How to read a scientific paper

Here are some very handy instructions on how to read a scientific paper, which I give to all of my undergrads and first-year students:

http://www.biochem.arizona.edu/classes/bioc568/papers.htm

Technically, it's written for biology students, but it works equally well for astronomy/physics students. The topics covered include:

1. How are papers organized?

2. How do I prepare to read a paper, particularly in an area not so familiar to me?

3. What difficulties can I expect?

4. How do I understand and evaluate the contents of the paper?

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A view from your shut down

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back-talk begins

me: "owen, come here. it's time to get a new diaper" him, sprinting down the hall with no pants on: "forget about it!" he's quoting benny the rabbit, a short-lived sesame street character who happens to be in his favorite "count with me" video. i'm turning my head, trying not to let him see me laugh, because his use and tone with the phrase are so spot-on.

Mahalo.ne.Trash

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