CH933-10 Writing Extended Scientific Articles and Reports
Introductory description
This module provides a genre-based focus on academic scientific papers.
Through a focus on models of professional writing, it explores particular features of science papers such as how to reference to the literature, where and when to outline the methodology, and how to present results and conclusions.
An integral part of this approach is for participants to bring along samples of their own writing (e.g. lab reports or research articles). Students will be asked to provide critiques and action plans, as well as to engage in peer reviews.
Module aims
To allow students to develop and demonstrate their capacity to communicate scientific research through writing extended articles.
To provide an excellent learning environment in which students can discuss their written work and engage in peer review.
To encourage students to systematically think of writing and researching as processes with distinct phases.
To facilitate the development of a range of critical thinking skills, transferable to a range of careers relating to scientific disciplines of relevance to the students.
To enable the development of a range of key skills in communicating science, transferable to a range of career options.
Outline syllabus
This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.
The module will be taught over 10 weeks. Topics include:
- Research methods for writing in the sciences
- Writing and research as a process
- The popular science journal article
- The persuasive essay
- The extended scientific paper
Assessment will be based on 5 extended pieces of writing
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- Comprehension of advanced writing strategies
- Advanced understanding of argumentation strategies
- Ability to plan, structure and write an extended scientific essay
- Ability to apply advanced critical thinking strategies to writing
Indicative reading list
There is no textbook attached to this module;
A range of published articles will be set as primary reading (in consultation with staff from Chemistry and other science departments of relevance to the students);
A list of recommended books will be provided to all students;
There will be a module workbook distributed to all participants;
Subject specific skills
i. Ability to ask critical questions related to a specific science problem
ii. Ability to research, plan and write a persuasive scientific essay
iii. Ability to research, plan and write an extended piece of scientific research
iv. Ability to research, plan and write a popular science journal article
Transferable skills
Key Skills
i. Advanced research skills
ii. Advanced writing skills
iii. Ability to express complex practical issues into a coherent written argument
Cognitive Skills
i. Advanced ability to apply critical analysis to an elaborate argument
ii. Competence in distinguishing between and in writing various types of scientific papers
iii. Competence in time management of research, planning and writing an extended piece
Study time
| Type | Required |
|---|---|
| Seminars | 10 sessions of 2 hours (20%) |
| Private study | 80 hours (80%) |
| Total | 100 hours |
Private study description
Individual work (80 hours)
Costs
No further costs have been identified for this module.
You must pass all assessment components to pass the module.
Assessment group A2
| Weighting | Study time | Eligible for self-certification | |
|---|---|---|---|
Assessment component |
|||
| Essay/Coursework | 100% | No | |
|
Essays/Coursework |
|||
Reassessment component is the same |
|||
Feedback on assessment
Written feedback will be provided on the submitted work which is returned to students
Courses
This module is Core optional for:
- Year 1 of TCHA-F1PB MSc in Chemistry with Scientific Writing
- Year 1 of TCHA-F1PE Postgraduate Taught Scientific Research and Communication
This module is Option list A for:
- Year 1 of TCHA-F1PD The Warwick Postgraduate Award in Transferable Skills in Science