Biologists use writing in many ways. They write reports analyzing the data they collect from their experiments as well as reviews of other scientists’ research or proposed research. They write proposals to convince funding agencies to award grants for their research. If they teach, biologists also write lectures. Some biologists may communicate with a general audience by writing newspaper and magazine articles. In addition, they may lend their expertise to public-policy decision making by government officials, weighing in on, say, the issue of global warming or stem cell research.

When you write in biology courses, your goal will generally be to convince readers of the validity of the conclusions you draw from observations, from experimental data, or from your evaluations of previously published or proposed research. For most assignments, you will need to use a scientific style of writing, conveying your information to readers as succinctly and accurately as possible.