"Communicating Physics Research" (Phys 598 PEN) Course Offered in Spring 2013

In Spring 2013, I'm offering a Phys 598 Special Topics course on scientific writing and presentation, "Communicating Physics Research" (Phys 598 PEN). This course will offer physics grad students an opportunity to practice different forms of scientific writing and receive detailed feedback on their writing. Additionally, there will be instruction on how to give effective scientific presentations and opportunities for students to practice giving presentations in front of an audience. The course is open to all physics grad students, but preference will be given to more advanced students already involved in a project. I expect to limit the class size to no more than 25 students so I can provide useful feedback on all the writing and presentation assignments.

Course Details:

What: Communicating Physics Research (Phys 598 PEN)
When: Fridays, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., Spring 2013
Where: Rm. 144 Loomis
Credits: 4 credit hours
Instructor: Lance Cooper

Topics and associated writing and presentation activities that will be included in the course:
1. How to write a scientific abstract
2. How to give a journal club talk
3. How to write a referee report
4. How to organize and write different sections of a research paper
5. How to give a research presentation
6. How to write a research proposal
7. How to create and present a scientific poster

Additionally, I'll offer some instruction on basic writing and research skills, such as how to use online resources, how to reference papers properly, how to create effective figures and figure captions, etc., etc.

More information: Please contact slcooper@illinois.edu for more information about the course