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CH933-10 Writing Extended Scientific Articles and Reports

Department
Chemistry
Level
Taught Postgraduate Level
Module leader
Natalie Sharpling
Credit value
10
Module duration
10 weeks
Assessment
100% coursework
Study location
University of Warwick main campus, Coventry

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 web page

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 9 weeks. Topics include:

  1. Research methods for writing in the sciences
  2. Writing and research as a process
  3. The popular science journal article
  4. The persuasive essay
  5. 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?

Interdisciplinary

Communicating across disciplines with module participants from different SEM departments

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 writing skills
ii. 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 9 sessions of 2 hours (18%)
Assessment 82 hours (82%)
Total 100 hours

Private study description

No private study requirements defined for this module.

Costs

No further costs have been identified for this module.

You must pass all assessment components to pass the module.

Assessment group A4
Weighting Study time Eligible for self-certification
Assessment component
Essay/Coursework 100% 82 hours Yes (extension)

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 for:

  • Year 1 of TCHA-F1PB MSc in Chemistry with Scientific Writing

This module is Core optional for:

  • 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