Developing Writing in STEM Disciplines > STEM Writing Booklist > Books by STEM discipline

STEM Writing Booklist > Books by STEM discipline

Writing development books that focus on a STEM discipline or range of disciplines.

Biological and Medical Sciences

Divan, A. (2009). Communication Skills for the Biosciences: A Graduate Guide. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

This guide for postgraduates covers a wide range of writing and communication topics, from managing e-mails to writing research proposals, conference papers, peer-reviewed journal articles, audio-visual presentations, and theses. It provides detailed guidance, and reflective checklists, rather than practical exercises.

Johnson, S. and Scott, J. (2009). Study and Communication Skills for the Biosciences. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

This guide for undergraduates covers a wide range of writing and communication topics, from making notes and gathering information, to creating various kinds of technical communication, and even exam technique. It provides detailed guidance rather than practical exercises.

Knisely, K. (2009). A Student Handbook for Writing in Biology. 3rd ed. Sunderland, Massachusetts: Sinauer Associates.

Aimed primarily at undergraduates, coverage includes laboratory reports, peer-reviewed papers, slide presentations and posters. Unusual features include a chapter on scientific method and appendices on writing text, and creating graphs and slides, using Microsoft software.

Matthews, J.R. and Matthews, R.W. (2008). Successful scientific writing: A step-by-step guide for biological and medical sciences. 3rd ed. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

A comprehensive guide to scientific writing of value to both undergraduates and postgraduates. Guidance, coupled with short practical exercises, spans many kinds of scientific communication, from peer-reviewed papers to slide presentations and posters.

McMillan, V.E. (2006). Writing papers in the Biological Sciences. 4th ed. Boston, Massachusetts: Bedford/St Martin's.

Aimed at both undergraduates and postgraduates, this book does more than its title suggests, and includes some guidance on examination preparation, oral presentations, posters, research proposals, application letters, resumes and CVs.

Chemistry

Robinson, M.S., Stoller, F.L., Costanza-Robinson, M.S. and Jones, J.K. (2008). Write like a chemist: A guide and resource. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

A US text with numerous writing exercises focusing on journal articles, conference abstracts, scientific posters and research proposals. It emphasises the importance of effective reading informing effective writing. Likely to be of greatest interest to upper-level undergraduate students and postgraduates, but useful guidance for teaching and research staff.

Computer Science

Zobel, J. (2005). Writing for Computer Science. 2nd ed. London: Springer-Verlag.

The book's emphasis is on peer-reviewed papers and presentations, and although aimed primarily at postgraduates and practising scientists, there is plenty to interest undergraduates. The book's scope extends from grammar, punctuation and writing style, and employing mathematical and visual elements with text, to researching, editing and refereeing.

Engineering

van Emden, J. (2005). Writing for Engineers. 3rd ed. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.

Aimed at undergraduates, this text builds up the elements of writing, from vocabulary and punctuation, to sentences, paragraphs and document style and structure. Includes short exercises.

Young, T.M. (2005). Technical Writing A-Z: A Commonsense Guide to Engineering Reports and Theses. New York: ASME.

Wider coverage than its title suggests, this no-nonsense guide is suitable for undergraduates, postgraduates and engineering professionals, for dipping into and quickly accessing relevant information.