Bi5612en Critical Thinking and Creative Work in Science

Faculty of Science
Autumn 2024
Extent and Intensity
2/0/0. 2 credit(s) (plus extra credits for completion). Type of Completion: k (colloquium).
Teacher(s)
Mgr. Jakub Harnoš, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Guaranteed by
Mgr. Jakub Harnoš, Ph.D.
Department of Experimental Biology – Biology Section – Faculty of Science
Supplier department: Department of Experimental Biology – Biology Section – Faculty of Science
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is offered to students of any study field.
Course objectives
This beginner-level course is designed to introduce students to the fundamental principles of English writing and scientific thinking, with a particular emphasis on bachelor thesis writing. The course aims to provide students with the necessary skills to write and communicate effectively in English within a scientific context. The course is tailored for undergraduate students and is suitable for those with limited prior experience in writing and scientific research.
Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of this beginner-level course, students will be able to:
Apply the fundamental principles of English writing and scientific thinking to effectively communicate scientific ideas in written form.
Craft clear and concise scientific articles and research reviews, specifically tailored for bachelor thesis writing.
Utilize grammar and graphic editing tools effectively to enhance the clarity and coherence of their scientific writing.
Syllabus
  • Week 1-2: Introduction to Scientific Writing
  • • Overview of the importance of effective scientific communication
  • • Basic principles of English writing and scientific thinking
  • • Understanding the structure and components of scientific writing and visualization
  • Week 3-4: Writing Bachelor Thesis
  • • Developing skills in writing clear and concise scientific information
  • • Crafting the bachelor thesis
  • • Understanding the importance of structure and coherence in scientific writing
  • Week 5-6: Research Review/Article Writing
  • • Understanding the purpose and structure of research articles/reviews
  • • Writing effective abstracts, introductions, and main text sections for research papers
  • • Critically evaluating existing research and synthesizing information
  • Week 7-8: Grammar and Graphic Editing Tools
  • • Introduction to grammar and graphic editing tools
  • • Common grammatical errors in scientific writing and how to avoid them
  • • Utilization of grammar and graphic editing tools to enhance writing quality
  • Week 9-10: Crafting Clear and Impactful Scientific Posters
  • • Understanding the principles of effective graphic design
  • • Designing visually appealing and informative scientific posters
  • • Presentation techniques for conveying research findings in a clear and engaging manner
  • Week 11-12: Final Project and Review
  • • Students will apply the skills learned throughout the course to write a scientific article or research review relevant to their bachelor thesis topic.
  • • Peer review and feedback on final projects
  • • Reflection on progress and application of skills learned
Literature
  • DOUMONT, Jean-luc. Trees, maps, and theorems : effective communication for rational minds. Kraainem, Belgium: Principiae, 2009, 169 s. ISBN 9789081367707. info
Teaching methods
Teaching methods will include interactive lectures and online resources. The course will be delivered through in-person lectures.
Assessment methods
Assessment will encompass written assignments and oral presentations to evaluate students' proficiency and understanding of course content.
Attendance at 80% of sessions is strongly encouraged to ensure optimal engagement and learning outcomes.
Language of instruction
English
Follow-Up Courses
  • Permalink: https://is.muni.cz/course/sci/autumn2024/Bi5612en