Writing for Physics

I am enrolled in a Physics course; why do I need to learn how to write?

There are a number of reasons why developing and applying effective communication skills are necessary for your academic and professional success. Particularly in the sciences, you must use written evidence to convince your readers that your hypotheses are correct, your methods are reliable, and your conclusions are sound; no matter how much you know about physics and the principles of this science, without the skills to communicate this knowledge effectively to others, no one, including yourself, benefits from your technical expertise or accomplishments. Therefore, it is our goal (the goal of your professor, T.A, and writing instructor) that you develop writing skills that will help you in the following ways:

Effective writing is not simply "correct writing," i.e., writing that adheres to all of the rules; effective writing IS writing that conveys ideas easily and accurately to the audiences who will use them. Hence, it is our goal that you begin learning and applying the writing skills you need to communicate your ideas effectively. Writing for Physics has been designed to help you learn and cultivate these skills.

What will I l learn in Writing for Physics?

This "course within a course" is designed to teach you the writing skills you need to prepare the required lab reports for Physics 218. (For each experiment/lab you perform during your lab/recitation meetings, you will complete an accompanying report or technical memo.) Instruction will focus on the process* by which a lab report is completed, addressing a different stage of the process and related skills at each weekly meeting. By the end of the semester, we will have discussed and applied all stages and relevant skills in the preparation of your lab reports; thus, your reports should demonstrate writing competencies expected of scientific writers.

What topics will we cover?

The topics we will cover accompany the 8 stages of the writing process* and include the following: developing a technical memo, developing the 5 parts of a lab report (abstract, introduction, experimental arrangement, results and analysis, and conclusion); integrating quotations, paraphrases, and summaries; applying appropriate citation (IEEE) guidelines; avoiding plagiarism, applying effective research strategies; developing effective graphics and integrating them appropriately;  using effective style (voice, diction, sentence length, and point of view), developing coherent and cohesive paragraphs; adhering to guidelines for correct punctuation, grammar, and usage; adhering to formatting guidelines (spacing, headings, graphics, footnotes, margins, etc.); and meeting ethical and legal standards that relate to scientific writing.

When do we meet?

We will meet Monday and Wednesday evenings in 200 Heldenfels from 6-7:30. Each week we will cover a new topic/stage of the scientific writing process along with relevant writing skills. We will discuss the same topic on Monday and Wednesday of each week; you are welcome to come to either session each week but do not need to attend both Monday and Wednesday sessions in the same week.

Am I required to attend?

Your attendance at technical writing sessions is required and is part of your grade. (The time you spend in the lab has been reduced in order to accommodate the time you will spend at these sessions.) See the policy statement for more information on attendance.

What if I miss a session, can I still get the materials?

Yes, you can get materials online, including lecture notes and handouts; you may also contact your instructor, Mrs. Raisor, during office hours (Mondays from11-12 & 1:30-5 and Wednesdays from 1:30-4 at Blocker 247F), by phone (458-1353), or by e-mail.

How will my reports be evaluated?

Each lab report you submit will be evaluated by two instructors in two different areas: physics and technical writing. Your physics T.A. will grade your lab report for physics content, and your technical writing instructor (or T.A.) will grade your report for its technical writing effectiveness or your assignment will be assessed using CPR (calibrated peer review). Your writing instructors will use a detailed rubric for assessment that identifies critical areas of effective technical communication.