Short Course: Writing in the Sciences

[Melanie Colón]

http://online.stanford.edu/course/writing-in-the-sciences

 

Start Date: Tuesday, September 24, 2013

 

Platform: OpenEdX

 

 

ABOUT THIS COURSE

 

This course teaches scientists to become more effective writers, using practical examples and exercises. Topics include: principles of good writing, tricks for writing faster and with less anxiety, the format of a scientific manuscript, and issues in publication and peer review. Students from non-science disciplines can benefit from the training provided in the first four weeks (on general principles of effective writing).

 

COURSE FORMAT

 

In the first four weeks, we will review principles of effective writing, examples of good and bad writing, and tips for making the writing process easier. In the second four weeks, we will examine issues specific to scientific writing, including: authorship, peer review, the format of an original manuscript, and communicating science for lay audiences. Students will watch video lectures, complete quizzes and editing exercises, write two short papers, and edit each others’ work.

 

COURSE SYLLABUS

 

Week 1 - Introduction; principles of effective writing (cutting unnecessary clutter)

Week 2 - Principles of effective writing (verbs)

Week 3 - Crafting better sentences and paragraphs

Week 4 - Organization; and streamlining the writing process

Week 5 - The format of an original manuscript

Week 6 - Reviews, commentaries, and opinion pieces; and the publication process

Week 7 - Issues in scientific writing (plagiarism, authorship, ghostwriting, reproducible research)

Week 8 - How to do a peer review; and how to communicate with the lay public