Course Description
Technical writing is required in many forms – research/contract proposals, progress/regulatory reports, assessment/client reports – and it consumes a large proportion of the ongoing activities of consulting companies, academia, government and private business. For consulting companies, the final technical report represents the main product delivered to the client, thus it is critical that the report meets the highest standards of professional scientific writing. This online module is designed for Technicians, Managers, Biologists or Environmental Professionals who are responsible for writing within an organization. Students will be trained on the techniques used for comprehensive, yet concise, technical writing. Practical exercises using Microsoft® Word and Excel will emphasize how to: edit and format for concise writing, present data professionally and communicate complex themes.
This course meets the communications requirements for registration with the College of Applied Biology.
Objective
- Write concisely using an unambiguous, engaging style
- Create the key components of a scientific/technical report: Abstract/Executive Summary, Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion and Literature Cited
- Distinguish between relevant and irrelevant material for inclusion in a report
- Distinguish between primary and secondary literature and how to properly search for valid information online
- Compose a detailed, but concise “Methods” section that is easily reproducible by others in the field
- Compose a clear “Results” section with appropriate formatting of graphs and tables
- Appropriately cite published reports that are related to the study
- Edit writing from peers and understand the review/edit/redraft process
Format
Class: 24 hours online module, in a self paced format.
Please Note: After registration, it will take up to 24 hours to access online module(s).
Prerequisites
Grade 12 equivalency would be recommended.
Upcoming Deliveries and Registration Information
See our program schedule for a list of all upcoming NREP course deliveries. If this course is not currently noted in the schedule, please contact NREP@viu.ca to enquire about future opportunities. Prior to registering for any NREP course, please review the program's registration guidelines, including important cancellation and refund policy information.