Planning, Proposing, and Presenting Science Effectively

This concise guide to planning, writing, and presenting research in biology and behavioral ecology is intended for students at all levels. The guidelines apply equally to independent projects for introductory biology, directed-study projects and undergraduate senior theses, as well as to master's theses, doctoral dissertations, and research aimed at publication. The book discusses planning research, writing a research proposal (whether for a formal proposal for thesis research, or for a research proposal for a funding agency such as the National Science Foundation), writing a research report (such as a graduate thesis, or a manuscript for publication in a research journal), and presenting research at research seminars and scientific meetings. The final chapter covers writing an effective CV. An appendix gives some tips on how to write clearly. Throughout, the book is illuminated with personal examples from the authors' own experiences and there is a strong emphasis on problems associated with field studies.