08.128.6001 Writing Matters

Instructors: apl. Prof. Dr. Pierre Capel; Univ.-Prof. Dr. Concettina Sfienti

Event type: Lecture

Displayed in timetable as: 08.128.6001

Hours per week: 3

Credits: 3,0

Language of instruction: Englisch

Min. | Max. participants: - | -

Requirements / organisational issues:
"Writing Matters" is the second part of the Soft-Skill course offered by the Fachbereich 08 to the students in Physics and Computer Science. The first part "SpeakYourScience", which focusses on the oral expression, takes place during the winter term.

This course is specifically tailored to MSc. and PhD students in scientific disciplines. It provides practical tools and strategies to help students understand the key elements of good scientific writing. The main focus of the course is on practice. Therefore a sufficient knowledge of the field is required (equivalent to at least 5th Semester BSc.)

Contents:
The course covers the 5 steps of the writing process, from pre-writing to proofreading, and focuses on the structure and style of good academic writing. Topics covered include: purpose and structure of different sections (Introduction, Methodology, Data analysis and Results, Discussion and Conclusions, Abstract); use of language and grammar (parallel sentences, appropriate tenses, sentence coordination); supporting materials (figures and tables, bibliography, appendices).

Recommended reading list:
"Mastering Academic Writing in the Sciences: A Step-by-Step Guide" - Marialuisa Aliotta - CRC Press

All material will be made available under LMS.

Additional information:
During the one-hour lecture on Tuesday, we'll present the basics of academic writing. The two hours on Friday will be used for Q&A and practical writing exercises.

Digital teaching:
Although we hope to be able to offer this course in presence, depending on the evolution of the pandemic the lecture might be given online.