Course Identification

The Scientific Writing Course for MSc and PhD students in the Life Sciences provides the tools necessary for writing coherent, well-organized research papers, posters, presentations and other documents. The main emphasis is on understanding the organization of a standard paper, and the rationale behind this organization. During the course, we analyze each of the various parts of a paper (Abstract, Introduction, Materials & Methods, Figures & Tables, Results, and Discussion) by describing their ideal organization, and by looking at literature examples -both good and bad- and at "mistakes" taken from writing assignments from previous courses that I have taught. In addition, several lectures are devoted to other types of scientific writing. While this is not an English course per se, I also review some English grammar. Lectures include the guided reading of specific examples, and each student will be required to complete six short writing assignments.  

Upon successful completion of this course students should be able to:

1.     Explain the organization of a thesis/ paper/ research proposal, and the rationale behind these conventions

2.     Practice writing the various sections of a research paper

3.     Recall common mistakes and how to avoid them

4.     Use techniques for effective scientific writing (papers, posters, presentations, thesis, CV etc.)

5.     Engage in scientific communication with confidence

1. "How to write and publish a scientific paper" by R. A. Day
2. "Scientific English" by R. A. Day
3. These recommended resources are on reserve at the Life Science Library
4. Articles provided by the lecturer.