Writing at Denison: Chemistry
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Description of the Discipline
Chemistry is the study of the properties of solutions and different basic types of matter. An understanding of these materials and solutions can allow us to better understand the physical world that surrounds us.
At Denison, chemistry begins with general chemistry, and progresses into organic chemistry and other upper level classes. Throughout, lab reports are the primary type of writing done in this discipline.
Citation Style Used
At Denison, most professors prefer the recommendations advanced by the American Chemical Society. Specific instructions can be found in the ACS Style Guide: 3rd Edition; found in the library. However, it is important to check with your professor since some request specific variations on the ACS style.
Organization/Required Components
Chemistry professors recommend beginning your lab report with an outline, since an outline will force you to organize your ideas. Additionally, if you ask your professor to look over your lab report before submitting it, it is much easier for them to check an outline.
Lab reports generally consist of the following components: introduction, experimental procedure, results, discussion, and conclusion. However, some professors prefer that you write the results and discussion sections of the report together, so be sure to check with your professor to see what type of format they would prefer. Additionally, some lab reports require an abstract, which goes at the very beginning of the paper.
The introduction of the lab report should introduce the topic, and set the stage for the rest of the paper. The experimental section should spell out in detail what you did during the experiment. However, be careful not to include extreme minutia (Ex: retrieved chemical by walking to the chemistry stockroom). Basically, the experimental section should include enough detail that a skilled chemist could perform the exact same experiment just by looking at your procedure. The results section of the lab should discuss what was done in the experimental section of the paper. In this section, facts should be explained, but you should avoid rendering judgments on or drawing conclusions about these facts. In discussion portion of the lab report you should make judgments and draw conclusions about the experiment. The conclusion should provide a brief summary of the lab, as well as justify its performance.
Voice
Try to use third person as well as write formally when writing formal lab reports. Additionally, write in the past tense and unlike most other disciplines, use passive voice. Make your writing as precise and direct as possible.
Types of Writing Assignments
Almost all writing done in a chemistry class at Denison will be lab reports. These labs can vary in length from just a few pages to 10 or more pages. Often times, students are required to include appendixes of data, as well as drawings of the compounds discussed within the report. These compounds can be drawn with Chemdraw software, which is available in the Ebaugh Chemistry Library. Additionally, Chemdraw is available for any Denison student to install on their personal computer.
Research Process
Research for chemistry is often conducted to provide additional information for lab reports. Some strong databases include the Web of Science Citation Indexes, General Science Abstracts, and PubMed. Scifinder is another good database for chemistry, but it can only be accessed in Ebaugh. This database is particularly helpful in that it allows you to draw the structure of a chemical and search the structure in order to find articles about the compound. Google can also be useful for finding basic information on a subject; it can serve as a good jumping off point. However, information found on websites should be considered suspect until confirmed by a more reputable source.
Common Mistakes
One common mistake chemistry students commit is that they use too many superfluous filler words. Additionally, overly restating facts at the expense of explicitly stating conclusions and clearly defending them should also be avoided. Another frequent mistake is that students give too much unnecessary detail. For example, students often provide a great deal of raw data within the actual lab report. This data should be confined to the appendixes, and only the pertinent information should be included. As a chemistry student, it is essential to be able to distinguish what is extraneous from what is important. Be sure to ask your professor if you need clarification on which data should be included.
Preferred Language (jargon, pronouns)
Chemistry professors usually do not encourage the use of any specific jargon. However, the use of first and second person should be avoided whenever possible. Additionally, informal language is also discouraged.
References
Jordan Fantini, personal interview by author, April 28, 2007.
Ebel, H.F, C. Bliefert, and W.E. Russey. The Art of Scientific Writing. Germany: Wiley-Vch, 2004.
Prepared by Natalie Gross.