Pharos University in Alexandria
Faculty of Engineering
HU113: Technical Report Writing
Lecture 1: Course Outline
Prof. Dr. Abdelsamie Moet
Fall 2012/13
Course Description
• HU 113 Technical Reports Writing and Presentation
Skills
2[2-0-2]
• The course teaches the students the basic skills and
structure of technical writing .The student is introduced
to the methods of data collection and its preparation for
report writing for projects and industrial purposes. Types
of reports, contents of reports, reduced reports, means
of graphs representation, Patterns of writing are
presented through the use of formal-informal report.
Training in using word processing and CV preparation is
introduced. preparation of short talks, scientific
discussion and presentation is also introduced.
• Prerequisites: None
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Intended Learning Objectives
• Write and turn-around accurate technical documents
quickly to meet deadlines and productivity goals
• Design, edit, and revise a variety of documents
according to the basic norms of written technical
communication.
• Select, organize, reference, and present information in
order to communicate a clear, grammatically correct
message.
• Compose coherent texts using content and language
appropriate for the intended readers.
• Present your technical report more effectively both
internally and externally
• Capture technical and non-technical audience by
delivering presentation with power and authority
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Grades
•
•
•
•
Tutorial In-class Work
Assignments
Midterm Exams
Final Exam (Lectures & Tutorial)
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10
20
50
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Lecture Topics
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Course Outline; Becoming an Engineer
Communication Skills
Elements and Standards of Technical Writing
Initial Preparation, Planning and Research
Report Structure, Style, Grammar and
Checking
6. Writing and Communicating CV
7. Presentation Skills
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Becoming an Engineer
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Global Equivalency . . .
. . . for the Better
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Specifications of an Engineer
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Modern Engineer: ABET a-k Criteria
Engineering programs must demonstrate that their graduates have:
(a) an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and
engineering
(b) an ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to
analyze and interpret data
(c) an ability to design a system, component, or process to meet
desired needs
(d) an ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams
(e) an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering
problems
(f) an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility
(g) an ability to communicate effectively
(h) the broad education necessary to understand the impact of
engineering solutions in a global and societal context
(i) a recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in lifelong learning
(j) a knowledge of contemporary issues
(k) an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering
tools necessary for engineering
practice.
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ABET in KSA
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Mälardalen University
Sweden
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Birmingham University Site
http://library.bcu.ac.uk/learner/writingguides/1.02%20Reports.htm
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Penn State Site
Writing Guidelines for Engineering and
Science Students
http://www.writing.engr.psu.edu/
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National Information Standards
Organization
• Scientific and Technical Reports —
Elements, Organization, and Design
http://www.ece.nmsu.edu/pdf/Z39-181995.pdf
Driver
For
Knowledge
Economy
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Lab Report Writing
North Carolina State University:
http://www.ncsu.edu/labwrite/info/howto.htm
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Textbook
Report Writing Style Guide for
Engineering Students, 4th edition, Anne
Winckel and Bonnie Hart, University of
South Australia Foundation Inc, 2002
http://www.eas.slu.edu/People/DJCrossley/s
comm/EOST09/report-engineering.pdf
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Reference Book
Gurak, Laura J. and John M. Lannon. A
Concise Guide to Technical
Communication. 3rd ed. New York:
Longman, 2007.
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No
Why
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Dictionary and Thesaurus
http://dictionary.reference.com/
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Write a short (2-3 pages) essay on the following
subject:
Becoming a 21st Century Engineer
Due Next Week
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Write
Do Not
Copy
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Directions
http://library.bcu.ac.uk/learner/writingguides/1.01%20Essays.htm
 Collect the material (from sources: references)
•
•
•
•
Introduction
Body of the essay (elements)
Conclusion
References
Consult
Mrs
Rana
 Title page: includes the title, your name and the name
of the tutor to whom it is being submitted, date of
submission, your course/department,
 Avoid “fancy” fonts and effects and don’t include any
clipart.
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Report vs. Essay
Report
Essay
Presents information
Presents an argument
Table of contents and numbered pages
No contents page
Uses numbered headings and subheadings Minimal subheadings if any
Uses short concise paragraphs and dot
points where applicable
Links ideas into cohesive paragraphs,
rather than breaking down into dot points
Graphics used (illustrations, tables,
graphs)
No illustrations
References required
References required
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Essay Evaluation Grid
http://www.majortests.com/sat/essayscoring.php
SAT
Standardized
Admission
Test
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