Course content

The main objective of the course is to teach PhD candidates and postdoctors in the field of neuroscience, nanoscience and biotechnology to improve their writing style and manage the publication process. There will be a particular focus on writing for relevant journals in life sciences. The course will give the participants advice, motivation and practical training, and they will work on their own research paper.

Topics:

• Understanding the writing process
• Planning and editing a paper
• Breaking down the structure of papers to generate writing goals
• Techniques for being an effective writer
• Understanding the stylistic demands of relevant journals

Learning outcome

Knowledge

The candidate:

• Has an in-depth understanding of the theories, principles and procedures related to scientific writing and publishing.
• Recognises the requirements and expectations of international journals in the life sciences.
• Understands the importance of clear, precise and structured scientific communication.

Skills and competences

The candidate:

• Can apply knowledge of scientific writing to design and improve own research articles.
• Can analyse and adapt own text according to academic standards and target audience.
• Can effectively communicate research results through written scientific works.

General competences

The candidate:

• Can independently apply scientific writing strategies in different academic contexts.
• Can assess and improve their own writing process through feedback and revision.
• Can navigate the publishing process and handle peer review requirements.

Learning methods and activities

Learning methods and activities

The course consists of an intensive three-day workshop with:

• Lectures on academic writing and publishing
• Practical exercises in academic writing
• Individual writing time and feedback from instructor
• Group work and discussions

Participants work on their own research articles and receive concrete guidance to improve them. After the course, participants can submit the article to the course instructor for further feedback and follow-up.

The course will not be held if there are too few participants.

Compulsory assignments

• Hand in abstract

Required previous knowledge

Admission requirements and recommended prior knowledge

The course is open to PhD candidates and postdocs affiliated with the Norwegian Research School in Neuroscience (NRSN) , Digital Life Norway Research School, or Research School for Training the Next Generation of Micro- and Nanotechnology Researchers in Norway (TNNN).

• Participants should have completed literature searches and data analyses for a scientific article.
• Admission is done by registering for the course on the websites of one of the two research schools.
• There is a maximum of 20 participants, and applicants who already have a draft article will be prioritized.

Course materials

Participants must bring a draft of a paper that they can work on during the course, or other material they can draw on, such as results from literature searches or data analyses. The participants must also bring a copy of an article from the journal they wish to submit to, and their own laptop computer. A comprehensive workbook and a 'Guide to Academic Punctuation' will be handed out during the course.

Credit reductions