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Writing the Scientific Manuscript

This course is designed for writers who are interested in honing their writing for publication skills. Unlike our four-week technical writing class or our six-week scientific writing course, this ten-week course offers longer and more robust lectures, covers more topics, and allows writers a longer time to apply the concepts discussed. This course includes:

• Voiced lectures (30-45 minutes each)
• Discussion and Examples supplement (pdf)
• Job/Writing Aid (pdf)
• Concepts explained/resources supplement (pdf)
• Weekly writing options
• Written feedback on submitted writing
• Certificate of completion

Topics

• Week 1: Developing a Rhetorical Strategy
• Analyzing audience needs
• Understanding purpose
• Understanding the necessity of persuasion
• Maintaining a positive image
• Being concise and precise
• Using active/passive voice, concrete/abstract language, emphasis
• Week 2: Developing Effective Organizational Strategies
• Using organizational techniques
• Using outlining effectively
• Presenting content to gain readers’ attention
• Week 3: Using Language Effectively
• Reducing unnecessary words
• Reducing repetition and redundancy
• Keeping it simple
• Using only words that add value
• Creating flow
• Showing relationships
• Avoiding lazy pronouns
• Week 4: Understanding How Readers Read
• Using appropriate emphasis
• Creating “links” between and among ideas
• Using shorter versus longer sentences and paragraphs
• Meeting readers’ needs for effective sentences and paragraphs
• Using topic and supporting sentences
• Week 5: Writing the Components of the Scientific Report
• Understanding the role of the various components
• Understanding the difference between the abstract and the executive summary
• Writing an effective Introduction and Conclusion
• Writing the Discussion and Results
• Using logic to create the “walk-away” message
• Ensuring that you’ve used reasoning
• Week 6: Writing the Supplementary Components
• Understanding the role of the various components
• Understanding the difference between the abstract and the executive summary
• Writing an effective Introduction and Conclusion
• Writing the Discussion and Results
• Week 7: Using Charts, Tables, and Graphs Effectively
• Meeting readers’ expectations for
• Using descriptive titling and captioning
• Guidelines for creating
• Design tips
• Week 8: Preparing and Submitting Your Article for Submission
• Understanding submission guidelines
• Ensuring consistency
• Following guidelines
• Using appropriate resources
• Week 9: Creating Oral Presentations
• Designing the presentation
• Understanding your audience
• Getting and keeping listeners’ attention
• Controlling the room
• Using visuals effectively (including PowerPoint)
• Week 10: Editing and Proofreading Strategies
• Understanding the difference between editing and proofreading
• Conducting the holistic and traditional edit
• Practical proofreading techniques
• Editing for content
• Helping others edit

Download Course Description (PDF)

What Does It Cost?

Cost for all ten modules: $799.00 per person, or choose five modules for $499.00 per person. Discounts are available for five or more participants from the same organization or firm.

We also offer this course at a discounted price if you prefer not to receive professional written feedback on your work.