Scientific Writing (School of Physical Sciences)

This workshop will focus on the structure of good scientific writing, first at the micro-level of sentences and paragraphs and then at the macro-level of abstracts and entire papers. We will look at the practical process of writing, the nature of scientific publishing and the importance of editing. The day will finish with a group editing session in which you apply the ideas you have learnt by editing each other's work.

For the group editing session you will need to write a 300-word abstract about your work in advance and bring it with you as a print out (more information is below).

REGISTRATION starts at 9.00am on the day. Please ensure you arrive on time as late comers may be refused entry.

Please note that due to the popularity of this course any cancellations must be received by 15 September. Cancellation after this date, non-attendance or failure to attend for the full day will incur a cancellation fee of £50 and blocking from further attendance. In addition, we will inform your supervisor and Head of Department of your absence! Only book if you know you can come!

• PhD students and Postdocs from the Schools of Physical Sciences
• Further details regarding eligibility criteria are here

In order for this course to be the most effective you need to bring with you as a printout 300-word piece of writing! Using a piece of research with which you are familiar (it can be your own, but doesn't have to be) write a one-paragraph abstract of no more than 300 words describing the work for readers in other disciplines.

The paragraph should start with a basic introduction of two or three sentences and include a statement of the general problem being addressed. You should follow this with a one-sentence statement of the main conclusions starting 'Here we show' and then finish with two to three sentences putting the main findings in a general context. Provide a title for a scientific paper about the work you describe.

Number of sessions: 1

Presentations, demonstrations and practicals.

One full day

• Communication
• PhD Progression
• Writing Skills