Writing a scientific article is a systematic process that can be learned and improved with guidance and training. The course provides hands-on training, applicable to quantitative scientific papers.

Participants are expected to bring the analyses of their own data. They will receive guidance on how to develop each manuscript section (e.g., Methods, Results, etc.), and how to avoid or correct common mistakes and pitfalls of scientific writing. Students also get hands-on training in the peer-review process.

The course meets mostly every two weeks (according to schedule) and is composed of seven structured meetings, including peer feedback and editing suggestions. Participants are expected to complete their writing assignments on their own and submit their work for peer review ahead of time.

Upon successful completion of the course, participants will have

• completed an almost final draft of a manuscript to be submitted for publication
• learned a systematic process for writing a scientific article

Students have completed analyses of quantitative data and are preparing a manuscript.

Students are novice writers of scientific papers and are preparing their PhD publication(s).

Group size: maximum 8 participants

Prof. Dr. Maria C. Katapodi,, Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel
Adjunct Associate Professor, University of Michigan School of Nursing

Dr. Alexandra Kulinkina, Project Leader at Swiss TPH
Adjunct Associate Professor, Tufts University Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy

~120 participant working hours distributed over 12-14 weeks, 4 ECTS

Learning contract required.

Course Assessment (Pass/Fail) criteria
1. Seminar participation (20%). Participants are expected to attend all sessions and actively participate in the peer-review process. Students may miss only one lecture, with appropriate justification. Please notify Prof. Katapodi in advance.
2. Writing (80%). Participants are expected to submit a “final” draft of their manuscript including all section outlined above in order to receive the 4 ECTS for the course.