writing conventions, grammar, and science content, thereby turning the complex process of writing into graduated, achievable tasks. Concise writing and organizational skills are stressed throughout, and "move structures" teach students conventional ways to present their stories of scientific discovery. This resource includes over 350 excerpts from ACS journal articles, ACS conference abstracts, and successful NSF CAREER proposals, excerpts that will serve as useful models of chemistry writing for years to come.
Other special
Usable in chemistry lab, lecture, and writing-dedicated courses
Useful as a writing resource for practicing chemists
Augmented by Language Tips that address troublesome areas of language and grammer in a self-study format
Accompanied by a Web
Supplemented with an answer key for faculty adopting the book

720 pages, Hardcover

First published August 18, 2008

Reviews

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Only read the module on writing a research proposal for ORP purposes. Useful, a lot of helpful tips - though mostly things I’ve already learned from prior experience. Still, definitely a worthwhile resource.

[John Jaksich · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is a good reference and guide for those who may need to 'brush-up' on seldom used skills of professional writing. One outstanding features is a short primer on grant writing. The book also contains a detailed index and it is thoroughly referenced, as well.