teaching with writing

biological sciences syllabi

Biological science does not reside in its subject matter; there is no science in genetic codes, orchids, or hydrochloric acid. Rather, science is a way to investigate these subjects; it is a point of view, imagination's play with the possible. Writing about scientific subjects, both as they are being investigated and after the investigation has been completed, is an integral element of scientific discovery and analysis. Science and the practice of writing work together. As David Porush of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute suggests, we might "think of writing as an activity that negotiates the boundary between the logical and irrational, the known and the mysterious" (242). Writing assignments have, therefore, been integrated into the activities of writing-intensive courses in order to help you establish what you already know, describe new observations, pursue ideas thoroughly and critically, and then communicate your observations, ideas, and findings to readers--just as practicing scientists do.

sample syllabi

• Biology 1131, Principles of Biological Science: an introductory course designed to explore the central principles of biology (including theory and processes) requires two formal papers and a variety of informal writing assignments.
  
  
• Microbiology 4141, Biology, Genetics and Pathogenesis of Viruses: an upper-division virology course that explores characteristics and replication strategies of animal viruses and the shift from virus to disease. This course requires almost daily writing-to-learn activities in addition to formal writing assignments.
  
  
• Business and Technical Writing 342, Science Writing: a course at Rutgers University that provides practice in the purposes, skills, and styles of science writing. Topics include ethical and practical constraints that govern science reporting, and the cultural place of science in our society.

Porush, David. A Short Guide to Writing about Science. New York: HarperCollins College Publishers, 1995.

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