Stanford University

Writing in the Sciences

Dr. Kristin Sainani

Instructor: Dr. Kristin Sainani

534,386 already enrolled

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.9

(8,970 reviews)

Beginner level
No prior experience required
Flexible schedule
Approx. 30 hours
Learn at your own pace
97%
Most learners liked this course
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.9

(8,970 reviews)

Beginner level
No prior experience required
Flexible schedule
Approx. 30 hours
Learn at your own pace
97%
Most learners liked this course

Details to know

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Assessments

8 assignments

Taught in English

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There are 8 modules in this course

Unit 1 introduces the course and reviews key principles of effective writing. In particular, you will practice cutting clutter from writing.

What's included

7 videos1 assignment

Unit 2 focuses on writing with strong, active verbs. Lessons include how to: write in the active voice; avoid turning verbs into nouns; choose strong verbs; and get to the main verb of a sentence quickly.

What's included

7 videos1 assignment

Unit 3 reviews how to vary sentence structure and write strong paragraphs. You will practice using the dash, colon, semi-colon, and parentheses, as well as writing well-organized and concise paragraphs.

What's included

8 videos1 assignment1 peer review

Unit 4 reviews the writing process. I will give you tips for making the writing process easier, more efficient, and more organized.

What's included

7 videos1 assignment

Unit 5 reviews the sections of a scientific manuscript. You will learn how to format tables and figures, and how to write results, methods, introduction, and discussion sections.

What's included

9 videos1 assignment

Unit 6 discusses the peer review process, as well as ethical issues in scientific publishing. You will learn how to avoid plagiarism, determine authorship, submit a paper, write a peer review, and avoid predatory journals.

What's included

9 videos1 assignment1 peer review

Unit 7 reviews types of writing beyond original research manuscripts. You will learn how to write review papers, grants, letters of recommendation, and personal essays.

What's included

7 videos1 assignment

Unit 8 reviews communication with broader audiences. You will learn how work with the media, be interviewed, conduct an interview, and write about science for general audiences.

What's included

8 videos1 assignment1 peer review

Instructor

Instructor ratings
4.9 (3,678 ratings)
Dr. Kristin Sainani
Stanford University
1 Course534,386 learners

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