COURSE GUIDE

ENG 10 (Writing of Scientific Papers)*

English Division, Department of Humanities
College of Arts and Sciences, UPLB

Course Description
Principles underlying the preparation and writing of scientific papers
Course Goals
The course is about the preparation and writing of scientific papers. It deals with the
application of general and specific principles of scientific and technical writing. Thus, it
prepares you, the students, for your thesis or practicum-report writing, particularly on how to
communicate and report your research, simulating the whole scientific processes. At the end
of the course, you will gain an understanding of how to effectively write scientific and
technical papers.
Course Objectives
At the end of the term, you are expected to
1. Differentiate scientific writing from other types of writing;
2. Identify common errors and problems in usage and mechanics of style in scientific
writing, and correct or improve on them; and
3. Write scientific and technical papers, applying the basic principles of clear effective
writing.
Prerequisites
ENG 10 may be taken by students of junior standing who have passed ENG 2. These
prerequisites are meant to ensure that you are equipped with the necessary
exposure/preparation in your field of specialization, which you need in writing and
communicating scientific papers.
Course Materials
Upon enrollment, you will be provided access to the course guide and handouts through the
groupsite.

____
*Course Guide is approved by the ENG 10 Committee.

Course Outline
I.

Introduction to Scientific Writing (4 hours)

A. Science: Dynamic and Static View
B. The Research Process
References:
Brown, W. 1993. Defining the Process of Science. The Science Teacher. 26-28.
(Call No. LT-9043803)
Henson, RM. and Soriano, R F. 1999. Communication Research: Course Guide in
Communication Research. Manila: Booklore Publishing Co.
Kerlinger, F. 1973. Foundations of Behavioral Research. Beverly Hills, USA: Sage
Publications.
Librero, F. 1996. How to Write a Thesis Proposal: Some Practical Guidelines.
College, Laguna: College of Agriculture, Publications Program.

C. Nature and Scope of Scientific Writing

References:
Magpayo, E. R., Taber, M.A., Diano L., Nonato, B., and Realo, M. 1993. Definitions
and nature of technical writing. The role of the technical writer.
The importance of possessing technical writing skills. Contemporary Technical
English. Quezon City: MY Publishing House, 1-19.
Mills, G and Walter, J. 1980. Special Techniques of Technical Writing. Technical
Writing. New York, USA: Holt, Rinehart and Winston. 1-12.
Stratton, C. F. 1979. Technical writing: what it is and what it isnt. J. Technical
Writing and Communication, 9(11):9-15.
Wilkins, K. 1977. Technical writing: Effective communication. J. Technical Writing
and Communication (11):35-43.

D. Plagiarism and Ethics in Scientific Writing

Reference:
Day, R. 1995. How to Write a Scientific Paper. New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston.
(Note: Available at the UPLB Main Library and at the IRRI Library.)
II. Basic Principles and Techniques in Scientific Writing (6 hours)
A. Definition
B. Classification
C. Description
Course Guide for ENG 10
Second Semester, AY 2014 - 2015
Page 2 of 8

1. Of a Mechanism
2. Of a Process
D. Comparison and Contrast
E. Interpretation
References:
Magpayo, E. R., Tabor, M.A., Diano, L., Nonato, B., and Realo, M. 1993. Basic
techniques of technical writing, the ABC of report writing, Contemporary Technical
English. Quezon City: MY Publishing House, 40-54.
Mills, G. and Walter, J. 1980. Special Techniques of Technical Writing. Technical
Writing. New York, USA: Holt, Rinehart and Winston. 1-12.
III. Correct Usage and Mechanics of Style (5 hours)
Reference:
Mills, G. and Walter, J. 1980. Special Techniques of Technical Writing. Technical
Writing. New York, USA: Holt, Rinehart and Winston. 1-12.
IV. Thesis/Research Proposal (12 hours)
References:
Aquino, G. 1971. Essentials of Research and Thesis Writing. Quezon
City:Phoenix Publishing House.
Alcantara, R.D. and Espina, F.P. 1995. Technical Writing for Filipino
Students. Quezon City: Katha Publishing Co., Inc.
Librero, F. 1996. How to Write a Thesis Proposal. Some Practical Guidelines.
College, Laguna: College of Agriculture, Publications Program.
Nem Singh, R.P. and Calixihan, J.O. 1994. Fundamentals of Technical Writing. Metro
Manila: National Bookstore, Inc.
Samson, D.C. 1993. Editing Technical Writing. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Technical Proposal Format.
http://www.handord.gov/tanks.hfi/business/c10rfp/format.htm
V. Scientific Paper and Scientific Poster (4 hours)
A. Scientific Paper
1. Definition
2. How to write the scientific paper
a. Introduction
b. Review of Literature (Related Studies)
c. Materials and Methods (Methodology)
d. Results and Discussion/Analysis of Data
e. Conclusion
f. Abstract
3. How to publish a scientific paper
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Second Semester, AY 2014 - 2015
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a. Ethics in authorship
b. Valid publications
4. Documentation style and mechanics
Reference:
Day, R. 1995. How to Write a Scientific Paper. New York: Holt, Rinehart and
Winston. (Note: Available at the UPLB Main Library and at the IRRI Library)
B. Scientific Poster
1. Importance
2. Parts of a scientific poster
3. Mechanics and style
References:
Kirkeby, K. A. Preparing professional scientific posters.
http://www.ce.umn.edu/smith/supplements/poster/guide.htm. Retrieved 19
April 2008.
OConnor, M. 1992. Writing successfully in science. London: Chapman &
Hall.
Purrington, C. B. 2006. Advice on designing scientific posters.
http://www.swarthmore.Edu/NatSci/cpurrin1/posteradvice.htm. Retrieved April
19, 2008.
Grading System (Total = 1000 points)
Lecture Class- 500 points (50%)

Quizzes/activities - 300
Midterm Exam
- 100
Pre-Final Exam - 100

Recit/ Writing Lab Class- 500 points (50%)

Writing Exercises - 200

Research Proposal (drafting stage and final) - 250
Scientific Poster - 50

REMEMBER: YOU NEED TO PASS BOTH COMPONENTS TO PASS THE COURSE.

Assessment of Research Proposal/Poster
Your research proposal and scientific poster will be evaluated using the following criteria:
Research Proposal:
Content
Organization
Language Use

50%
25%
25%
Course Guide for ENG 10
Second Semester, AY 2014 - 2015
Page 4 of 8

GRADING SCALE
980-1000
950-979
900-949
850-899
800-849
750-799
700-749
650-699
600-649
500-599
499-BELOW

1.0
1.25
1.5
1.75
2
2.25
2.5
2.75
3
4
5

Scientific Poster:
Content
Organization
Language Use
Layout

50%
25%
15%
10%

Class Guidelines/Policies
1.

Consultation

Schedule/Venue: To be announced
Consultations should be done only on specified days and time. Your teachers other
official hours are spent in conducting classes, reviewing lessons, preparing
exercises/quizzes/exams, checking papers, attending meetings, etc.
Ambush consultations in the most unlikely places (stairs, COOP, banks, church,
Grove area, shopping places, etc.) will not be entertained.
You are encouraged to consult with the teacher on subject-related
matters/problems/queries/clarifications, early in the semester.

2.

Attendance

In adherence to University policies, your teacher is very particular about tardiness and
absences.
a.

Tardiness

Three late = 1 absence (University rule)

Attendance is checked 10 minutes after the time.
There will be no make-up activity for any quiz/exercise missed during the time you
were late.

b. Absences

Be reminded of the UP Code on Attendance (Chapter 50, Art. 346):

Course Guide for ENG 10
Second Semester, AY 2014 - 2015
Page 5 of 8

When the number of hours lost by absence of a student reaches 20 per cent
of the hours of recitation, lecture, laboratory or any other scheduled work in
one subject he shall be dropped from the subject; Provided, That a faculty
may prescribe a longer attendance requirement to meet their special needs. If
the majority of the absences are excused, the student shall not be given a
grade of 5 upon being thus dropped; but if the majority of the absences are
not excused, he shall be given a grade of 5 upon being thus dropped. Time
lost by late enrolment shall be considered as time lost by absence.

If a student commits a total of four (4) unexcused absences in either the recitation or
the lecture class, he can already be given a grade of 5.0 even if the combined total
of unexcused absences have not reached seven (7).

Dropping is at the discretion of the lecturer and recitation faculty. ONLY THE
LECTURER AND THE RECITATION TEACHER CAN APPROVE ANY REQUEST
FOR DROPPING.

There is no make-up for any graded activity missed during the time you were absent,
except in case of an ailment that required hospitalization or of an ailment that is
highly communicable, e.g., measles, chicken pox, mumps, sore eyes, typhoid fever,
etc. Your teacher will require presentation of an official excuse slip from your Office
of the College Secretary. Follow the UP Code rules on such requests. Request for
any make-up graded activity - absence due to fulfilment of a requirement in another
course will be disapproved.

Your being absent from the previous meeting is no excuse for not participating in the
next class discussion.

Class is dismissed 10 -15 minutes before the time (University rule).

Submission of Requirements

Your teacher is very particular about deadlines. Deadlines for submission of

requirements will be announced well ahead of the schedule, to give you ample time
to prepare.

Assignments/Requirements will be collected only during class hours; late

assignments will not be accepted.

If you decide to submit the requirement ahead of schedule, you should personally
submit it to your teacher. Do not just put it in the teachers pigeon hole or ask a friend
to submit it for you.

Testing/Evaluation

A quiz will be given before a new topic is discussed.

Surprise quizzes will be given every now and then.

IMPORTANT REMINDER: Any form of cheating or dishonesty shall be punishable.

(UP Code on Conduct and Discipline, Chapter 81, Art. 473)
Course Guide for ENG 10
Second Semester, AY 2014 - 2015
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For the first offense (one paper), a grade of 5.0 will be given for that paper. For more
than one offense (more than one paper), a grade of 5.0 will be given for the course,
not just for the papers.

Others
1. Your mobile phones should be put in the silent mode or put off and should be kept in
your bags.
2.

Function of Seat Plan

3.

Information Card
If, after the first meeting, you decide to stay in the class, for the next meeting bring a
medium-sized index card, with the following information written on it:

Side A of the card:

Name, nickname, student number, cell/landline number, birth date, home address,
college address, degree course, college, thesis/sp/registration adviser, and expected
grade. Attach a 1 x 1 photo (the most recent) on the upper right-hand corner of
the card. CARDS TO BE COLLECTED NEXT MEETING.

Side B:
Class schedule for the semester, including room assignments

ENG 10 LECTURERS AND RECIT FACULTY MEMBERS

TO BE ANNOUNCED
LECTURE/RECIT CLASS SCHEDULE/TOPICS/ACTIVITIES

DATE/
WEEK

LECTURE CLASS

RECIT/
WRITING
LAB
CLASS

JAN 27-30

Orientation/Discussion of course
guide

Meeting 1

FEB 3-6

Unit 1: The Nature of Science

and Scientific Writing

Meeting 2

FEB 10-13

Plagiarism and Ethics in Scientific Meeting 3

Writing
Course Guide for ENG 10
Second Semester, AY 2014 - 2015
Page 7 of 8

EXERCISES TO PREPARE

Collection of class cards;

checking of attendance and form
5/form 26; inform class that the
course guide will be discussed in
the lecture class; discussion of
recit activities and class policies
Reiterations; questions and
queries about the course guide,
etc;
Writing exercise to assess writing
ability of students
Ex. 1:Defining processes of
science (Illustrate the processes

FEB 17-20
*Feb. 19 is
a holiday.
FEB 24-27
*Feb. 25 is
a holiday.

Unit 2: Basic Principles and

Techniques in Scientific Writing
(definition, classification, etc.)
Unit 3: Correct Usage and
Common Errors in Grammar

Meeting 4

MAR 3-6

Principles of Effective
Writing

Meeting 6

MAR 10-13

Unit 4: The Research Proposal

(technical and information
requisites, problem identification)

Meeting 7

MAR 17-20

Significance of the
Study
MIDTERM EXAM

Meeting 8

MAR 31APR 3
*Apr 2 and
3 are
holidays.
APR 7-10
*Apr 9 is a
holiday.
APR 14-17

Review of
Literature

Meeting10

APR 21-24

Tabular, Textual and Graphic

Presentation
Summary, Conclusion and
Recommendations, Abstracts

MAR 24-27

APR 28MAY 1
*May 1 is a
holiday.
MAY 5-8

Meeting 5

Meeting 9

Materials and
Methods/Methodology

Meeting11

Data Analysis and Interpretation

Meeting12

Meeting13
Meeting14

Scientific Poster
Meeting15

MAY 12-15

PRE-FINAL EXAM
Meeting16

MAY 19-22

Final Evaluation, Removal

Exams, etc.

Meeting17

LINK ON OFFICIAL LIST OF 2015 PHILIPPINE HOLIDAYS

http://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/philippines/

Course Guide for ENG 10

Second Semester, AY 2014 - 2015
Page 8 of 8

of science as applied to your

field)
Exercise in the module on
Plagiarism and Ethics in Scientific
writing
Ex. 2: Extended definition of a
process in your field

Ex. 3: Common errors in

grammar (S-V agreement, Verb
tenses, etc.)
Revising for correctness,
conciseness, and clarity
Formulation and approval of
Research Problem (proposal)
MIDTERM EXAM REVIEW (or
continuation of proposal topic
approval)
Exercise on the Significance of
the Study section

Exercise on the Review Literature

section
Exercise on Materials and
Methods/ Methodology
Exercise on Data Interpretation
and Analysis
Exercise on Tabular, Graphic and
Textual Presentation

Exercise on Summary,
Conclusions and
Recommendations; Abstracts
Workshop on Scientific Poster
Making
Course Evaluation; Grade
Computation