Publishing skills: Effective Bio-Medical Writing

Information and communication techniques

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Effective Medical Reading | Effective Bio-Medical Writing | Team Research Writer

EBW - Effective Bio-Medical Reading & Writing ™

An advanced, semester-long course for doctoral students and young researchers in the biomedical sciences. During the course, participants are guided through the process of writing a research paper using their own experimental data, following the latest standards of good scientific reporting. Each session is composed of short lectures and practical work in small groups, focused on critical reading, problem solving and original writing. The course, given entirely in English language, focuses on the presentation of scientific content (this is not a language course). The course has been given to graduate students in molecular medicine at the University of Milan on three consecutive years and in experimental oncology at the National Tumor Institute (Milan), organized with the Open University (London).

Main goals of course

Learn how to correctly structure a research report
Know how to strategically choose the best presentation of data in graphic or textual form
Experience writing and revising, as well as working with a medical editor
Write a publication-quality research paper according to the latest international standards

Teaching strategies

Lectures provide strategies for writing each section of a research paper, starting with the presentation of results
Small group work: problem-solving exercises and peer discussion
Critical discussion in class: enhanced learning and scientific reasoning
At the end of the course, participants will have written a publication-quality brief communication

Prerequisites for participation

University degree in medicine, biology or related biomedical field
Ability to read and write English
Ability to understand English spoken by a native speaker

Main course topics

Biomedical publication: journals, articles, peer review
Reading in the biomedical sciences: browsing and critical appraisal
Writing process: from presenting data in tables and figures, to outlining and drafting Results, then Methods, next Introduction, finally Discussion
Defining the article: study hypothesis, scopes, actions
Guidelines for quality reporting
Scientific writing: sentence, paragraph, section
Deciding authorship
Figures and tables: roles, choice, design, legends
Reporting statistics
Citation, paraphrasing, plagiarism
Completing the text with title, abstract, closing notes
Revising and self-editing to ensure internal coherence
Anticipating peer reviewers' criticisms
Preparing a cover letter that attracts attention
Responding to peer reviewers

Flexible format The format will be adapted to meet each client's needs and interests. Common formats are:

Classic version 35-45 hours, in 7-10 days at intervals of two or more weeks (depending on number of participants)
Compact version (suitable for summer school) 40 hours, in 5 consecutive days

The course is organized for preformed groups and is held conveniently in your institute. A brief bio of the instructor is available here. For further information: Dr. V. Matarese, Ph.D. (+39-0423-985191; info@uptoit.org)