FCK3105 Design and Publication of Scientific Papers in Chemistry and Materials Science 3.0 credits

Lecture, two sessions of peer instruction type. The course ends with hand in homework and a written exam.

Time required for course: 3 h lecture, 6 h peer instruction, 30 h homework for INL1 and TEN1. 

Historical review of scientific publishing with a special emphasis on the IMRAD structure and with focus on writing articles within the scientific areas chemistry and materials science. The students will work with some more practical questions:

• To formulate a strong motivation text
• Ethical questions concerned with the fact that you are a co-author
• Presentation of data
• Selection of journal
• How to avoid double publishing
• How to act properly during the reviewing process

After completion of the course the doctoral student should have

• The knowledge and ability to write a scientific paper together with senior scientists, and to be able to evaluate scientific texts within the disciplines of chemistry and materials science
• Specialized abilities to write papers with the IMRAD structure and to be able to write texts suitable for the different sections:  INTRODUCTION, METHODS, RESULTS and DISCUSSION.
• Specific skills to write motivation of study; to know how to report science in an ethical correct way; how to reference proper literature; adequate logics, to choose what journal to submit to; how to avoid double publishing, the ABC of the reviewing process

Eligible for studies at the third-cycle level and Master exam in Chemistry.

Day, R.A. How to Writ and Publish a Scientific Paper, Oryx Press, USA (ISBN 1573561657)

The ACS style guide: Effective communication of scientific information. 3rd Edition, Anne Cagel and Lorrin R. Garson, 2006.

How to write a paper, Mike Ashby, 2005.

The elements of style, Strunk, W. and White, J. B.Whitesides Group: How to write a paper, Advanced Materials, 16, 1375 (2004).

If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.

• INL1 - Assignments, 1.0 credits, grading scale: P, F
• TEN1 - Home exam, 2.0 credits, grading scale: P, F

Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.

The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.

Comments to examination

Approved TEN1 and INL1; the latter will be presented both in written form and orally.

Mikael Hedenqvist

• All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
• In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
• In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.

If the examination form is changed, the student will be examined according to the examination form that applied when the student was admitted to the course. If the course is completed, the student is given the opportunity to be examined on the course for another two academic years.