Principles of Scientific & Technical Writing Research

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Course Code: 
64300
Course Outline: 

Course 
Contents

This course is intended to be a general compulsory course for the students in the engineering education programs. This course in its broad perspective introduces the key concepts related to scientific research and technical writing within an engineering framework. The course covers the chief definitions of scientific research and its types, approaches, and ethics, elaborates the research methodologies, illustrates the importance of research along with its generic outcomes, and highlights the role of the scientific-research centers in this regard with emphasis on An-Najah National University in specific and worldwide in general. Professional methods of successful technical writing and its importance are highlighted. The fundamental communication means of research outcomes are manifested including specialized journals, presentations, scientific meetings, conferences, and workshops.

Course 
Objectives

In this course, we will introduce the students to the following:
Definition of scientific research and its importance, examples on scientific research, and the major outcomes of scientific research
• Aspects of professional technical writing with demonstration of the different writing qualities
Types of scientific research and methodological approaches
• How to choose a topic for a scientific research and do search for your research
• Elements of a scientific report 
• Communication of research outcomes
• Working with digital resources

Learning 
Outcomes and 
Competences

1

  Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of scientific research and the role of professional technical writing

 E   J 

50 %

2

Perform subject searches in specialized scientific databases and online resources

 I 

15 %

3

Demonstrate an ability to communicate effectively

 G 

15 %

4

Demonstrate the ability of an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility.

 F 

10 %

5

Demonstrate the ability to use techniques, skills for professional engineering research

 K 

10 %

Textbook and 
/ or Refrences

The class notes are the main source of information for this course and can be downloaded from the following website:
OCC(Open Course Container)

Assessment 
Criteria

Percent (%)

Projects

50 %

Final Exam

50 %

Week

Subject

1_2

Scientific research
• What is the scientific research? 
• Why do we conduct scientific research?
• Who conducts scientific research? Examples on scientific research
• What are the outcomes of scientific research?
• Which countries and universities are leading in scientific research? Where is the position of Palestine researchers?
• Fundamental Principles of Scientific Research

3_4

Effective Use of Web Search 
• How to search for your research information

5_9

Technical Writing (Report and Paper) Using Microsoft Office 2007
• What is the technical writing? 
• What do we pay attention to technical writing
• What is the importance of technical writing? Examples of poor, good and outstanding technical writing

• Elements of a scientific research paper and how to write such a paper Assignment [1] : Write Technical Report for specified problem (30 Marks) 

10_11

Successful oral presentations for engineers

12_15

Assignment [2] : Presentations for specified topics (20 Marks)

16

Final Exam