Basic Science Writing
Marguerite Meitzler

All scientists know the importance of developing great writing skills. This 4-week course is for any trainee interested in improving his/her writing skills. Designed to be helpful to both native and non-native English speakers, this course will address English grammar basics. The examples-based workshop will feature:

• Identifying and solving writing problems;
• Reviewing grammar problems and sentence structure;
• Punctuating for clarity of meaning;
• Building coherent sentences and paragraphs;
• Organizing ideas into a clear and concise document;
• Developing a strategy for writing scientifically related documents (e.g., introductions, posters, proposals, abstracts, e-mails, cover letters for resumes or manuscript submissions, and more);
• Avoiding writer's block;
• Scheduling the writing process; and
• Reworking for clarity, readability, and brevity.

Each session of the class is limited to 35 participants. In addition to in-class writing practice using short exercises, students will be members of in-class review groups giving feedback to their colleagues. The instructor will provide individual in-class writing guidance and review and analyze weekly writing assignments, providing written feedback. Students interested in taking this class must commit to 8-10 hours per week to writing/editing outside of the classroom. Attendance and active participation at all 4 course sessions is required.

All participants must purchase a copy of CliffsQuickReview Writing: Grammar, Usage, and Style by Jean Eggenschwiler and Emily Dodson Biggs, Wiley Publishing. The cost of this book is about $10.

Speaker: Maggie Meitzler, professional editor and teacher

Date/Time/Location: Note that all room locations remain to be determined.
 
September: 10, 17, 24, 10/1          11 am to 2 pm           Bethesda Campus
October: 9, 16, 23, 30,                    3pm to 6pm               Bethesda Campus
November: 5, 12, 19, 24                11am to 2pm             Bethesda Campus

Please register in advance - http://tinyurl.com/OITE-2009-09-10. If your registration is accepted you will receive an e-mail at least one week prior to the first day of class confirming your registration and the room location of the series.

Please go to www.training.nih.gov <http://www.training.nih.gov/> to view the tentative 2010 Basic Science Writing schedule.