Universität Wien

301282 VO Essential scientific writing (2022S)

3.00 ECTS (2.00 SWS), SPL 30 - Biologie
Moodle

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Details

Language: English

Examination dates

Lecturers

Classes

Termine: 25.4; 29.4; 2.5; 4.5; 6.5; 9.5; 11.5; 13.5; 16.5; 18.5; 20.5; 23.5; 25.5 (reserve date), 09:00-10:30 UhrVeranstaltungsort: Seminar room 1/2 (6.501/6.504), Doktor-Bohr Gasse 9 1030 WienAssessment is based on the results of the written exam at the end of the lecture series allowing participants to gain a maximum of 100 percentage points. English grammar is NOT graded. Active participation in the course (documented through submission of at least 7 (seven) low-stakes non-graded written assignments on the course Moodle pages before the 1st exam date) will count as a maximal of 15% bonus points towards the final exam. Assignments submitted after 09:00 on 27.5.2022 will not count towards the bonus points.

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

Modern science requires young scientists to have efficient communication skills; yet, only a few programs offer formal training in scientific writing and presentation. This lack of training leads to awkward project reports and theses, poor grades, failed fellowship applications and rejected manuscripts. The proposed course aims to improve students’ competence in scientific writing. The topics covered include: structure of a scientific argument, elements of scientific manuscripts and their function, storyline development, planning, drafting and revision, English usage, introduction to publishing process, scientific illustrations and essential presentation skills. The course will help students learn and apply the principles of efficient communication to writing project reports, Master- and PhD theses, project proposals and fellowship applications as well as provide practical tips for everyday writing and presentation tasks (writing protocols, lab notes, emails, preparing group meetings, journal clubs, etc). These skills are practiced through lectures, reading additional course materials, open discussions and simple, low-stake writing assignments.
The course is primarily aimed at students in the area of basic biomedical research (biochemistry, molecular cell biology, structural biology, biophysics and the like), though the students of other natural sciences are welcome to attend.
The course consists of a series of lectures with several short writing ("low-stakes writing assignments") and discussion and presentation phases, optional written assignments (submitted via Moodle) and the final written exam

Assessment and permitted materials

Written exam on selected topics (in English). English grammar not graded.
Completion of >75% of the (optional) writing assignments on the Moodle BEFORE the 1st exam date boosts the final grade by 1 point (e.g., from "2" from the exam grade to a final "1" grade). These bonus points are described in the Moodle and can be used until the end of WS2022.

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

1 (very good): 84-100%2 (good): 75-83%3 (satisfactory): 64-74%4 (sufficient): 51-63%5 (not sufficient): 0-50%

Examination topics

The nature of scientific problems
Structure of a scientific argument
Scientific literature
Elements of research manuscripts and their functions
Planning, drafting and editing
Making research public
Scientific illustrations
Scientific presentations
Project proposals

Reading list

All literature below and mentioned on the course Moodle pages is OPTIONAL:

* Writing Science: How To Write Papers That Get Cited and Proposals That Get Funded by Joshua Schimel (2012) Oxford University Press; ISBN 978-019976024-4
* The Craft of Research by Wayne C. Booth, Gregory G. Colomb and Joseph M. Williams, 3rd ed. (2008) university of Chicago Press; ISBN 978-022606566-3
* Essentials of Writing Biomedical Research Papers by Mimi Zeiger (2000) McGraw-Hill Education; ISBN 978-007134544-6

Association in the course directory

M-WZB, MMEI III, MMB W-2, WZB

Last modified: We 24.01.2024 00:24