University Writing

Technical Writing Using Chemical Literature (Chemistry 391) 

Coordinator: S. Scott Zimmerman
Contact information: C205 BNSN, 422-4100

Course Description:

Chemistry 391 prepares students to write successfully as professional chemists. Students will learn to generate writing ideas, search the scientific literature, find chemical information in the library, organize writing projects, prepare documents and graphics, and prepare scientific presentations.

Prerequisites:

English 115 or equivalent, Chemistry 352

Year to be Taken

Junior

Recommended Majors Served

Chemistry, Biochemistry

Skills Taught in Support of Academic Training and Vocation

1. Organize documents so readers can follow ideas and information.
2. Use scientific resources to find chemical information.
3. Write technical and non-technical documents.
4. Prepare oral and poster presentations of scientific information.
5. Prepare publication-quality graphics.

Vocations Prepared for

Chemist, Biochemist

Major Assignments

1. Personal journal of scientific reading.
2. Resume and cover letter.
3. Informal technical reports.
4. Scientific research proposal.
5. Critiques of students' papers.
6. Scientific review or research manuscript.
7. Oral or poster presentation.

Sample Textbooks:

1. Dodd, The ACS Style Guide: A Manual for Authors and Editors).
2. Manual for authors and editors (e.g., Raimes, Pocket Keys for Writers