• For Individuals
  • For Businesses
  • For Universities
  • For Governments
Degrees
​
Log In
Join for Free
  • Browse
  • Scientific Writing

Scientific Writing Courses

Scientific writing courses can help you learn how to structure research papers, craft compelling abstracts, and present data effectively. You can build skills in critical analysis, precise language use, and adherence to ethical guidelines in research. Many courses introduce tools like reference management software and data visualization platforms, that support organizing citations and enhancing the clarity of your findings.


Popular Scientific Writing Courses and Certifications


  • Status: Preview
    Preview
    S

    Stanford University

    Writing in the Sciences

    Skills you'll gain: Grant Writing, Peer Review, Technical Writing, Technical Communication, Writing, Scientific Methods, Journals, Editing, Grammar, Research, Proofreading, Healthcare Ethics, Media and Communications

    4.9
    Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
    ·
    9.7K reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Preview
    Preview
    É

    École Polytechnique

    How to Write and Publish a Scientific Paper (Project-Centered Course)

    Skills you'll gain: Peer Review, Journals, Scientific Methods, Research, Research Design, Proofreading, Research Methodologies, Editing, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Data Management

    4.6
    Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
    ·
    2.7K reviews

    Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    U

    University of Colorado System

    Scientific Writing for Research Grant Proposals

    Skills you'll gain: Concision, Grant Writing, Writing, Grant Applications, Editing, Persuasive Communication, Communication, Organizational Skills

    4.9
    Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
    ·
    27 reviews

    Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    U

    University of California, Irvine

    Academic English: Writing

    Skills you'll gain: Grammar, Peer Review, Editing, Writing, Proofreading, Organizational Skills, Research, Report Writing, Research Methodologies, Critical Thinking, English Language, Writing and Editing, Style Guides

    4.7
    Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
    ·
    23K reviews

    Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    U

    University of Michigan

    Good with Words: Writing and Editing

    Skills you'll gain: Writing and Editing, Editing, Constructive Feedback, Concision, Writing, Organizational Skills, Proofreading, Storytelling, Productivity, Planning, Detail Oriented, Time Management, Brainstorming, Content Creation, Overcoming Obstacles, Resourcefulness, Lifelong Learning, Decision Making, Critical Thinking, Creativity

    4.7
    Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
    ·
    2.6K reviews

    Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    G

    Google

    Start Writing Prompts like a Pro

    Skills you'll gain: Multimodal Prompts, Prompt Engineering, Responsible AI, Context Management

    4.8
    Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
    ·
    3.6K reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

What brings you to Coursera today?

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    U

    University of Colorado Boulder

    Designing Effective Science Communication

    Skills you'll gain: Oral Expression, Non-Verbal Communication, Learning Theory, Storytelling, Education Software and Technology, Human Learning, Motivational Interviewing, Conflict Management, Interpersonal Communications, Technical Communication, Education and Training, Media and Communications, Driving engagement, Teaching, Persuasive Communication, De-escalation Techniques, Writing, Scientific Methods, Rapport Building, Diversity Awareness

    4.5
    Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
    ·
    11 reviews

    Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

  • Next level skills. New Year savings.

    Save on Coursera Plus
  • Status: Preview
    Preview
    O

    O.P. Jindal Global University

    Introduction to Academic Writing

    Skills you'll gain: Writing, Writing and Editing, Research, Peer Review, Research Methodologies, Media and Communications, Journals, Research and Design, Policy Analysis, Content Creation

    4.6
    Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
    ·
    151 reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • Status: Preview
    Preview
    D

    Duke University

    English Composition I

    Skills you'll gain: Research, Literacy, Research Methodologies, Persuasive Communication, Report Writing, English Language, Grammar, Case Studies, Editing, Proofreading, Style Guides, Peer Review, Ethical Standards And Conduct

    4.6
    Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
    ·
    1.3K reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    L

    LearnQuest

    AI for Scientific Research

    Skills you'll gain: Data Preprocessing, Feature Engineering, Model Evaluation, Bioinformatics, Exploratory Data Analysis, Random Forest Algorithm, Pandas (Python Package), Scikit Learn (Machine Learning Library), Applied Machine Learning, Data Manipulation, Dimensionality Reduction, Data Cleansing, Keras (Neural Network Library), Data Transformation, NumPy, Classification Algorithms, Tensorflow, Artificial Neural Networks, Machine Learning, Data Science

    3.2
    Rating, 3.2 out of 5 stars
    ·
    82 reviews

    Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    S

    Starweaver

    Business Writing & Technical Writing Immersion

    Skills you'll gain: Business Writing, Concision, Writing, Persuasive Communication, Technical Writing, Business Communication, Grammar, Target Audience, Writing and Editing, Report Writing, Editing, Technical Communication, Proofreading, AI Enablement, Productivity

    4.8
    Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
    ·
    11 reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    U

    University of California, Irvine

    Advanced Writing

    Skills you'll gain: Writing, Grammar, Editing, Proofreading, Peer Review

    4.7
    Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
    ·
    2K reviews

    Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

What brings you to Coursera today?

Searches related to scientific writing

scientific writing for research grant proposals
scientific writing course
scientific writing free
scientific writing for research
scientific writing and communication
scientific research writing
stanford scientific writing
free scientific writing
1234…164

In summary, here are 10 of our most popular scientific writing courses

  • Writing in the Sciences: Stanford University
  • How to Write and Publish a Scientific Paper (Project-Centered Course): École Polytechnique
  • Scientific Writing for Research Grant Proposals: University of Colorado System
  • Academic English: Writing: University of California, Irvine
  • Good with Words: Writing and Editing: University of Michigan
  • Start Writing Prompts like a Pro: Google
  • Designing Effective Science Communication: University of Colorado Boulder
  • Introduction to Academic Writing: O.P. Jindal Global University
  • English Composition I: Duke University
  • AI for Scientific Research: LearnQuest

Frequently Asked Questions about Scientific Writing

Scientific writing is a structured form of communication that conveys scientific information clearly and concisely. It is essential because it allows researchers to share their findings with the broader community, facilitating collaboration and advancing knowledge. Effective scientific writing ensures that complex ideas are accessible, which is crucial for education, policy-making, and public understanding of science.‎

Careers in scientific writing can vary widely, including roles such as technical writer, research scientist, grant writer, and science communicator. These positions often require the ability to translate complex scientific concepts into understandable language for diverse audiences, making effective communication a key skill in these fields.‎

To excel in scientific writing, you should develop skills such as clarity in expression, understanding of scientific terminology, and the ability to structure documents logically. Familiarity with different formats, such as research papers, grant proposals, and reports, is also beneficial. Additionally, honing your editing and proofreading skills will enhance the quality of your writing.‎

Some of the best online courses for scientific writing include Scientific Writing for Research Grant Proposals and various specializations that focus on academic writing and effective communication. These courses provide valuable insights and practical exercises to improve your writing skills.‎

Yes. You can start learning scientific writing on Coursera for free in two ways:

  1. Preview the first module of many scientific writing courses at no cost. This includes video lessons, readings, graded assignments, and Coursera Coach (where available).
  2. Start a 7-day free trial for Specializations or Coursera Plus. This gives you full access to all course content across eligible programs within the timeframe of your trial.

If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in scientific writing, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.‎

To learn scientific writing, start by enrolling in relevant courses that focus on the fundamentals of writing in a scientific context. Practice writing regularly, seek feedback from peers or mentors, and read scientific literature to familiarize yourself with different writing styles and conventions.‎

Typical topics covered in scientific writing courses include the structure of scientific papers, the writing process, citation styles, and the importance of clarity and precision. Courses may also address specific types of writing, such as grant proposals or research articles, and provide strategies for effective communication.‎

For training and upskilling employees in scientific writing, courses like Grant Writing for Health Researchers Specialization can be particularly beneficial. These programs are designed to enhance writing skills relevant to specific fields, ensuring that employees can communicate effectively in their professional environments.‎

This FAQ content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

Other topics to explore

Arts and Humanities
338 courses
Business
1095 courses
Computer Science
668 courses
Data Science
425 courses
Information Technology
145 courses
Health
471 courses
Math and Logic
70 courses
Personal Development
137 courses
Physical Science and Engineering
413 courses
Social Sciences
401 courses
Language Learning
150 courses

Coursera Footer

Skills

  • Artificial Intelligence (AI)
  • Cybersecurity
  • Data Analytics
  • Digital Marketing
  • English Speaking
  • Generative AI (GenAI)
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Power BI
  • Project Management
  • Python

Certificates & Programs

  • Google Cybersecurity Certificate
  • Google Data Analytics Certificate
  • Google IT Support Certificate
  • Google Project Management Certificate
  • Google UX Design Certificate
  • IBM Data Analyst Certificate
  • IBM Data Science Certificate
  • Machine Learning Certificate
  • Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst Certificate
  • UI / UX Design Certificate

Industries & Careers

  • Business
  • Computer Science
  • Data Science
  • Education & Teaching
  • Engineering
  • Finance
  • Healthcare
  • Human Resources (HR)
  • Information Technology (IT)
  • Marketing

Career Resources

  • Career Aptitude Test
  • Examples of Strengths and Weaknesses for Job Interviews
  • High-Income Skills to Learn
  • How Does Cryptocurrency Work?
  • How to Highlight Duplicates in Google Sheets
  • How to Learn Artificial Intelligence
  • Popular Cybersecurity Certifications
  • Preparing for the PMP Certification
  • Signs You Will Get the Job After an Interview
  • What Is Artificial Intelligence?

Coursera

  • About
  • What We Offer
  • Leadership
  • Careers
  • Catalog
  • Coursera Plus
  • Professional Certificates
  • MasterTrack® Certificates
  • Degrees
  • For Enterprise
  • For Government
  • For Campus
  • Become a Partner
  • Social Impact
  • Free Courses
  • Share your Coursera learning story

Community

  • Learners
  • Partners
  • Beta Testers
  • Blog
  • The Coursera Podcast
  • Tech Blog

More

  • Press
  • Investors
  • Terms
  • Privacy
  • Help
  • Accessibility
  • Contact
  • Articles
  • Directory
  • Affiliates
  • Modern Slavery Statement
  • Do Not Sell/Share
Learn Anywhere
Download on the App Store
Get it on Google Play
Logo of Certified B Corporation
© 2026 Coursera Inc. All rights reserved.
  • Coursera Facebook
  • Coursera Linkedin
  • Coursera Twitter
  • Coursera YouTube
  • Coursera Instagram
  • Coursera TikTok