NWI-FCEM02B
Writing About Science
Course infoSchedule
Course moduleNWI-FCEM02B
Credits (ECTS)3
CategoryBA (Bachelor)
Language of instructionDutch, English
Offered byRadboud University; Faculty of Science; Facultair Algemeen;
Lecturer(s)
PreviousNext 1
Coordinator
dr. H.M. Dresen
Other course modules lecturer
Examiner
dr. H.M. Dresen
Other course modules lecturer
Contactperson for the course
dr. H.M. Dresen
Other course modules lecturer
Lecturer
dr. H.M. Dresen
Other course modules lecturer
Lecturer
drs. G. van Hengstum
Other course modules lecturer
Academic year2018
Period
KW1  (03/09/2018 to 04/11/2018)
Starting block
KW1/  KW2/  KW3/  KW4
Course mode
full-time
RemarksActive participation is required for this course.
Registration using OSIRISYes
Course open to students from other facultiesNo
Pre-registrationNo
Waiting listYes
Placement procedure-
Aims
Learn how to write about science for a non-scientific audience in a clear and concise way. Learning goals:
  • The student is able to adapt text form and content for a specific audience. The student can clearly describe the specific needs and characteristics of the chosen audience. 
  • The student is able to structure text according to its purpose, while implementing the requirements of the target audience, genre and different media.
  • The student improves his/her ability to write concise, accessible and attractive texts, focused on target audience, genre and different media.
  • The student can evaluate sources of information, and refer to the origin of information in a genre and output-appropriate manner. 
  • The student uses proper English, and gains knowledge on how to implement different methods to improve his/her language skills.
  • The student can identify specific points to improve their own work and that of others, He/she can translate these points into to-the-point improvements and useful feedback.
Content
As an academic professional, you need to be able to transfer information about your scientific field to people outside your profession. For example, to attract research funds or to involve citizens in scientific projects. A popular scientific article, a summary of your research results for external clients, or an online blog about current projects: writing such texts is our goal during this course.

After an introduction with practical exercises and useful tips for different genres, you will work on a concise text on a subject of your choice. During this phase of the course we work in smaller groups, where you will discuss your product with fellow students and give each other feedback. 

Learning by doing is key in this course. Improving your own text is a never-ending process and we want to guide you to continue to improve your own texts.
Additional comments
Please pay attention to the following details regarding the choice of language for the course and registration for tutorial groups at specific timeslots.

In quarters 1, 3 and 4 choice between Dutch-language and English-language version:
In quarters 1, 3 and 4 this course is offered in both a Dutch-language and an English-language version. You indicate the language of your choice when enrolling for the course in Osiris. You must also confirm this choice in Brightspace. The following principles apply when choosing between languages:
• If you follow a Dutch-language bachelor's program, you must in principle follow this course in Dutch. Permission to follow the course in English can be requested by sending an e-mail with motivation to the course coordinator, no later than six weeks prior to the start of the relevant quarter.

• If you follow an English-language bachelor's program, but do speak Dutch, you can take the course in either English or Dutch.

• Note: there might be no room left in the language of your first choice in a quarter, but still places available in the other language group. To make sure you find a place in a quarter, you can also indicate 'no language preference'.


In quarter 2 only Dutch-language groups for Biology students:
In the 2nd quarter of 2018-2019, only students of Biology can participate, and the course will be offered in Dutch only.

Registration in time and limited accessibility:
Make sure you register in time for the course: registration for a quarter closes four weeks before the start of each quarter. This is necessary for scheduling rooms, tutorial groups and teachers. There is a maximum number of participants per quarter, and also a maximum number of participants per language (Dutch or English). First come, first-served: early enrollment is therefore recommended. Because of the limited number of available places, this course is open only to students in Bachelor's programs of the Faculty of Science (not for exchange students).

ATTENTION: Make sure to confirm you registration also in Brightspace: to obtain a place in a tutorial group, you need to confirm that you will participate in a quarter also via Brightspace, after you have registered in Osiris. You do this by indicating your preferred language and/or time slot for a tutorial group in Brightspace. If you have not indicated this in Brightspace at the start of the quarter (on the Monday before the first meeting) you may not find a place in a tutorial group in that quarter.

Timetable information and registration for tutorial groups:
The meetings for this course are on Wednesday. You have 2 hours contact time per week. Consult the explanation in Osiris (at registration) and in Brightspace (after registration) for more information about which contact moment applies to you. After you have registered for the course in Osiris, you will find instructions in Brightspace for registration with a specific tutorial group.

Topics
Various assignments focusing on accessible writing about beta subjects (own choice) for non-professionals. The final assignment on a subject of your choice is focused on a specific target group and written in an appropriate genre, suitable for the course frame.

Test information
The final exam for this course consists of writing assignments. At the start of the course, the nature of this final test will be further explained. A separate fail/pass test measures attendance and active participation. Failing this latter test means you cannot take part in the final test.

Attendance at all meetings is mandatory. If you are absent, you can fail for the test item 'active participation'. If you cannot attend a meeting due to circumstances, always report this in advance to the lecturer of your tutorial group by e-mail.

Required materials
To be announced

Instructional modes
68 hrs of self-study

Meetings in Dutch and English
Attendance MandatoryYes

Tests
Final Assignment
Test weight1
Test typeAssignment
OpportunitiesBlock KW1, Block KW2

Active participation
Test weight0
Test typeParticipation
OpportunitiesBlock KW1