300105 SE Writer's workshop for biologists (2018S)

This course treats the various sections of a publication in a scientific journal, the entire submission, review and publication process, provides tips on how to optimize oral presentations, and emphasizes a hands-on approach by working through and improving manuscripts submitted by the students. Awarded prize for innovative teaching by the University of Vienna.

Aims: Insight into all formal aspects of writing and submitting a paper to a scientific journal. The use of concise language, avoidance of verbose phrases and appreciation for well-thought-out tables and figures. Examination of submitted or provided short texts for their content and language. Detailed look at evaluation criteria for scientific publications (impact factors). Emphasis on a positive attitude to constructive criticism.

Method: This course takes place in the form of a lecture series with ample room for questions and discussions. We provide an opportunity to write a short text (which is subsequently commented upon) and encourage students to submit their own texts, manuscripts or parts thereof for comment and revision by the lecturers and students. We also practise an online submission of a fictitious manuscript.