Chapter 7. Approaches to Preparing a Biosciences Assignment

Summary

Students will increasingly use the internet to find information that they will then use in an assignment. Electronic media allow rapid access and this can then magnify fundamental problems of assignment presentation. Consequently, general advice is given on preparing written and oral assignments, among others. In relation to their work, students are urged to address the fundamental properties of context and change and to take elementary self-defence measures. The Guide to Author's Notes from the Journal of Molluscan Studies is used as a model for the care and precision that must go into scientific communication, whether practical write-ups, poster presentations or essays. The philosophy of essay writing is briefly discussed, emphasising that time must be earmarked for thinking about the assignment rather than merely mining and arranging material obtained from the internet. Students are offered advice on oral presentations, including an oral presentation checklist.