Scientific Writing, Module 1

Online workshop

Description

Designed exclusively for Doctoral Academy members, Scientific Writing for Doctoral Candidates Module 1 focuses on micro-level writing, i.e. writing at word and sentence level. More specifically, this two-day workshop will help you to (1) recognize principles of scientific writing, (2) use appropriate register, (3) avoid common errors, (4) punctuate correctly, (5) write well-structured sentences, (6) write dynamically using strong verbs, and (7) avoid the overuse of the passive voice. Feedback on submitted drafts will be provided in individual writing consultations.

This workshop is offered in either a classroom setting or a blended-learning digital format. Please note that the digital format involves self-paced learning.

Content

For scientists and researchers in today’s world, writing well in English is of utmost importance for professional success. The best scientific ideas and results often become meaningless if they cannot be effectively communicated. In fact, so-called “soft” writing skills often translate to “hard” results for the writer: successfully completing a PhD, or having papers readily accepted for publication.

While writing in general and writing in English in particular are integral aspects of academic life, many researchers are often unsure about what is considered "good writing," what makes a paper written in English successful, or how the writing and publication process can best be managed.

Learning aims

Specifically designed for doctoral candidates, the three Scientific Writing modules offered by the CDS address such questions. The modules’ overall goal is to help you gain a deeper understanding of how you can communicate your research most effectively to your readers. In these modules, we will discuss and practice important strategies for writing English sentences, paragraphs, and papers that meet the expectations of readers, reviewers, and editors alike. Each of the modules will make you aware of fundamental criteria for good scientific writing in English, and will, therefore, help you prepare your own texts more easily for publication.

Please note that the three modules can be taken independently and in any order as they each focus on different aspects of scientific writing. The modules will be taught entirely in English. To participate and benefit the most, you should be able to communicate fluently in English (approximately B2 level or above). Hence, a placement test result or a corresponding international certificate (CAE; IELTS; TOEFL etc.) is required. More information on placement tests can be found on the RWTH Language Center website, www.sz.rwth-aachen.de.

Module 1 will help you to develop the following skills:

• recognizing conventions of effective scientific writing

• using appropriate register to meet the stylistic expectations of English-speaking readers

• avoiding common grammatical errors

• managing often-confused words

• writing emphatic sentences

• writing effectively, i.e., precisely (exactly) and concisely (to the point)

• writing dynamically using active and precise verbs

• avoiding the overuse of the passive voice

• using correct punctuation

Participation Requirements

All three modules are open to members of the Doctoral Academy with a minimum B2 level of English – as certified by the placement test of the Language Center.

Placement Test:

Writing a placement test at the Language Center before the registration is essential because otherwise a registration via the user-account is not possible.

Please note the dates for the placement tests: http://www.sz.rwth-aachen.de/cms/sz/Fremdsprachen/Termine/~iphr/Einstufungstests/

Technical requirements:

PC/laptop, microphone, loudspeaker, Internet & optional camera

Target Audience

doctoral candidates, who are registered in the Doctoral Academy

Further Information on Target Audience

The course is intended for Doctoral Academy members who have not submitted their PhD theses and are interested in improving their scientific writing skills.