This is a quick post to mention that a new course starts today at Coursera, called Writing in the Sciences. It’s a free, 8-week, online course designed for scientists, but I’m hoping that it will benefit medical translators too. Clear, effective writing is essential when translating articles for publication in medical journals, and readability is an important consideration when translating informed consents.
The first four weeks of the “Writing in the Sciences” course will cover principles of effective writing, how to edit poorly written texts and tips for streamlining your style. The second four weeks will focus on issues specific to scientific writing, including peer review, manuscript formats and communicating science for lay audiences.
I’m pretty busy right now with work and the Statistics One course, so my plan is to enrol on “Writing in the Sciences” and follow it off-line, brushing up on my writing skills as I go. But if anyone’s interested in doing the course in real time and gaining a certificate of completion at the end of it, then now’s the time to sign up.
Signs & Symptoms of Translation 
Thanks for the info, Emma. I’ve signed up, although I don’t know if I’ll have time to do more than follow the course on-line, as you’re doing. We’ll see…
Glad to hear we’re going to be fellow students, Cinnamon! I watched a couple of the video lectures yesterday and they’re a bit basic, but it’s still early days.
Emma
Hi Emma,
I’m glad I found your blog. I am also (mainly) a medical translator (En-Fr) and have enjoyed reading your posts. I love the idea of taking courses online and I am taking the pharmacology course offered by Coursera. It is very basic, but a good review. I’ll have to take a look at Writing for the Sciences, but like Cinnamon Nolan, the problem is often a lack of time.
Thank you for keeping us informed!
Thanks for your comment, Johanne. You’re right, online courses are very convenient, especially when you can do them at your own pace. I see the pharmacology course is going to be repeated next year, so I may sign up for it then.
Emma
Thank you, Emma!
I’ve just signed up for the course, better late then never. This should be very interesting and useful course, and I’m sure I can use all the tips and tricks for scientific writing/translation into Russian. All translators are a bit writers, aren’t we?
Hi Yana, yes, a lot of the advice does indeed apply to all languages, not just English. I’m enjoying the course more and more as it progresses. Hope you do too!
Emma