Short Course 2016
Scientific Writing for International Health
Online course
This course has been designed to help students improve their scientific writing skills and
communicate research to different audiences (other researchers, non-specialists, etc.).
Through a combination of online lectures, discussions, manuscript clinics and practical written
exercises, this eight-week course focuses on how to write effectively, concisely and clearly
and takes students through the preparation of an actual scientific manuscript.
Objectives
After successful completion of the course, students will be able
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To use and synthesise information from the different disciplines relevant to
international health (basic sciences, applied life sciences and social sciences)
To write effectively, concisely, and clearly, and prepare an actual scientific manuscript
or grant
To translate knowledge produced through research into understandable, accessible
and relevant evidence that can be used by other researchers and decision-makers for
different purposes
To discuss and analyse journal articles on a wide range of international health topics
that present data in different ways
To synthesise, package and contextualise research findings for different audiences
relevant to international health and make specific rhetorical choices to suit these
audiences
Content
This course is organised in eight different (one-hour) sessions, addressing the following
topics:
1. What is good writing and how does writing for international health differ from other
types of scientific writing?
2. Word choice
3. Sentence structure and punctuation
4. Paragraphs and document organisation
5. Putting it together: Scientific manuscripts — Methods, results, tables and figures
6. Putting together: Scientific manuscripts — Abstracts, introduction and discussion
7. Synthesising and contextualising research findings for different international health
audiences
8. Overview of proposal writing
Evaluation
Students will be assessed as follows:
 20% Class attendance
 40% Weekly homework exercises
 40% Final written assignment
Certification
A certificate will be awarded to those participants who reach the acceptable level of
performance, which is defined as 60% of the achievable maximum. 2 ECTS will be granted
upon successful completion of this module.
Prerequisites
Students must show English language proficiency: TOEFL 550 (paper based), 213 (computer
based), 79-80 (internet based) or IELTS 6.0, or English native speaker or completed higher
education in English (with written proof).
This course is conducted entirely online, therefore access to a reliable broadband internet
connection is essential.
Course fee
The course fee is CHF 1,800 for students and CHF 1,600 for all Swiss TPH students and
those registered as a tropEd Master student at a tropEd home institution.
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Application Deadline: 17 December 2015
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For further information, please contact the course coordinator, Amena Briët at
amena.briet@unibas.ch