Format instructions for writing a scientific paper

Format instructions for writing a scientific paper.

General Instructions:

Text:

Use 12pt Times New Roman font.
The text should be left justified
All text should be double spaced unless explicitly told otherwise.
Indent when starting a new paragraph, but do not leave an empty line between paragraphs.
Use 1" margins throughout.
Do not use footnotes.

Headings:

Use 14pt Times New Roman Font.
Bold the headings.
Headings should be left justified
Leave one empty line between the previous text and the heading.
Start the new paragraph in the line below the heading.

Why reference?

Referencing is used to support your claims throughout the paper. They indicate the source of the information you are using so that its validity can be easily checked. Referencing your paper greatly strengthens its arguments and gives more validity to its substance. You should get into the habit of referencing all the data that go into your papers. If possible original sources should be used: remember a textbook is only repeating information from earlier experimental papers. Mistakes in interpretation can occur between original experiments and textbooks which rarely discuss the limitations of the experiments.

Specific Formatting alternatives:

There are many different styles of scientific paper almost every journal has its own format and referencing style. In order for a journal to consider your paper you must write in the appropriate format. To determine the format for a journal locate the "Instructions for Authors" often located at the back of a journal, and an example article. Below I will describe three alternatives that you may be asked to use. You will be told which format to use when a paper is assigned to you.