1. Writing Papers in the Biological Sciences
An introduction to Biological research and paper writing

2. Chapter Three: Using Tables and Figures
Gives the reader everything at a glance
DO NOT: use a table to show patterns or trends
DO NOT: use a table when you can summarize it in the text more easily
Tables don’t always contain numbers

3. Chapter Three: Using Tables and Figures
Table requirements
Number in order (Table one, Table two)
Specific and informative title
Footnotes are acceptable
Arrange your table vertically (see example in text)
Center titles and data
Align your decimals, always include a zero (0.23 NOT .23)

4. Chapter Three: Using Tables and Figures
Concise Contents
IMPORTANT information only
Constant conditions can be reported in the text or in a footnote
Abbreviations are fine - explain those you create
Units of measurement should be in the headings
Don’t repeat your table in the text, but refer back to it

5. Chapter Three: Using Tables and Figures
Graphs
Use them to illustrate an IMPORTANT pattern or trend
Types of graphs
Line
Bar
Histograph
Scatterplot

6. Chapter Three: Using Tables and Figures
Graph requirements
Independent variable on X-axis
Dependant variable on Y-axis
Number graphs in the order you discuss them
Title or short description of what the graph shows
Labels for each axis, include measurement (example: Distance (cm))
Key

7. Chapter Three: Using Tables and Figures
Plotting data
Do not hand draw your graphs!
Should be readable
Don’t clutter with a lot of numbers
Don’t waste space
You don’t always have to use (0,0) as the origin
don’t cram everything into one graph when two would be better

8. Chapter Three: Using Tables and Figures
Logical Data
What is the purpose of your graph?
What do you do with your data points?
Don’t always connect
Line of best fit