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CIT802Sciences3 Unitsintermediate

Technical Report Writing

This course introduces the fundamental principles and applications of technical report writing, and the basic elements of writing for publication in a scientific journal. During this course, you will learn about the types, functions, and components of a technical report; how to write and illustrate each component; and how to convert a technical report into a journal publication, or write a scientific paper from scratch.

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42h
Study Time
13
Weeks
3h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
Technical Report WritingScientific WritingJournal PublicationReport ComponentsManuscript Preparation

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
📚
Math Level
No Math
🔬
Learning Type
Hands-on Practice

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Technical Report Types

2

Technical Report Components

3

Technical Report Planning

4

Scientific Writing Principles

5

Data Presentation

6

Citation and Referencing

7

Writing for Publication

Total Topics7 topics

Requirements

Knowledge and skills recommended for success

Basic Grammar and Syntax in English

Fundamentals of Scientific Reasoning

💡 Don't have all requirements? Don't worry! Many students successfully complete this course with basic preparation and dedication.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

Assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Tutor-Marked Assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Final Examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Technical Writer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Scientific Editor

Apply your skills in this growing field

Research Scientist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Information Officer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Science Communicator

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

Research and DevelopmentScientific PublishingTechnical CommunicationGovernment AgenciesAcademic Institutions

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1:

2h

Unit 1: What is a Technical Report?

2 study hours
  • •Define technical report.
  • •Identify the nature of technical reports in science and technology.
  • •Understand the purpose and functions of technical reports.
Week
2

Module 1:

2h

Unit 2: Components of a Technical Report

2 study hours
  • •List and describe the components of a technical report.
  • •Classify the components as preliminary matter, main report, or end matter.
  • •Defend the use or non-use of any component in a technical report.
Week
3

Module 1:

2h

Unit 3: Report Writing in Science and Technology

2 study hours
  • •Recognize and appraise the importance of sharing and communicating science.
  • •Defend the need to place a premium on the acquisition of effective communication skills.
  • •Explain how doing and writing science are complementary functions.
Week
4

Module 1:

2h

Unit 4: Planning Technical Report Writing

2 study hours
  • •List the resources needed for writing a technical report.
  • •Describe the envisaged setting for the report.
  • •Organize the components of the report in a logical manner.
Week
5

Module 1:

2h

Unit 5: Selecting and Preparing the Title

2 study hours
  • •State the difference between a poor (lengthy) title and a good (short) one.
  • •Construct appropriately specific titles for technical reports and scientific papers.
  • •Recognize and apply the importance of syntax in composing titles.
Week
6

Module 2:

2h

Unit 1: Writing the Introduction

2 study hours
  • •List the basic things to do before writing an introduction.
  • •Understand and appreciate the rules for writing a good introduction.
  • •Apply the rules in writing a good Introduction.
Week
7

Module 2:

2h

Unit 2: Writing the Materials and Methods Section

2 study hours
  • •Describe accurately the technical specifications and quantities of research materials.
  • •Explain your method(s) of investigation.
  • •Show precisely how you carried out your measurements and analysis.
Week
8

Module 2:

2h

Unit 3: Presenting the Findings/ Results

2 study hours
  • •Describe what constitutes the content of the Findings/Results section.
  • •Explain how to handle numbers in writing the Findings section.
  • •Distinguish between clarity and brevity in writing the Findings.
Week
9

Module 2:

2h

Unit 4: Writing the Discussion

2 study hours
  • •Identify and describe the essential features of a good Discussion.
  • •Show clearly the relationships among established facts.
  • •Demonstrate convincingly the significance of the results.
Week
10

Module 2:

2h

Unit 5: Preparing and using Tables

2 study hours
  • •Recognize when not to use tables in scientific writing.
  • •Organize efficiently and effectively the tabular material.
  • •List and describe the characteristics of a good table.
Week
11

Module 3:

2h

Unit 1: Preparing Effective Graphs

2 study hours
  • •Decide accurately and consistently when to use graphs in scientific writing.
  • •Use appropriate scales, symbols, and legends in graphs.
  • •Arrange graphs in the text to achieve the desired effect.
Week
12

Module 3:

4h

Unit 2: Citing and Arranging References I

2 study hours
  • •Recognize and appreciate the main attributes of the citation and reference tradition.
  • •Name and describe the three basic rules of citing the literature of science.
  • •Describe the major characteristics of bibliographic and reference styles.

Unit 3: Citing and Arranging References II

2 study hours
  • •Recall and use the alphabet-number system in citations and references.
  • •Recall and use the citation order system in citations and references.
  • •Name and describe three other aspects of citing and referencing.
Week
13

Module 3:

2h

Unit 4: Writing for Publication in a Scientific Journal

2 study hours
  • •Define clearly and comprehensively what constitutes a scientific paper.
  • •Distinguish writing a scientific paper from technical report writing.
  • •Explain the significance of good organization in writing a scientific paper.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Review the definitions and characteristics of different technical report types (Unit 1).

2

Create a detailed outline of the key components of a technical report (Unit 2).

3

Practice planning a technical report writing exercise on a given subject (Unit 4).

4

Study examples of well-written introductions, materials and methods, results, and discussions (Module 2).

5

Familiarize yourself with different citation styles and practice arranging references (Module 3).

6

Focus on understanding the principles of clear and concise scientific writing (Unit 3).

7

Review the guidelines for preparing effective tables and graphs (Module 3).

8

Practice writing and rewriting sections of a technical report or scientific paper.

9

Pay close attention to grammar, syntax, and spelling throughout the writing process.

10

Review all Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs) and feedback provided by the tutor.

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