Study and communication skills for the chemical sciences / Tina Overton, Stuart Johnson, Jon Scott.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Overton, Tina, author.

Johnson, Stuart, 1973- author.

Scott, Jon, author.

Contributor:

Harry E. Humphreys Book Fund.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Chemistry--Study and teaching.

Chemistry.

Communication in chemistry.

Study skills.

Physical Description:

x, 272 pages : illustrations (black and white) ; 25 cm

Edition:

Second edition.

Place of Publication:

Oxford : Oxford University Press, [2015]

Summary:

The only study skills text written specifically for undergraduate chemistry students by leading experts in science education. This invaluable study guide has been carefully designed to help you make the challenging transition from school to university, make the most of your studies, and ultimately use your chemistry degree to enhance your employment prospects. Written in an accessible and friendly style, the authors have used chemical examples throughout to show how the skills being discussed are directly relevant to your degree programme. A Comprehensive range of skills are covered-from making the most of practical's lectures and group work; to writing and presentation skills; to revising effectively for exams-making it the essential companion to your undergraduate chemistry degree. New to this edition, The final chapter, Making Yourself Employable, has been significantly expanded to include new topics such as year in industry placements, CV and cover letter writing, and interviews. More information on working in groups has been added to further help you develop this essential skill. Book jacket.

Contents:

1 Why are study and communication skills important? 1

Introduction 1

1.1 Being a student in Higher Education 2

1.2 The contextual nature of skills: making the transition to undergraduate study 4

1.3 Foundational skills 5

Chapter summary 7

2 Making the most of lectures 8

Introduction 8

2.1 The purpose of lectures 8

2.2 Prepare before lectures 10

2.3 Listen actively during lectures 12

2.4 Make notes appropriately during lectures 14

2.5 Know the common problems and how to address them 20

2.6 Follow-up after lectures 21

2.7 The flipped lecture 22

Chapter summary 22

3 Making the most of tutorials and workshops 24

Introduction 24

3.1 Tutorials 24

3.2 Workshops 28

Chapter summary 31

4 Making the most of group work 32

Introduction 32

4.1 How groups work 32

4.2 Making it work 34

Chapter summary 42

References 42

5 Making the most of practical work 43

Introduction 43

5.1 The aims of practical work 43

5.2 Different types of practical work and projects 44

5.3 Preparing for practicals 45

5.4 During the practical class 48

5.5 Group and problem-based work 49

Chapter summary 50

Reference 50

6 Working with different information sources 51

Introduction 51

6.1 Different types of printed publication 51

6.2 Online searching 58

6.3 Note-making strategies 64

6.4 Citations and references 69

Chapter summary 75

7 Choosing the right writing style 76

Introduction 76

7.1 Voice 76

7.2 Sentences and phrases 78

7.3 Punctuation 80

7.4 Paragraphs 83

7.5 Abbreviations 84

7.6 Illustrations 84

7.7 Traps for the unwary: units, formulas, and other conventions 87

7.8 Referencing 88 Chapter summary 88

Further reading 89

8 Writing essays and assignments 90

Introduction 90

8.1 What is an essay? 90

8.2 Approaches to essay writing 92

8.3 Producing a coursework essay or assignment 95

8.4 Writing essays in examinations 110

Chapter summary 111

9 Writing practical and project reports 112

Introduction 112

9.1 Writing your report 112

9.2 Get the structure right 113

9.3 Other sections 127

9.4 Write the sections in an appropriate order 127

Chapter summary 128

Further reading 128

Appendix: Examples of how not to draw graphs 129

10 Communicating with a non-scientific audience 131

Introduction 131

10.1 Who is the audience? 131

10.2 Vocabulary and symbolism 132

10.3 Engaging your audience 134

10.4 Communicating through electronic media 135

Chapter summary 136

References 136

11 Using feedback 137

Introduction 137

11.1 What is feedback? 137

11.2 When do you get feedback? 138

11.3 How to make use of feedback 140

Chapter summary 142

12 Avoiding plagiarism 143

Introduction 143

12.1 What is plagiarism? 143

12.2 How to avoid plagiarism 150

12.3 Seven good reasons not to plagiarize 161

Chapter summary 163

References 163

13 Preparing scientific presentations 164

Introduction 164

13.1 What are presentations supposed to achieve? 164

13.2 What makes a good presentation? 165

13.3 Analyse the question or brief 169

13.4 Research the topic 170

13.5 Plan and order the material 171

13.6 Prepare your notes 174

13.7 Practice 180

Chapter summary 181

14 Delivering scientific presentations 182

Introduction 182

14.1 Common concerns and how to address them 183

14.2 Use visual aids effectively 189

14.3 Master some key techniques 195

Chapter summary 197

15 Creating academic posters 198

Introduction 198

15.1 The context of poster presentations 198

15.2 Seven key steps to creating your poster 199

Chapter summary 216

16 Getting the most out of revision 217

Introduction 217

16.1 Get yourself organized 217

16.2 Use active revision techniques 225

16.3 See the big picture 231

16.4 Practise outputting the information you have learnt 231

16.5 Usingfeedback 233

Chapter summary 233

17 Getting the most out of exams 234

Introduction 234

17.1 Just before an exam 234

17.2 Arriving in the exam room 239

17.3 Answering the questions 240

Chapter summary 245

18 Making yourself employable 246

Introduction 246

18.1 Getagood degree 246

13.2 Engage early 247

18.3 Personal development planning 250

18.4 Evaluate and articulate your skills 253

18.5 Gain experience 255

18.6 Make contact 256

18.7 Where to look for jobs 258

18.8 Where to look for further study 258

18.9 Sell yourself 259

18.10 Where to go for help 269

Chapter summary 270

Additional information 270.

Notes:

Includes index.

Local Notes:

Acquired for the Penn Libraries with assistance from the Harry E. Humphreys Book Fund.

ISBN:

9780198708698

0198708696

OCLC:

911018205

Publisher Number:

99966733767