writing a magazine-style article for a broad audience

 writing a magazine-style article for a broad audience

Science underpins society and has a social impact. This means the role and relevance of science within a global culture requires scientists to make the world of science accessible to everyone. One way of doing this is through popular science magazine-style articles. These articles use a story-telling format to present scientific findings and their significance to the widest possible audience. Telling stories is an effective way for scientists to engage with the public to communicate scientific concepts relevant to the needs of society.

For your major assessment task in this subject you will be writing a magazine-style article for a broad audience (i.e. the general public as well as scientists).

A prestigious science magazine is looking to showcase the latest trends in microbiology research to their mixed audience of scientists, science entrepreneurs, medical doctors and science enthusiasts. As a young science journalist, you are trying to get your article published in this magazine, to showcase your journalism and writing skills and boost your career. The magazine is inviting articles in three subject areas (see topics). Pick one and write your article.[unique_solution]

GUIDELINES FOR MAGAZINE-STYLE WRITTEN ARTICLE

• Choose a topic from the list provided on UTSOnline

• Conduct a literature search using the appropriate databases (e.g. PubMed) and keywords to find current, relevant, peer-reviewed scientific articles on your topic.

• Critically read these scientific articles to ensure you have articles that collectively cover all of the information listed below:

In your own words, synthesise this scientific information to tell a story that informs the audience in the format of a magazine- style article (see modules on UTSOnline). You will need to critically evaluate the literature, draw conclusions, connect information and summarize. Consider your audience and purpose.

Your article should be cohesive and interesting to read. It should comply with scientific nomenclature where relevant.

Overall your article should reflect in- depth reading and understanding of the topic that is then translated smoothly and cohesively into a clear, succinct and interesting story. Your language and writing style should be accessible to a broad scientific audience.

REFERENCING AND CITATIONS

• Cite a minimum of 8 and maximum of 12 references with a strong focus on scientific peer-reviewed journal articles.
• Use the Harvard UTS referencing style.

• The document must be fully referenced (reference list and in-text citations), including information on sources of any graphical or image content in your article.
• Web page references may be included provided they are bona fide academically acceptable sites such as WHO or CDC web pages, NSW or Australian Government web pages, e.g. National Health and Medical Research council (NHMRC) or NSW

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Government printed handbooks (immunization handbooks), etc. No more than 25% of your references should come from web pages.

• Please note: you are expected to research your topic widely; do not rely solely on electronic media (marks will be deducted for solely using web references), instead use peer-reviewed scientific research articles and reviews as your main sources of information. At least 75% of your references should be peer reviewed journal articles.

• A reference list can be included in the 2 pages or on an additional page.

FORMATTING YOUR ARTICLE

Present your work in an A3 magazine-style (double A4 page spread) or 2 x A4 page article. Please present your work in the format of a magazine-style science article i.e. using multiple columns, images and targeted information in boxes.

Information should be provided through a narrative (story-telling) rather than just information provided on a page. Creativity is encouraged.

• Use either Microsoft Word or Microsoft PowerPoint software ONLY. This is to ensure that your file is recognised by turnitin. Generate a PDF from your Word or PowerPoint file for submission to turnitin. Check this in advance, where turnitin is unable to read the text in your article, you will be asked to resubmit and a penalty may apply.

• Preferred fonts: Arial, Cambria or Calibri.

• Font size: 10 – 12 (use of larger fonts to take up space will be penalised).

• Word limit: Approximately 900 – 1200 words should be used to address all the required content in detail. You must not go beyond the 2-page limit. A reference list can be provided on the 2 pages or on an additional page.

• Figures and Tables: Decorative figures can be used (e.g. to make the article look like a magazine-style science article) however it should be directly related to the topic. At least 1 figure or a table must be added that demonstrates a point(s), backs-up an argument(s) or summarises some important information (e.g. isolation method or methods of detection). No more than 2 figures / tables. All figures must have legends and all tables must have titles. You must refer to your figures and tables in the
• Include your name and SID number on the front of your assignment.

• Submit your PDF using the appropriate upload link for your topic on UTSOnline.

ASSIGNMENTS ARE TO BE SUBMITTED BY 26^TH OF JANUARY AT 11:59 PM

AVOIDING PLAGIARISM

In this subject, you have the opportunity to use the turnitin similarly report to help you develop your scientific writing. In practice this means you may submit your assignment as many times as you want before the due date to review your use of the scientific literature. Once your work has been submitted, you will need to wait for 24 hours before you can resubmit your revised version. We recommend that you start submitting drafts early to take advantage of this learning opportunity. This process will help you to avoid accidental plagiarism.

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If you are unsure about what constitutes plagiarism then please refer to the Academic Integrity and Paraphrasing Module, under the ‘Magazine-Style Assignment’ link on UTSOnline. For extra assistance on avoiding plagiarism go to https://avoidingplagiarism.uts.edu.au/.

Students agree that by taking General Microbiology 91314 that all required papers will be subject to submission for textual similarity review to turnitin.com for the detection of plagiarism. All submitted papers will be included as source documents in the turnitin.com reference database solely for the purpose of detecting plagiarism of such papers. The terms that apply to the University’s use of the turnitin.com service are described on the turnitin.com web site.

Any document with a similarity index greater than 10% will be checked. This does not necessarily mean you have committed plagiarism

LATE ASSIGNMENT SUBMISSION

You will have most of the semester to complete the assignment and special consideration applications will be considered with this in mind. START EARLY!

ASSIGNMENT EXPECTATIONS

As this assignment is worth 25% of your overall assessment, you are strongly encouraged to start early. It is recommended that you select and prepare your assignment topic early (well before the face-to-face period) so that you can conduct your literature search and select current, relevant, peer- reviewed scientific articles in the following week(s). As you critically read the scientific literature, ensure that you are using a referencing software system to store your sources e.g. Endnote (UTS Library runs regular workshops on using Endnote and Mendeley).

Refer to points 1, 2 and 3 on page 1 of the guidelines to ensure that the literature that you have selected covers all the information that you need to include in the assignment. Now you are ready to start writing.

Remember you need to synthesise information from your sources, critically evaluate, draw conclusions and make recommendations to demonstrate your understanding of the significance and impact of your topic to society.

Consult the Marking Criteria Rubric (available on UTSOnline) for more information on what is expected. DON’T FORGET TO PROOF-READ YOUR WORK.

FEEDBACK

The online tool REVIEW will be used for grading your work according to the rubric.

Specific written feedback will be provided on your submitted PDF through turnitin.

Check UTSOnline for more information on how to access REVIEW.

Appeals of your mark will only be considered if you provide the following:

1. A self-grading of your own assignment using the provided rubric. Each criterion must be graded. A copy of the rubric can be downloaded from UTSOnline.

2. A 1 page argument as to why you think you should be awarded a different grade. You must relate your argument to the criteria in the rubric.