DS2306 Scientific Writing and Communication 7.5 credits

• Fundamental text types in Scientific Writing
• Data presentation and commentary
• Rhetorical structure of research articles and presentations
• Digital tools for text management

The aim of the course is to develop the participant’s awareness of the underlying structure and patterns of research articles within science and engineering, and to improve proficiency in writing up scientific research in English. Participants should also learn to present scientific studies orally in English.

After the course the students should be able to  

• explain and use techniques for scientific writing to prepare the writing of a report
• prepare and deliver an oral presentation clearly explaining a topic in their field to a broad audience
• determine what sort of graphical presentation best communicates results from different types of data sets
• use a range of digital tools for the effective production of documents in correct English
• critically review his/her own scientific texts and those of peers; give and take constructive criticism on content, vocabulary, text structure and organization;apply this criticism in reworking his/her own texts  

Three years of academic studies

Good knowledge of English and basic knowledge of distributed systems

Swales, John M. & Feak, Christine B. (2004). Academic writing for graduate students: essential tasks and skills. 2. ed. Ann Arbor: Univ. of Michigan Press

If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.

• ASS1 - Assignment 1, 0.5 credits, grading scale: P, F
• ASS2 - Assignment 2, 0.5 credits, grading scale: P, F
• ASS3 - Assignment 3, 0.5 credits, grading scale: P, F
• PRO1 - Oral Presentation, 2.0 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
• PRO2 - Report, 4.0 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.

The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.

75% attendance. Written assignments (ASS1; 0,5 credits, ASS2; 0,5 credits and ASS3; 0,5 credits), oral presentation (PRO1; 2 credits) and a report (PRO2; 4 credits).

Rebecca Hincks

• All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
• In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
• In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.