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 2010, 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:
- Brisbane — Tuesday 20 April, Stamford Plaza
- Canberra — Tuesday 4 May, University of Canberra
- Brisbane — Wednesday 8 September, Stamford Plaza
Positions are limited, so please register your interest soon.
Training for organisations
Biotext can provide training at your workplace, for up to 10 participants — see a list of organisations that we have given training to over the past three years. The client supplies a venue and refreshments; Biotext supplies a presenter and all training materials, including comprehensive course manuals. We can provide any combination of the courses listed below, and can also 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 | Successful science
writing, editing and
publication management Course outline |
Biotext runs this two-day course as an open course in cities around Australia. The workshop combines the courses T-2 and T-3. |
| 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
'Package of the three courses was an excellent learning experience — relevant and well delivered.'
[Paul, Townsville]
'Systematic treatment of important material presented clearly with practical examples.'
[Susan, Brisbane]
'I received some very timely information and other tips that I can take back to work.'
[Tracy, Canberra]
'A great overview of editing methods and requirements for communications professionals.'
[Cobi, Adelaide]