Postgraduate course: How to read and write a scientific paper, 1 ECTS

The overall objective of this course is to train students to use effective writing practices and to have a general understanding of the basic principles for critical reading and self-critical writing. The participants work in groups, and each group analyses and presents a scientific article during the course. Additionally, analysis of an article will be used as a group exam. All participants are asked to send in a publication from their field (not one of your own) before the course begins.

After completing the course the student should be able to

• Identify what constitutes good scientific writing
• Describe the structure of an original research article and what each section typically should include (abstract, introduction, methods, results, discussion, conclusion)
• Critically evaluate and analyse already published research
• Identify and discuss shortcomings when critically reviewing their own scientific texts and those of peers
• Give and take constructive criticism on text coherence, structure, and clarity
• Meet journal requirements in order to get published

Prerequisites

Admitted to a postgraduate program in animal science, biology, veterinary medicine, food science, nutrition, nursing, bioinformatics or similar subjects, or to a residency program (or other specialization programme).

Examination

Active contribution during exercises and discussions. No written exam.

Additional information

Course leader is Professor Stig Larsen, stig.larsen@nmbu.no, the Norwegian University of Life Sciences, and the course will take place in SLU's Centre for Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science on campus Ultuna in Uppsala. If this is not possible due to the covid-19 situation the course will be held on Zoom.

For more information on practicalities, please contact Malin Hagberg Gustavsson, malin.gustavsson@slu.se.

Preliminary programme

Registration