The purpose of this course is to guide students through the process of writing a scientific paper focusing on the physical sciences. We will begin by discussing what is meant by scientific paper, including approaches and ethics. Text preparation, structure, and format will be considered next. Non-native English speakers who wish to write scientific articles in English have special requirements, and as such, we will discuss some of these in class. In the course, we will address style and some pitfalls common in scientific writing. Additionally, students will submit major sections of a scientific article that they are currently working on.

Scientific Writing (Non-experimental papers) is intended for those students who are writing papers whose primary objective is reviewing literature, proposing a model/theory/systems, giving an overview of the history of a field, and examining a trend in society/technology/government. While the original Scientific Writing course deals with experiment oriented research, this course is specifically for those whose research is non-experimental or exploratory, which does not follow the usual IMRaD structure. This course aims to help students become more effective writers by promoting understanding of the styles and grammar in examples of theoretical/non-experimental articles and exercises. As students apply what they have learned, they will be able to not only understand but also recognize common problems in scientific writing. Throughout the semester, students will submit major sections of a scientific article that they are working on.

ICL Scientific Writing (SW) is offered to graduate students of different majors. Each ICL SW is developed for a specific discipline/major in collaboration between relevant content and language professors. It includes instruction on writing styles, structure, and format specific for an individual discipline/major. EFL Program has offered ICL SW for biological sciences, business, chemistry, electrical engineering, industrial design, and mechanical engineering and intends to continue to expand ICL SW classes.