RSCH 361 - Scientific Research Communication - Student Information

Course Goals and Student Learning Outcomes

The course goals and Student Learning Outcomes (SLO’s) provided below will be the basis of most assignments, projects, and examinations in this course.  “Course goals” are what students will learn this semester, while “Student Learning Outcomes” are what students will be able to do with their newly-gained knowledge.

Upon completion of the course, students will have acquired the following experience and skills:

  1. Appreciate the central importance of clear effective communication in all aspects and stages of the research process.

  2. Know how to acquire and access scientific information (accessing literature/information databases).

  3. Understand the structure of the research article.

  4. Know how to organize and present data in formats (graphs, charts, tables, etc.) appropriate for various purposes.

  5. Understand the basic rules of English grammar and syntax so that writing maximizes clarity and understanding.

  6. Understand rhetorical styles that emphasize reader-based texts.

  7. Write for a variety of audiences (e.g., research article, textbook, popular science).

  8. Know how to craft an oral presentation of technical information.

  9. Know how to write persuasively: crafting a basic grant proposal.


General Resources

  • An English dictionary (digital version is acceptable)

  • Notebook paper (3-hole, 8.5 x 11 in, white, lined)

  • Pens: black, blue, and red (other colors may be useful, too).

  • Laptop or tablet

  • Penrose, Ann M.; Katz, Steven B. Writing in the Sciences 3rd ed.

  • Paul V. Anderson, Technical Communication. A Reader-centered Approach, 8e (Wadsworth)

  • Robert A. Day, Nancy Sakaduski, Scientific English. A Guide for Scientists and Other Professionals, 3e (Greenwood)

  • Robert A. Day, Barbara Gastel, How to Write and Publish a Scientific Paper, 7e (Oryx)

  • Gerald J. Alred, Charles T. Brusaw, Walter E. Oliu, Handbook of Technical Writing Authors


Lecture and In-Class Activities Modules

  1. Writing Reader Focused Text

    • Why we care about communication

    • Writing for a general audience

  2. Crafting Sentences and use of punctuation

    • Grammar and Editing

  3. Routine communication

  4. Peer Review

    • Writing

    • Posters

    • Oral Presentations

  5. Communication Ethics

    • Plagiarism

  6. Searching the Research Literature

    • Library resources (databases; library services)

  7. Reading a Research Paper

    • Reading Scientific Literature – You can do it

    • Abstract

    • Introduction

    • Methods

    • Results

    • Discussion

    • Conclusions

  8. Preparing Research Posters

  9. Tips on writing and editing

    • Elements of Scientific Writing

    • Process of effective writing

  10. Infographics

  11. Writing a research Press Release

  12. Research report writing

  13. Overview of the scientific method (Tied to proposal writing)

    • What is Knowledge – Knowledge & Science

  14. Designing the basic research proposal

  15. Designing an Oral Presentation


Topic Modules

  1. Preparatory Assignments

    • Suggested readings

    • Homework

    • Bring to class items

    • Identification of content from previous research curriculum courses

  2. In-Class Activities

  3. Post class activities

  4. Supplemental Readings/Resources


Graded Assignments

  1. Communication Standards of Your Field   

  2. Cover Letter and Resume

  3. Critical review of the Literature

  4. Research Report

  5. Research Poster

  6. Written Proposal

  7. Oral Presentation of Proposal