Courses
Would you like to be able to turn dry, complex scientific prose into clear, readable text suitable for any audience? Would you like to unravel the language of evidence, or feel more confident about writing a scientific paper or poster? Then come along to one of the many training courses that Biotext offers.
All of our courses are highly interactive, involving a mix of presentations, group discussion, and exercises. We also provide comprehensive notes for each course, and a list of online resources for further reading. See the table below for a summary of courses currently on offer.
Training for individuals
Biotext regularly runs small-group training courses that are open to anyone who wishes to apply. In 2009, we will be running the course Successful science writing and editing (T-2) in Canberra, Brisbane and Sydney.
Course dates and venues are as follows:
- Canberra — Tuesday 12 May, University of Canberra
- Brisbane — Wednesday 15 July, Stamford Plaza
- Sydney — Tuesday 15 September, Hotel Mercure
Positions are limited, so please register your interest soon.
Registration is now open for Canberra, Brisbane and Sydney.
Training for organisations
Biotext can provide training at your workplace, for up to 15 participants — we have trained people from a wide range of organisations over the past five years. We ask the client to supply a venue and refreshments; we supply the trainer and all training materials, including comprehensive course manuals. If required, we can tailor courses to meet the specific needs of your organisation. If you would like to book a course, or receive further information, please contact Biotext at admin@biotext.com.au.
Course outlines
| No. | Course title | Outline |
|---|---|---|
| T-1 | Combined course |
Biotext can combine any of the topics listed below to create a training course that meets specific needs. For example, we can combine T-2 and
T-5 in a one-day course that covers science writing, editing and language of evidence. Or we can combine
T2 and T6 in a two-day course that covers science writing and editing, and writing a scientific paper and poster. We can also provide training on media releases and grant applications. |
| T-2 | Successful science writing and editing Course outline | This one-day course
is aimed at anyone who
writes or edits material
dealing with science
and technology, for
any audience. By the end of this course, you should be able to write text that is easy to read and understand, and communicate complex information clearly, accurately and effectively. You will also understand the role of an editor and be able to use editing skills to improve your own and other people’s work. |
| T-3 | Successful science copyediting and publication management Course outline |
This one-day course
is aimed at anyone who
edits work that concerns scientific topics, and anyone who
is involved in managing
any part of the publication
process. By the end of this course, you should understand what is special about science editing, know where to look for answers to editing questions, be aware of the different steps in the publication process, and be able to work effectively with authors, editors and designers to produce printed or web-based publications. |
| T-4 | Editing for science communicators Course outline |
This half-day course is aimed specifically at those wishing to communicate science to a broad audience. By the end of this course, you should understand what is special about science editing, be aware of the different stages in editing a document and know how to identify and tackle the main challenges for science editors. |
| T-5 | The language of
evidence Course outline |
This half-day course is aimed
at anyone who writes
about scientific evidence,
whether it be for a
scientific audience
or the public. We can also run this module as a 90-minute workshop. By the end of this workshop, you will be able to identify common problems in writing about scientific evidence, and use strategies to eliminate misleading statements and bias. |
| T-6 | Writing a scientific paper Course outline |
This course is aimed at anyone who writes papers for scientific journals. By the end of this course, you should be able to prepare a scientific paper; for example, organising material appropriately, constructing an abstract, using tenses correctly and following instructions for authors. |
What the participants say
'Relevant and practical. I'm looking forward to putting the ideas into practice.'
[Suzanne, Hobart]
'Has helped immensely by providing a clear outline of what to be aware of when writing and editing.'
[Katherine, Brisbane]
'Comprehensive and applicable to all kinds of technical writing — not just science.'
[Bronte, Melbourne]
'A great overview of editing methods and requirements for communications professionals.'
[Cobi, Adelaide]