VVZ API is not affiliated with ETH Zurich. Data might be outdated or incorrect. Please view the official ETHZ Vorlesungsverzeichnis for binding information.
Scientific Writing
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:53:39
Abstract
Scientific Writing Seminar for PhD Students
Objective
This course aims to help young scientists become better writers. This course focuses on writing well-organized and clear journal articles that students may be ready to submit papers for publication afterwards in order to advance their careers.
Content
In this course, students will learn how to write an effective journal article for their specific field. Students will learn more about writing all the sections of an IMRAD article (Introduction, Methods and materials, Results, and Discussion). Then students will closely study several key principles for writing clearly in English. By the end, students will know what to do and how to do it when writing a clear and effective journal article. In the final lesson, students also give a Three Minute Thesis (3MT) presentation to learn how to present their research in a new genre for a wide audience.
Resources
Lecture Notes
The course includes short lectures, open discussions, exercises with classmates, peer review in small groups, and assignments for the lecturer so that students get regular feedback on their writing. This is a hands-on course so students can really get the most out of it.
Literature
A script with readings and exercises will be provided by the lecturer. For the lessons on style, students should have the following book: Writing Science in Plain English by Anne E. Greene ISBN: 9780226026374 Published May 2013 by the University of Chicago Press
Learning Materials (Links)
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- DR
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- ungraded semester performance
Registration & Places
- Max Places
- 26
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise |
Scientific Writing
This course will be held online only via Zoom throughout the complete semester.
The lecturers will communicate the exact lesson times of ONLINE courses.
|
|
2 h weekly |
Offered In
-
Doctoral Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering (More Information at: )