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 8 - How to do a peer review; and how to communicate with the lay public
Instructor
Dr. Kristin Sainani, Associate Professor of Health Research and Policy
Syllabus
Week 1
1
Unit 1 introduces the course and reviews key principles of effective writing. In particular, you will practice cutting clutter from writing.
7 videos
Graded: Unit 1 Homework
Week 2
2
Unit 2 focuses on writing with strong, active verbs. Lessons include how to: write in the active voice; avoid turning verbs into nouns; choose strong verbs; and get to the main verb of a sentence quickly.
7 videos
Graded: Unit 2 Homework
Week 3
3
Unit 3 reviews how to vary sentence structure and write strong paragraphs. You will practice using the dash, colon, semi-colon, and parentheses, as well as writing well-organized and concise paragraphs.
8 videos
Graded: Unit 3 Homework
Graded: Paragraph editing exercise
Week 4
4
Unit 4 reviews the writing process. I will give you tips for making the writing process easier, more efficient, and more organized.
7 videos
Graded: Unit 4 Homework
Week 5
5
Unit 5 reviews the sections of a scientific manuscript. You will learn how to format tables and figures, and how to write results, methods, introduction, and discussion sections.
9 videos
Graded: Unit 5 Homework
Week 6
6
Unit 6 discusses the peer review process, as well as ethical issues in scientific publishing. You will learn how to avoid plagiarism, determine authorship, submit a paper, write a peer review, and avoid predatory journals.
9 videos
Graded: Unit 6 Homework
Graded: Essay
Week 7
7
Unit 7 reviews types of writing beyond original research manuscripts. You will learn how to write review papers, grants, letters of recommendation, and personal essays.
7 videos
Graded: Unit 7 Homework
Week 8
8
Unit 8 reviews communication with broader audiences. You will learn how work with the media, be interviewed, conduct an interview, and write about science for general audiences.
Myself is P.K.Prabhakar, completed my Ph.D from Department of Biotechnology, IIT Madras. Currently I am working in Lovely Professional University as Professor and Head, Research Impact and Outcome, Division of Research and Development, Lovely Professional University.
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