This course teaches scientists to become more effective writers, using practical examples and exercises. Topics include: principles of good writing, tricks for writing faster and with less anxiety, the format of a scientific manuscript, peer review, grant writing, ethical issues in scientific publication, and writing for general audiences.
Writing in the Sciences
Stanford UniversityAbout this Course
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Learner Career Outcomes
25%
started a new career after completing these courses
19%
got a tangible career benefit from this course
Shareable Certificate
Earn a Certificate upon completion
100% online
Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.
Flexible deadlines
Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.
Beginner Level
Approx. 30 hours to complete
English
Subtitles: English, Arabic
Skills you will gain
GrammarMedical WritingScience CommunicationWriting
Learner Career Outcomes
25%
started a new career after completing these courses
19%
got a tangible career benefit from this course
Shareable Certificate
Earn a Certificate upon completion
100% online
Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.
Flexible deadlines
Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.
Beginner Level
Approx. 30 hours to complete
English
Subtitles: English, Arabic
Offered by
Stanford University
The Leland Stanford Junior University, commonly referred to as Stanford University or Stanford, is an American private research university located in Stanford, California on an 8,180-acre (3,310 ha) campus near Palo Alto, California, United States.
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
2 hours to complete
1
Unit 1 introduces the course and reviews key principles of effective writing. In particular, you will practice cutting clutter from writing.
2 hours to complete
7 videos (Total 79 min)
7 videos
1.2: Examples of what not to do6m
1.3: Overview, principles of effective writing6m
1.4: Cut the clutter17m
1.5: Cut the clutter, more tricks4m
1.6: Practicing cutting clutter9m
Demo Edit 1 (Optional)23m
1 practice exercise
Unit 1 Homework1h
2 hours to complete
2
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.
2 hours to complete
7 videos (Total 87 min)
7 videos
2.2: Is it really OK to use "We" and "I"5m
2.3: Active voice practice5m
2.4: Write with verbs8m
2.5: Practice examples20m
2.6: A few grammar tips10m
Demo Edit 2 (Optional)20m
1 practice exercise
Unit 2 Homework1h
4 hours to complete
3
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.
4 hours to complete
8 videos (Total 105 min)
8 videos
3.2: Practice, colon and dash6m
3.3: Parallelism5m
3.4: Paragraphs9m
3.5: Paragraph Editing I13m
3.6: Paragraph Editing II11m
Module 3.7: A few more tips7m
Demo Edit 3 (Optional)22m
1 practice exercise
Unit 3 Homework1h
4 hours to complete
4
Unit 4 reviews the writing process. I will give you tips for making the writing process easier, more efficient, and more organized.
4 hours to complete
7 videos (Total 81 min)
7 videos
4.2 Overview of the writing process7m
4.3 The pre-writing step11m
4.4 The writing step7m
4.5: Revision5m
4.6: Checklist for the final draft12m
Demo Edit 4 (Optional)20m
1 practice exercise
Unit 4 Homework3h
Reviews
TOP REVIEWS FROM WRITING IN THE SCIENCES
by SDFeb 25, 2020
Respected Dr.kristiani sainani madam and coursera. I thank you for the wonderful classes and presentations, it really didn't made me feel that i was learning online course but as in class learning.
by TJan 31, 2019
The course is so informative that I think everyone should take a try. It provides us a fundamental elements to write in a professional way that is not only for our study but also for our profession.
by AVSep 22, 2019
A very good and useful course focusing not only on grammar and papers but on personal statements and news articles as well. The lecturer shares lots of insight from her vast experience and examples.
by SOJun 22, 2019
Great course. Learned so much that will help me be a better writer and editor, not only in the sciences, but in other areas. A fantastic professor, clear thinking, speaking, writing. an inspiration.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
- The course may not offer an audit option. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid.
- The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
What is the refund policy?
You will be eligible for a full refund until two weeks after your payment date, or (for courses that have just launched) until two weeks after the first session of the course begins, whichever is later. You cannot receive a refund once you’ve earned a Course Certificate, even if you complete the course within the two-week refund period. See our full refund policy.
Is financial aid available?
Yes, Coursera provides financial aid to learners who cannot afford the fee. Apply for it by clicking on the Financial Aid link beneath the "Enroll" button on the left. You’ll be prompted to complete an application and will be notified if you are approved. Learn more.
Are there other versions of this course available?
Yes. There is a Stanford Lagunita offering, and a Continuing Medical Education (CME) offering. The different offerings are described below:
The Stanford Lagunita offering is self-paced, unmoderated, includes self assessment assignments, and offers you the ability to earn a free Statement of Accomplishment.
The Coursera offering is provided on a monthly basis, is more moderated, includes peer assessment assignments, and offers you the ability to earn a certificate of completion for a fee.
The CME offering can be used to earn Continuing Medical Education credits.
Will I earn university credit for completing the Course?
This Course doesn't carry university credit, but some universities may choose to accept Course Certificates for credit. Check with your institution to learn more. Online Degrees and Mastertrack™ Certificates on Coursera provide the opportunity to earn university credit.
More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center.
