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Guidelines for writing in science

Plagiarism

What is plagiarism?

‘Plagiarism involves taking and using another person’s ideas or work and passing these off as one’s own by failing to give appropriate acknowledgement.’

(Monash University Discipline Statute 4.1.)

Plagiarism may involve:

  • copying someone else’s words
  • copying someone else’s ideas
  • copying diagrams and figures from textbooks or online sources
  • copying the structure of someone else’s essay/paper/proposal/research
  • without proper acknowledgement of the original author or source, or appropriate quoting or paraphrasing techniques.

Plagiarism may also involve

  • recycling work that has been previously submitted for another assignment

In other words, it is a type of stealing.

Because words, ideas, and research are the lifeblood of a university, plagiarism is considered a serious offence and can affect both the university’s reputation, as well as the plagiarist’s. It therefore attracts severe penalties including exclusion from the university.  It is in your interest to make sure you understand what plagiarism is, and what you can do to avoid it.

For more information, read the Monash University Plagiarism and cheating policy.

Can you recognise plagiarism?

Try this quiz:

http://www.lib.monash.edu.au/tutorials/citing/plagiarism.html
or. . .
http://www.lc.unsw.edu.au/plagiarism/index.html

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Some possible causes and how to avoid plagiarism

Cause

Some Solutions

Not knowing what plagiarism is

As a student at Monash, you are expected to know. Accurately reporting and referencing sources is part of your job as a Science student.

  • Make sure you have understood the section above on plagiarism including Monash University policy.
  • Try the Plagiarism quizzes.

Not enough time

Improve time management by:

  • drawing up weekly timetables/semester timetables
  • planning assignments ahead
  • allowing enough time to redraft and edit.

Lack of knowledge about how to reference (cite)
  1. Become familiar with correct use of referencing systems.
  2. Use correct citation style when referencing information from the Internet.  See Acknowledging Sources.
  3. Learn to use summary and paraphrase to report sources as scientific writers rarely use quotations.  See Acknowledging Sources.
  4. Start using citations in your writing.  As you use them, you will become more proficient.

For full information about referencing conventions, go to:

Monash Library: Citing and Referencing

Lack of notetaking skills
  1. Learn to summarise rather than writing word for word.
  2. Use your own words, and write notes rather than sentences.
  3. Expand your vocabulary and writing skills
  4. Always keep reference details when writing notes.

 The following site may help you:

Duke University Libraries Plagiarism Site

Not understanding what you have read

  1. Look for simpler textbooks in the Library.
  2. Actively work on your vocabulary/dictionary skills.
  3. Find out about effective reading and notetaking strategies.
  4. Form a study group with fellow students.
  5. Ask your lecturer or tutor for help with understanding difficult concepts.
  6. Seek advice from Language and Learning.

Lack of confidence in your writing
  1. Don’t stress! Your writing will improve as you do more of it.
  2. Allow more time for drafting and editing.
  3. Seek advice on how to improve your writing.

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Plagiarism