Writing like a scientist: a research assignment for undergraduates inspired by the publishing process

Area of Science:

• Biology Education
• Scientific Communication
• Undergraduate Research

Background:

• Many science graduates require skills in reading and writing primary scientific literature (PSL).
• Integrating PSL into undergraduate curricula is recognized as important.
• Students also need to understand the manuscript writing and publication process for disseminating research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a research assignment simulating the publication process for undergraduate biology students.
• To familiarize students with manuscript drafting, editor feedback integration, and submission letters.
• To prepare students for future manuscript publication.

Main Methods:

• An introductory journal club class for biology majors at an R1 Hispanic-serving Institution was used.
• A research assignment was designed to mirror the journal publication workflow.
• Students drafted a review paper, incorporating editorial feedback and writing a letter to the editor.

Main Results:

• Students successfully produced a review paper.
• The assignment enhanced students' familiarity with the traditional publication process.
• The experience prepared students for potential future manuscript submissions.

Conclusions:

• Simulating the publication process in an undergraduate journal club is effective.
• This pedagogical approach equips science students with crucial skills for scientific dissemination.
• The assignment serves as a valuable stepping stone towards independent scientific publishing.