Scientific Manuscript Structure
Most scientific manuscripts follow the IMRAD format:
Create a concise title that accurately reflects the study topic or primary finding.
Summarize the purpose, methods, results, and conclusions of the study.
Provide background information, identify the knowledge gap, and state the research question and hypothesis.
Describe study design, procedures, materials, and analytical approaches in sufficient detail for replication.
Present findings objectively using text, tables, and figures.
Interpret findings, compare results with prior research, discuss limitations, and identify future directions.
Cite all sources according to the target journal's requirements.
Key Formatting Rules
Write in the third person and use the active voice where appropriate to keep sentences direct (e.g., "We measured..." instead of "Measurements were taken...").
Use the past tense to describe completed experiments and methods (e.g., "The samples were incubated..."). Use the present tense for established facts and general truths.
Keep it concise, precise, and objective. Avoid jargon, emotional language, and colloquialisms.
Enclose all variables and mathematical expressions for statistical values rather than spelling them out.
Submission Strategy
Before writing, always read the "Instructions for Authors" on your target journal's website, as formatting requirements (like word counts and reference styles) vary widely. For a comprehensive guide on style conventions, refer to the UA Library How to Cite Guide.