This online course is intended for graduate students and early career faculty in the sciences whose first language is not English. Because English is the primary language of publication worldwide, and particularly in the sciences, the ability to write effectively in English can result in wider dissemination of research findings and improved career prospects.
This course will help you to structure your research writing more effectively while responding to the content and style demands of a unique academic journal that you will target for article submission. The course involves regular writing practice and revision based on self-assessment and feedback from the course tutor and peers.
Please be sure to read the information and instructions below before you register. We look forward to working with you!
Prior to registering, we encourage you to verify that your computer is compatible with our learning management system by clicking here.
A. Course Information
1. Who is this course for?
Scientific Writing and Publishing: Graduate ESL is intended for graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and early career researchers in the sciences whose first language is not English or who have limited experience writing in English for publication purposes.
2. How might I benefit from taking this course?
Because English is the primary language of publication worldwide, and particularly in the sciences, the ability to write effectively in English can result in wider dissemination of your research findings and improved career prospects, both in academia and in industry.
3. Is this a credit course?
Scientific Writing and Publishing: Graduate ESL is a non-credit course. Upon completion of the course, you will receive 4 Continuing Education Units (CEUs). Check with your home institution to determine whether these units might be recognized as co-curricular and/or professional development units.
4. How is the course structured?
YCCM 600 is divided into 7 modules to be completed over a period of 7 weeks. Each module is composed of learning units that allow you to
- work individually (virtual lessons, grammar and vocabulary exercises, written work to be submitted to the tutor, learning resources);
- communicate/collaborate with classmates (discussion forums);
- communicate with the tutor and/or other students (online meetings, email).
5. Is the schedule flexible?
Yes, but you must follow the course calendar and submit your work on the dates specified.
6. How many hours of work are required each week?
It is expected that you will devote 4 to 5 hours per week reviewing course materials, completing writing assignments and grammar, vocabulary, and style exercises, and contributing to discussions on online forums.
7. How will I be evaluated?
Evaluation is based on your individual written work and your participation in various learning activities.
8. How do I register for the course?
Please click here to register.
Prior to registering, we encourage you to verify that your computer is compatible with our learning management system by clicking here.
B. Registration Information
1. Do I have to take a placement test before registering?
No.
2. Can I CANCEL MY REGISTRATION before the course starts?
Yes. To avoid any financial charges, you must cancel your registration before 5:00 p.m. on the day before the class starts. The tuition fee will be fully refunded, and the course will not appear on your Record of Study.
3. Can I REGISTER for the course once it has started?
Yes, but you must register before midnight by the sixth day after the start of the class. Please click here to register.
4. Can I DROP the course once it has started?
If you wish to drop the course once it has started, you must do so before 5:00 p.m. on the third day after the start of class. The tuition fee will be refunded, minus a $20.00 administration charge, and the course will be deleted from your Record of Study.
If you do not drop the course before 5:00 p.m. on the third day after the start of class, the tuition fee cannot be refunded.
If you missed the course-drop deadline and you intend to withdraw from the course, you must do so before 5:00 p.m. on the sixth day after the start of class. For more details, please review the course-withdrawal policy set out in number 5 below.
5. Can I WITHDRAW from the course once it has started?
The official course-withdrawal period starts at 5:00 p.m. on the third day and ends at 5:00 p.m. on the sixth day after the start of class. No refund will be issued, and a grade of "W" will appear on your Record of Study.
As of 5:01 p.m. on sixth day after the start of class, it is not possible to officially withdraw from the course. If you decide not to finish the course, the grade indicated on your Record of Study will be based on the work you completed.
C. Online Tutor Information
1. What is the role of the Online Tutor?
In addition to evaluating student work and providing individualized feedback, tutors support students' learning in many ways. These include
- answering questions, offering explanations, and clarifying learning materials as needed;
- participating in communicative and collaborative activities;
- suggesting additional learning strategies as needed; and
- motivating and encouraging students to learn and succeed.
2. How do I get in touch with the Online Tutor?
Your tutor can be reached by email, on discussion forums, and during online meetings in real time.
D. Technical Requirements
1. What equipment do I need?
The course is optimized for the following configurations:
- Windows 7 or higher, MAC OS X
- High-speed Internet connection (DSL or cable)
- Headsets with microphone (USB recommended)
- Webcam
- Latest versions of Firefox, Chrome, or Safari (use any browser except for Internet Explorer)
- Microsoft Office Word or compatible.
2. Is my computer compatible?
Prior to registering for the course, we encourage you to verify that your computer is compatible with our learning management system by clicking here.
E. Whom Do I Contact?
1. Administrative Inquiries
For inquiries related to course registration, student billing, etc., please contact Client Services:
- Email: info.conted [at] mcgill.ca
- Phone: (1)-514-398-6200
- Fax: (1)-514-398-4448
Client Services personnel are available on Monday through Thursday, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:15 p.m., and Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. They are located on the 11th floor of 688 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal (corner of University Street). For additional information, please visit their website.
2. Academic Inquiries
Inquiries related to course content should be directed to the McGill Writing Centre:
- (1)-514-398-7109
- mwc [at] mcgill.ca
The McGill Writing Centre's staff are working from Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. We are located in the McLennan-Redpath Library, Main Floor, Room #02. The street address is 3459 McTavish Street, Montreal (corner of Sherbrooke Street West).
If you wish to meet with one of our academic staff, please request an appointment through mwc [at] mcgill.ca.
3. Technical Support
Once you have registered for the course, you can reach technical support personnel by telephone or Skype on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Canada, Eastern Standard Time):
- (1)-514-398-2216 (local or abroad)
- (1)-844-398-2216 (toll free, North America only)
- Skype username: techsupportscs
You can also send an email to techsupport.scs [at] mcgill.ca.