The Writing Process

Types of Assignments

Resources by Discipline

Humanities

Sciences

Social Sciences

Documentation/Citation

Grammar, Style and Language

Writing Resources Guide

Resources by Discipline: Sciences

The following science & technology disciplines are included in this section:

General Science | Biology | Chemistry
Engineering | Geography, Environmental Studies & Geology

General Sciences

Print Resources

• The Art of Scientific Writing: From Student Reports to Professional Publications in Chemistry and Related Fields -- D.H. Hill Stacks: QD9.15 .E23 2004

  Emphasizing writing techniques, expression, and adherence to standards, this quid is intended to help students and professionals alike become clear and cogent writers.

• The ACS style guide : effective communication of scientific information -- DH Hill Stacks: QD8.5 .A25 2006

  Style Guide published by the American Chemical Society--updated to reflect new developments such as electronic sources and online submissions of manuscripts.

Online Resources

• Writing Guidelines for Engineering and Science Students(Penn State University)
• Writing Guide: Scientific Writing (Colorado State)

Biology

Print Resources

• A Short Guide to Writing About Biology -- D. H. Hill Stacks: QH304 .P43 2010

  A general guide to writing in the biological sciences, focused on writing as a way to examine, evaluate, and share ideas. Covers critical readings, evaluating sources, and clarity in writing.

• Writing Papers in the Biological Sciences -- D.H. Hill Stacks: QH304 .M36 1997

  A guide to research and writing for students in biology, written by a professional biologist who is also an experienced writing teacher.

Additional Print Resources

• Search the catalog for other print resources available at NCSU Libraries

Online Resources

• A Guide to Writing in the Biological Sciences (George Mason)
• Writing in Biology Courses (Marquette)

Chemistry

Print Resources

• A Short Guide to Writing About Chemistry -- D. H. Hill Stacks: QD8.5 .D38 2010

  A concise guide to the research and writing process in a chemistry context. Includes help on finding and evaluating sources, writing lab reports, and learning to write for a variety of audiences.

• Write like a chemist : a guide and resource -- D. H. Hill Stacks: QD9.15 .W75 2008

  A focused guide which covers four important chemistry writing genres: the journal article, conference abstract, scientific poster, and research proposal. Designed to be useful for beginning chemistry students as well as researchers and scientists.

Additional Print Resources

• Search the catalog for other print resources available at NCSU Libraries

Online Resources

• Writing Guide for Chemistry (Oregon State University)
• Chemistry Writing Tools (UW Madison)

Engineering

Print Resources

• A Guide to Writing as an Engineer -- D.H. Hill Reference Stacks: T11 .B396 2009

  Guide to concise and clear writing in an engineering context, which aims to help the writer avoid the pitfalls that sometimes plague technical writings.

• A guide to writing as an engineer -- D.H. Hill Stacks: T11 .B396 2005

  Aimed at engineering students, this book focuses on developing communication skills, including written and oral communication. Uses the engineering concept of "noise" to explain how errors and lack of clarity can interfere with effective communication.

Additional Print Resources

• Search the catalog for other print resources available at NCSU Libraries

Online Resources

• Writing Guidelines for Engineering and Science Students (Penn State)
• Engineering Writing Guide (Swarthmore)

Geography, Environmental Studies & Geology

Print Resources

• Communicating in Geography and the Environmental Sciences -- D.H. Hill Stacks: G70 .H35 2006

  Guide to the various writing forms expected of students in geography and the environmental sciences, including essays, research, laboratory reports, and more.

• A Student’s Guide to Research and Writing: Geography & Environmental Studies -- D.H. Hill Stacks: G70 .N67 2007

  Aimed at students in geography and environmental science, this book covers principles of style, grammar, and usage, while addressing issues such as preparing research proposals and carrying out lab and field work.

Additional Print Resources

• Search the catalog for other print resources available at NCSU Libraries

Librarian Contact Information

• Anne Burke, Undergraduate Instruction and Outreach Librarian
• (919) 513-7426
• anne_burke@ncsu.edu