106-476 Technical Writing and Editing

This subject is only available to students enrolled in the publishing and communications program, or the Master of Arts (Science, Communication and Society).

This subject focuses on the writing and editing skills appropriate to technical and scientific publications. Students will learn how to tailor technical writing for both specialist and non-specialist audiences, how to make effective use of statistical diagrams and illustrations, and how to develop appropriate styles and structures for various genres of technical and scientific writing. Students successfully completing this subject will have a practical knowledge of the key skills needed to write and edit technical texts and will have prepared a technical manuscript to publication standard.

• have a high-level of written and oral communication skills through contribution to class discussions, the completion of exercises and assignments, and wide reading on issues in contemporary technical and scientific communication practice;

• have acquired skills in the deployment of visual materials both in traditional print genres and through digital media;

• have skills in research, including the use of online as well as print-based materials in the course of exercises and assignments;

• have skills in time management and planning through managing workloads for recommended reading, tutorial presentations and assessment requirements.

Class participation 10%; written article 2250 words 40% (due mid-semester); peer review 250 words 10% (due mid-semester); edited manuscript and covering letter 2000 words 35% (due late in the semester); submission evidence 500 words 5% (due at the end of the semester).

A subject reader will be available from the University Bookshop.