Methods, Logic and Scientific Writing in Molecular Cell Biology

What it is about

In this module you read and discuss five scientific publications from molecular cell biology (focus on plant research). You will learn to critically assess experimental design, controls, interpretation, significance and presentation, and then formulate and apply standards for the abstract, introduction, results and discussion.

What you will be able to do

• critical analysis of scientific literature
• correct interpretation of statistical and numerical analyses
• assessment of controls and presentations
• writing and revising scientific text blocks according to established standards

What the module consists of

• Discussion of read publicationsjoint development of background knowledge and critical engagement with five papers
• Brainstorm with instructorjoint detailed deconstruction of the papers and discussion of design and interpretation
• Writing and revisiondevelopment and application of 'gold standards' for abstract, introduction, results and discussion as well as drafting and revising text examples

Teaching method

• collaborative, critical discourseto promote argumentation, debate and collective analysis
• Reading and discussionto thoroughly understand the manuscripts and gather background knowledge
• Writing and reviewingto develop practical skills in scientific writing and revision
• individual written feedbackto targetedly improve your texts