Course syllabus for Technical writing for master's studies

Course syllabus adopted 2022-02-08 by Head of Programme (or corresponding).

Overview

  • Swedish nameTeknisk kommunikation och akademiskt skrivande för masterstudenter
  • CodeLSP505
  • Credits7.5 Credits
  • OwnerSPRAK
  • Education cycleSecond-cycle
  • DepartmentCOMMUNICATION AND LEARNING IN SCIENCE
  • GradingUG - Pass, Fail

Course round 1

The course round is cancelled. For further questions, please contact the director of studies
  • Teaching language English
  • Application code 99114
  • Maximum participants30 (at least 10% of the seats are reserved for exchange students)
  • Minimum participants15
  • Open for exchange studentsYes

Credit distribution

0115 Project 7.5 c
Grading: UG
0 c0 c3 c4.5 c0 c0 c

In programmes

Examiner

Eligibility

General entry requirements for Master's level (second cycle)
Applicants enrolled in a programme at Chalmers where the course is included in the study programme are exempted from fulfilling the requirements above.

Specific entry requirements

English 6 (or by other approved means with the equivalent proficiency level)
Applicants enrolled in a programme at Chalmers where the course is included in the study programme are exempted from fulfilling the requirements above.

Course specific prerequisites


Aim

The purpose of the course is to give the students tools for writing at Master's level, particularly as regards writing the Master's thesis and reporting technical studies. This involves a process oriented approach to writing. It also involves learning how to develop text documents systematically and to communicate technical, empirical work effectively in writing and speaking.

Learning outcomes (after completion of the course the student should be able to)

  • analyse and produce different parts of a Master's thesis or equivalent technical documents, such as introductions, methods and results
  • present technical information written and orally in accurate, communicative and visually appealing ways
  • write in an academically relevant style
  • produce a range of text types typical for technical communication including data commentaries and problem solution texts
  • develop a systematic process oriented way of working with writing, i.e. the student should be able to document and reflect on their writing process
  • give and receive feedback on written work in an effective and appropriate way
  • process reading material for the purpose of documenting a technical project/study

Content

Technical Writing for Master's Studies is an optional English communication course, which is aimed at Master's students across disciplines. The course comprises two parts and takes place over two study periods. The first part of the course (Part A) focuses on specific text types and writing conventions. It includes:
  • planning a writing project 
  • descriptions, data commentary, problem-solution texts
  • discussing texts produced by other students
  • revising and editing texts
  • using technical texts as sources for writing
  • sentence and paragraph structures
  • style and correctness

Part B focuses on reporting and communicating a technical study, in writing as well as orally including:

  •  the organisation and layout of a report /academic document 
  •  writing abstracts, introductions and conclusions
  •  the use of graphics to present technical information
  •  conventions for paraphrasing and referencing
  •  giving an oral presentation

Organisation

The course participants will meet regularly for a seminar discussion. These consist of lectures and discussions with the focus being on typical challenges students experience in technical writing. Assignments are compulsory.

Literature

See course homepage.

Examination including compulsory elements

The course grades are pass / fail, based on the compulsory assignments handed in during the course. Active participation in all assignments is required.

The course examiner may assess individual students in other ways than what is stated above if there are special reasons for doing so, for example if a student has a decision from Chalmers on educational support due to disability.