How to write a scientific paper

A scientific paper should contain the following heading and sub-heading.

1. Title Page:
The title page includes the title of the article and the full name of all authors with their respective highest degree and institutional affiliation. It also includes the full name and address including the telephone number and e-mail address of the corresponding authors.

2. Abstract:
The meaning of abstract is “take out of”. According to Oxford Dictionary, abstract means “a summary statement of the contents of a book or an article”. So, In this section we should summarize the article or paper.

Abstract should begin with a clear statement of the purpose of the paper followed by methods to achieve the study with the author’s conclusions. It must contain less than 250 words.

3. Key Words:
Key words should be placed after the abstract and it should include three to six words or phrases that will assist in indexing and retrieval of the work.

4. Main Text of the Article:
It should be divided into different sub-heading as introduction, materials & methods, results, discussions and conclusions. All the pages must be numbered consecutively starting with the title page as “page 1”.

A. Introduction:
Introduction should begin with a brief literature review followed by a concise summary of the rationale for undertaking the study.

B. Materials and Methods:
This section should be short yet should include enough details so that methodology is clearly understood.
While reporting experiments in human subject or animals or randomized   trials indicate in this section, approval from the institution review or ethics committee for this study was undertaken. If the topic is considered sensitive, the editorial board may ask for the original copy of the approval letter. Photographs disclosing the patient’s identity must be accompanied by a signed form, from the patient or the family capable of giving consent permitting publication.

C. Results:
This section should concisely summarize the findings of the study with appropriate tables and figures if necessary. Limit the number of tables and figures to a maximum of seven.

D. Discussion:
This section should concisely emphasize the major findings of the study or investigation and their significance with appropriate reference of previously published studies in the similar topic.
It should emphasize why the study in question is important and how the publication of the article will help in the advancement of the science.

E. Conclusion:
This section should restate the major findings of the study and address their potential implications.

F. References:
All the references must be alphabetically arranged by the author’s last name and cited in text in superior numbers with the name of book or journal and page number where that article was appears.
Example of reference is like this: Polson DW: Polycystic Ovarian syndrome and epilepsy: a gynecological perspective. Seizure 12: 397-402, 2003

By: Dr. Kapil Amgain, BAMS – IOM, TU, TUATH, Kirtipur, Source: Ayur-Vision magazine.