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Reading List Here I list several books that I highly recommend. The books by Santiago Ramon Y Cajal and Peter Medawar, both Nobel Laureats, offer great advice to young scientists, and are truly inspirational. The books by Barker and Wilson provide practical advice to new investigators teaching them, step-by-step, how to actually get started in the laboratory. Feibelman’s book offers advice on how to choose a project, a laboratory, career path, and how to build a program. The books by Reis and Boice offer a wide range of advice for junior faculty members about how to survive - and to excel. Finally, the book by Chandra Louise discusses careers in biosciences. These are all very useful books. Most of them are reasonably priced, and all can be readily ordered from the Amazon website.
Further Readings on Scientific Methods Further Readings on Scientific Methods 1. Advice for a Young Investigator Readers’ comments include: “Ramon y Cajal warns us against several diseases of the will which affect research. He does that with great candour and much charm.” “Too often our science is cleaned and polished to the point that it appears logical and quite easy. This remarkable monograph gives a much clearer view of the strenuous, adventurous, and often confusing nature of actually being a pioneer. It explores the social and political nature of scientific advance in a remarkably honest way, and each chapter rings true to the ears of a practicing neurobiologist today. It has quickly become favorite reading and the subject of discussion at our university, and is a must read for anyone interested in the actual craft of doing biology.” List Price: $18.95 2. Advice to a Young Scientist Book Description To those interested in a life in science, Sir Peter Medawar, Nobel laureate, deflates the myths of invincibility, superiority and genius; instead, he demonstrates it is common sense and an inquiring mind that are essential to the scientist's calling. Example Reader Review by Michael JR Jose (the UK) Professor Medawar is much aware of following in the footsteps of William Cobbett, (the famous 'Advice to Young Men and (incidentally) to Young Women', written in the early 1800's and still in print), and wishes to avoid being dull and preachy. He is incapable of either, and he here shares his experience of a distinguished career in the biological sciences for the benefit of the aspiring scientist in any research discipline. This book would be useful to anyone entertaining the idea of a science-based career, certainly up to the graduate stage. It is also probably of specific interest to any biologist whether student, teacher, or researcher. This is an original and personal book, by a writer who won a Nobel prize in 1960 for his research in the area of human tissue transplants. He is here both literate and highly practical; the wisdom of a lifetime, normally only acquired slowly by personal life experience, is distilled and decanted with dry humour. The chapters cover: 'How can I tell if I am cut out to be a scientific research worker?', which contains a revealing and exceedingly quick intelligence test, (and which would probably be of great value as a surprise question in executive job interviews). A psychologist would classify this as a very direct test of 'little g', or the general intelligence factor, and it is refreshingly free of bias due to gender, culture, and educational attainment level. The chapter 'What shall I do research on?' contains the observations of a typical biologist, very down to earth. Likewise, 'How can I equip myself to be a scientist?', which contains guidance on balancing reading research with hands on activity. 'Aspects of scientific life and manners' is the best chapter: an excellent set of observations on teamwork, respect for colleagues, the scientist's moral requirement of dedication to Truth, how to handle mistakes, giving fair credit for discoveries, and how to keep your friends (by handling the critical scientific habit of mind correctly! Take notes...). The snobismus (a most excellent neologism) divide between pure and applied science, and between technicians and researchers is also noted and handled well. The professor interestingly distinguishes between four types of experiment. The Baconian or messing around type; the Aristotelian or proving a point type; the Galilean or critical type (the normal type as most think of science today); and the Kantian or thought experiment, much beloved of the other Greeks. 'The Scientific Process' analyses and challenges Kuhn's theory of scientific paradigms and paradigm shifts. And the chapter 'Scientific Meliorism versus Scientific Messianism' concerns the psychology and worldview of scientists, and throws some enjoyable light on his debates with C. S. Lewis, whom he knew well. This latter debate proves (although he would deny it), that although he approaches C. P. Snow's ideal of the man who can bridge the two cultures - of those schooled in the humanities, and those in the sciences - he fails. The disparity in the cultural worldviews is too great. The book is usefully rounded off with an index. The professor is keenly aware throughout that, as he simply observes, 'scientists are people': practical but fallible, given to snobbery but capable of egregious open-mindedness, technocratic but social optimists at heart. All in all, Medawar is the best of teachers, teaching with his heart and his head: he dispels stereotypes, he advises on handling your emotions, he inspires. This type of book is all too rare. 3. An Introduction to Scientific Research A reader commented: “Any one who has done scientific research at the graduate or post-graduate level will appreciate this timeless Introduction to Scientific Research. The book offers much practical advice. Topics include: Choice and Statement of Research Problem; Searching the Literature; Scientific Method in detail; Design of Experiments; Design of Apparatus; Execution of Experiments; Analysis of Experimental Data & Error Analysis. The part on computer use is out-dated, but otherwise the book is one of the best of the few references on the subject of Scientific Research.” List Price: $11.95 4. At the Bench : A Laboratory Navigator Readers comments include: “A marvelously crafted, enormously useful and entertaining guide for the laboratory neophyte. … While the purpose of the book is to introduce the wonders and terrors of the lab to the uniniatiated the wealth of useful information contained in this volume make it a valuable addition for the more sophisticated bench scientist.” Price: $49.00 5. A Ph.D. Is Not Enough: A Guide to Survival in Science Offers sound advice on selecting a thesis or postdoctoral adviser, choosing among research jobs in academia, government laboratories, and industry, preparing for an employment interview, and defining a research program. A reader said “Feibelman has done a great service for future scientists in writing this book. Although a quick read, it's dense with good advice for budding scientists, whether they be at the grad student, postdoc, or assistant professor stage of their careers. …..the book is excellent and can be useful to anyone whose career includes scientific research. I only wish I had found it earlier!” Price: $12.00 6. Advice for New Faculty Members: Nihil Nimus The content of this book as described in the book cover: “Nihil Nimus is a unique and essential guide to the start of a successful academic career. As its title suggests (nothing in excess), it advocates moderation in ways of working, based on the single-most reliable difference between new faculty who thrive and those who struggle. By following its practical, easy-to-use rules, novice faculty can learn to teach with the highest levels of student approval, involvement, and comprehension, with only modest preparation times and a greater reliance on spontaneity and student participation. Similarly, new faculty can use its rule-based practices to write with ease, increasing productivity, creativity, and publishability through brief, daily sessions of focused and relaxed work. And they can socialize more successfully by learning about often-misunderstood aspects of academic culture, including mentoring. Each rule in Advice for New Faculty Members has been tested on hundreds of new faculty and proven effective over the long run -- even in attaining permanent appointment. It is the first guidebook to move beyond anecdotes and surmises for its directives, based on the author's extensive experience and solid research in the areas of staff and faculty development.” Readers’ comments include: “I'm in the second year of a tenure track position, and it's really true that the universal social expectation is that getting tenure, especially the process of writing for publication, involves a whole lot of suffering, and that only the strong (definitely not including me) survive. Robert Boice has written a deeply spiritual and insightful book not only about the tenure process and academic writing, but about how to live life mindfully and joyfully. I cannot recommend this book too highly.” “In masterful strokes, he lays out the case for mindful work as the key to teaching, writing, and service. Boice urges us to focus on the process of working, rather than its products. We need to work with constancy and moderation, rather than in hypermanic bursts that ultimately burn us out. Moderation is the key, and Boice makes the case with persuasive arguements and excellent examples. I felt my own tension draining away even as I read the book! I have put his principles into practice in my own work, and I will buy copies for all my graduate students, so they can do the same. This is a wonderful, wise, and witty book.” Price $29.00 7. Tomorrow's Professor: Preparing for Academic Careers in Science and
Engineering Reis (engineering, Stanford U.) offers advice to graduate students and others who aspire to teach science and engineering. He looks at the full range of North American four-year academic institutions as potential employers, and presents 30 vignettes and over 50 individual stories to illuminate the principles and strategies he outlines. Readers comments include: “Strongly recommend for any Postdoc, Ph.D. student, prospective Ph.D. student or even a Ph.D.” “Reading it has helped me put together a fantastic CV and confidently gear up for a new year of job searching. … It also has a large chunk of information about what to expect once you land that tenure-track job--including how to *get* tenure. I'll be referring to it for years. This book has well over 400 pages and it's worth every cent (despite the quite large price tag).” Price: $44.95 8. Jump Start Your Career in BioScience A reader commented: “This book is an essential part of every science job-seeker's armamentarium. It contains a vivid and detailed plan for developing your career, from the broad first steps to the detailed 'end game'. The section on the approach to career planning was particularly helpful. The personal anecdotes reinforced the feeling that the author has already 'been there and done that', a reassurance that is so often missing in other career books.” Price: $19.95
Further Readings on Scientific Writing 1. The Elements of Style, Fourth Edition Editorial Reviews Amazon.com The New York Times Book Description This is the braille version of the timeless reference book. According to the St. Louis Dispatch, this "excellent book, which should go off to college with every freshman, is recognized as the best book of its kind we have." It should be the ". . . daily companion of anyone who writes for a living and, for that matter, anyone who writes at all" (Greensboro Daily New). "No book in shorter space, with fewer words, will help any writer more than this persistent little volume" (The Boston Globe). Two volumes in braille. --This text refers to the Paperback edition. Examples of User Reviews In 1919 when William Strunk Jr. was an English professor at Cornell, he self-published this small volume and used it as a required textbook. One of his students was E.B. White who later wrote the children's classic, "Charlotte's Web" and was also a columnist for the New Yorker. In 1957, Mr. White made some slight revisions and had "The Elements of Style" republished. The result, as they say, is history. Now in its fourth edition, this small book has become a classic. I know I must have learned my grammar in elementary school, but I have no recollection of actual lessons. I don't think I ever did learn terms such as adjectival modifier, adverbial phrase, split infinitive, intransitive verb or participial phrase. My teachers must have done a good job though, because grammar has never been a problem for me. Only 85 pages long, this book was a good refresher course for me. It emphasizes clarity and conciseness and certainly is a good example of this concept itself. I highly recommend this book. Take advantage of the learning experience. You won't be sorry. This is NOT a grammar, it's about style. If you like, preview an old edition in the public domain at Bartleby. (an older version is online, free, at http://www.bartleby.com/141/index.html) 2. How To Write & Publish a Scientific Paper: 5th Edition Editorial Reviews Photosynthetics, 1999 "a valuable information source for everybody working in natural sciences...this is one of the best books on writing and publishing in science: buy it!" The publisher, Oryx Press, info@oryxpress.com , October 30, 1998 Scientific Writing Made Easier Each edition of this witty and practical guide to writing, organizing, illustrating, and submitting scientific research for publication in a scholarly scientific journal has become an instant bestseller. The fifth edition has been revised extensively to reflect the significant impact of the Internet and other electronic resources on the writing and publishing of scientific papers. Five new chapters on this subject have been added. The book's appendixes include guides to using abbreviations,... read more Readers’ comments include: “Written with humor, this amazing how-to book breaks down all of the components of writing any scientific product, be it thesis or manuscript, and gives practical instructions on what to include and what to avoid. I especially enjoyed the grammar sections, with its real-world examples, such as "lying on top of the intestines, you will perhaps make out a small transparent thread," which is a somewhat gooey spot for observation... I refer to this book every time I write, and find new advice to keep me on track--and published!” 3. Scientific English : A Guide for Scientists and Other Professionals Editorial Reviews Booknews, Inc., November 1, 1995 Shows scientists and other technical writers how to clearly, simply, and accurately communicate complex scientific concepts. As a bonus, many of the examples are amusing. Annotation copyright Book News, Inc. Portland, Or. Was this content helpful to you? From Book News, Inc. , December 1, 1992 Simple guidelines to improve the ability to communicate in English, aimed directly at those who write articles for publication in primary scientific journals, but also useful in other types of writing. Annotation copyright Book News, Inc. Portland, Or. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title. Reder’s comments include: “This is the best short book for scientific/technical writing: I'm a technical writer by profession, and taught technical writing for 10 years. I've used this book and Day's "How to Write and Publish a Scientific Paper" as textbooks, as well as in the workplace. This is the most succinct, practical, and helpful guide for scientific and technical writing on the market -- and I've looked at an awfully lot of guides! It's easy to use, and often very funny. Also, it's a good example of the clarity and brevity he advocates (this is not, unfortunately, true of many technical writing textbooks). Finally, I heartily concur with Day's belief that "Simplicity of expression is a natural result of profound thought." I've heard many scientists deplore the poor state of scientific education in the U.S. and the rise of "bad science." In my opinion, this is the fault of scientists themselves for not making their methods and results more accessible to the general public. Day's guidelines are an important step in the right direction, and I hope more scientists follow them.” 4. The MIT Guide to Science and Engineering Communication Editorial Reviews Book Description "The MIT Guide contains an abundance of useful information on practically every facet of contemporary technical communication. I enjoyed reading it immensely. The information is succinct and to the point, and the supporting graphics are not only relevant but often admirable in the amount of information they convey." -- David F. Beer, Ph.D., Director of Technical Communication, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Texas at Austin Good communication makes a difference. Any successful scientist or engineer will have multiple communication tasks connected with any project. Drawing on their considerable experience teaching both college students and science professionals, James Paradis and Muriel Zimmerman have written a handbook that treats four kinds of literacy -- written, oral, graphic, electronic -- as crucial and inseparable to science and engineering communication. The MIT Guide emphasizes processes and forms that will help in creating documents and includes numerous realistic examples. A special feature of the book is its acceptance of the fact that most work in science these days is collaborative and that writing is often a group rather than a solitary activity. There is also a strong emphasis on the central role of the computer in creating and disseminating technical materials. First, Paradis and Zimmerman observe, it is essential to consider science and engineering as communication. The most effective engineers and scientists are skilled writers, and the first chapter shows how important good communication is to a successful career in science. The chapters that follow address such topics as: defining your audience and aims; organizing and drafting documents; revising for organization and style; developing graphics; conducting meetings; memos, letters, and e-mail; proposals; progress reports; reports and journal articles; instructional materials; electronic texts; oral presentations; job search strategies; document design for page and screen; strategies for searching the literature; and citation and reference styles. Was this content helpful to you? About the Author James G. Paradis is Professor of Science and Technical Communication in the Humanities Department at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Muriel Zimmerman has divided her academic time between teaching scientific and technical communication at MIT and directing the Writing Program at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Was this content helpful to you? Excellent Guide for Focused Thinking And Effective Writing, January 13, 2000 Reviewer: A reader from Falls Church, Virginia This book helped me to effectively write my dissertation. The methods described facilitate organizing a difficult task and presenting the ideas in a clear format. I continue to draw on the wealth of information contained within the text.
Further Readings on Proposal Preparation 1. Writing Successful Science Proposals Editorial Reviews From Book News, Inc. A guide to writing an effective and competitive scientific proposal that can be submitted to government agencies, private corporations, foundations, and academic committees. The authors (both in the sciences at Dartmouth College) explain a number of aspects of proposal writing including conceiving and designing a project, analyzing data, synthesizing results, and estimating a budget. Book Description “This book will be of value both to scientists and to undergraduate and graduate students who want to write successful grant or research proposals. For scientists, today's environment of limited funding from Congress and private foundations means that grant proposals must be effective, competitive, and readable. The book is designed to provide a guide to writing proposals and improving their overall quality. For graduate students in the natural sciences, courses on proposal development and….” Frieland and Folt a Success, April 5, 2000 Reviewer: Graeme Berlyn said “Friedland and Folt are the Strunk and White of proposal writing. They have written a clear, concise guide to scientific proposal writing that captures the essence of the scientific enterprise.” Essential reading for all beginning PhD students, March 9, 2000 Reviewer: Andrew Richardson (see more about me) from New Haven, CT Writing a PhD prospectus can be pretty intimidating. Where do you start? What do you include? What do you not include? This little book has the answers, and it has been an enormous help to me as I write my own proposal. Friedland and Folt's book is very clear and well-written, and full of practical information on how to write a clear, concise, and exciting proposal. Exercises along the way help to guide you step-by-step through the whole thought process. With this book in hand, writing a prospectus almost seems easy! This book should be sent to all first-year students, along with their registration materials. 2. Successful Dissertations and Theses : A Guide to Graduate Student Research
from Proposal to Completion (Jossey-Bass Higher and Adult Education Series) A comprehensive guide to the dissertation!, April 12, 1999 Reviewer: Sharon Bear from Los Angeles, California As someone who works privately with students, helping them with dissertations and theses, I highly recommend this book. When students call me in regard to assistance with their dissertation or thesis, I recommend that they buy this book and use it as an ongoing reference. As the title states, the information contained in this book anticipates and answers many of the questions that students have about the dissertation process, from proposal to completion. It is the most comprehensive guideline that I have come across in recent years. Further Readings on Oral Presentation 1. Dazzle 'Em With Style : The Art of Oral Scientific Presentation I dazzled (thanks to this book), May 11, 2000 Reviewer: A reader from Chicago, Illinois Anholt covers everything you need to know about making a good scientific presentation (in any discipline)- how to structure a talk, how to present your data (on slides or overhead transparencies), how to use body language, how to answer audience questions. He illustrates his tips with real-life examples (photos and drawings) and amusing anecdotes, so you can see the logic behind his suggestions and know what to avoid doing too. The section on poster presentations was very helpful-- it includes a drawing of a real poster so that you can see an example of a good layout. The book is well-organized, easy to follow, and has really helped me avoid so many of the pitfalls that commonly plague science presentations. 2. “I Can See You Naked” : A New Revised Edition of the National
Bestseller on Making Fearless Presentations Andrews McMeel Publishing; ISBN: Editorial Reviews/ Synopsis:A complete guide to public speaking describes the qualities of a good presenter and discusses openings, nervousness, boredom, audiences, question handling, and more. Customer Reviews: Avg. Customer Rating: 5 (out of 5) The almost perfect public speaking textbook, March 9, 2001 Reviewer: Dr. Susan Z. Swan (see more about me) from Indiana USA College bookstores do a brisk "buy back" business at the end of each term. Since I started using "Naked" in my basic public speaking classes, the bookstore has to regularly order new editions because so many students want to keep this book! Hoff captures vividly the sense of public speaking as a MUTUAL RELATIONSHIP, not a one-way autocracy. His coverage of communication apprehension/speech fright is excellent as is his coverage of first impressions, delivery, and audience analysis (which includes language use and setting analysis). His coverage of organization is less developed, but it is a treat to see his use of classical Roman rhetoric in establishing a basic organizational pattern (although he is incorrect in claiming that Cicero wrote the first manual of oratory---that credit goes to the earlier Greeks, Corax and Tisias). This book moves basic public speaking out of an artificial classroom setting to the larger world in which students will spend their professional and personal lives. Hoff's enthusiasm and experience go a long way to convincing readers that they too can achieve "the perfect moment" in connecting with an audience. Bravo! Trainer's Bible, February 16, 2001 Reviewer: A reader from New York, NY USA I've been training trainers for five years and I consider this book my bible. It's the best investment I've ever made. I had fun reading it and was able to apply what I learned immediately in my training. Ron Hoff addresses just about everything one should know before speaking in front of a group and he does it with humor and heart. He is my training hero! I try to re-read it every few months for fresh inspiration and motivation. A great, funny book easily makes your presentations smooth, September 19, 1998 Reviewer: missys1056@aol.com This easy-to-read book helps you to calm your nerves about presenting your work in public. It is written with great good humor and style. The author has clearly "been there" and knows how to give terrific tips on how you can be the best speaker/presenter possible. If you are going to get one book on how to prepare and present the best speech or presentation, this is the one. Great book for bringing your presentations to life., July 30, 1998 Reviewer: A reader from College Station, TX USA I selected this book as the primary text for a train the trainer program I facilitate in my organization because it's got great tips, and because it's easy to read, understand, and apply. I would recommend it to other trainers who want to capture and keep the attention of of people they train. |
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