Writing in the Life Sciences

Catalog description

Cat. II Writing in the Life Sciences will provide students with an introduction to academic writing within the disciplines that comprise the Life Sciences. Topics will include: • Ethics and research integrity as it pertains to research design, documentation, reporting, and communicating results to specialist and non-specialist audiences • Fundamentals of writing in the Life Sciences including definitions and technical vocabulary, technical style, documentation, revising and editing • Human factors that influence health including social determinants of health and health disparities • Important documents in the Life Sciences including literature reviews and synopses, laboratory reports, proposals, and research presentations. The course will also include writing for non-specialist audiences and newer methods of science communication including social media. Students may not receive credit for both WR 2500 and WR 250X. Recommended background: One introductory course (1000 level) in professional writing in which students have translated scientific writing for diverse audiences (e.g.: WR 1011, Writing about Science & Technology). Foundational life sciences courses with emphasis in anatomy and physiology are also recommended.