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
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.9
(8,989 reviews)
Beginner level
No prior experience required
Flexible schedule
Approx. 30 hours
Learn at your own pace
97%
Most learners liked this course
Skills you'll gain
Details to know
Shareable certificate
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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 (3,685 ratings)
Offered by
Recommended if you're interested in Basic Science
University of Colorado Boulder
Arizona State University
University of Michigan
Illinois Tech
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Learner reviews
4.9
8,989 reviews
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Showing 3 of 8989
DN
5
Reviewed on Sep 27, 2020
v
SO
5
Reviewed on Jun 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.
IA
5
Reviewed on Aug 25, 2020
A very helpful course. My writing has improved significantly in these 8 weeks. I highly recommend this course to everyone. Thank you Dr. Kristin Sainani and Coursera for bringing this course together.
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Frequently asked questions
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.
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.
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.