Science writing courses (graduate)

Reminder: Writing, Editing, & Publishing in Science

Time to register for the winter session of Writing Science Articles 1 & 2

Two new courses for graduate students and post-docs

Writing Science Articles 1 (REDM 610)

According to journal editors, more people read the Abstract than any other part of the scientific manuscript. If readers are convinced by the Abstract, then they'll read the entire paper. Writing Science Articles 1 focuses on several key aspects of the Abstract, including its structure, distinguishing the most important finding from secondary data, making logical connections between ideas, and limiting specialized terminology. In addition, course participants learn several editing techniques to make their writing clear and persuasive.

Writing Science Articles 2 (REDM 710)

This course focuses on the Introduction and Discussion section of a well-written manuscript. Course participants learn to write persuasively about their research for the specialist and educated generalist. In addition, students learn to structure their manuscripts to ensure that their major findings receive appropriate attention, distinguishing them from secondary, supporting data. To help bridge the gap between researchers and editors, an editor of a major scientific journal will explain the peer review process.

Course schedule

These 3-credit, pass/fail courses are offered in the Winter semester as follows:

N.B.: Be sure to register for REDM 610 or REDM 710 at the beginning of each semester (even though REDM 710 starts in the middle of the term, i.e., in mid-February).

Writing Science Articles 1 (REDM 610) meets for 6 1/2 weeks on Tuesday and Thursday from 10:05-1:05 from January to mid-February.

Writing Science Articles 2 (REDM 710) meets for 6 1/2 weeks on Tuesday and Thursday from 10:05-1:05, from mid-February to April.

You are also invited to an information session about these courses on Thursday, Dec. 6, at 1:30 p.m. in the Hodgson Seminar Room, Redpath Museum [map].

For more information please contact Prof. Linda Cooper at 514-398-8545 or linda.cooper [at] mcgill.ca (via email).