AESC30010
Source: https://hub.ucd.ie/usis/!W_HU_MENU.P_PUBLISH?p_tag=MODULE&MODULE=AESC30010&TERMCODE=202500&ACYR=2026 Parent: https://hub.ucd.ie/usis/!W_HU_MENU.P_PUBLISH?p_tag=COURSE&MAJR=ESS1&AUDIENCE=
Academic Year 2025/2026
Scientific Writing and Review (AESC30010)
Subject: : Agricultural&Environmental Sci
College: : Health & Agricultural Sciences
School: : Agriculture & Food Science
Level: : 3 (Degree)
Credits: : 5
Module Coordinator: : Professor Olaf Schmidt
Trimester: : Spring
Mode of Delivery: : On Campus
Internship Module: : No
How will I be graded? : Letter grades
Curricular information is subject to change.
This is a 7-week module. It is aimed at advanced undergraduate students (Stage 3 or 4). It facilitates the development of generic skills in scientific writing and literature review. Sources of scientific information will be described, with emphasis on the value of peer-reviewed resources. The use of indexed sources of information will be introduced and search operations for the selection of pertinent literature sources from electronic catalogues and databases will be demonstrated and applied by the students. The module will introduce students to fundamental differences between scientific writing (e.g. theses, journal articles, technical reports) and other forms of writing (e.g. popular, journalistic, literary, blogs). It will explain how to read scientific articles. Principles of scientific writing will be detailed, including linguistic style, citation and bibliography, construction of arguments, structure and sections of scientific texts, using data and graphical information, plagiarism and publication outlet-specific conventions. Peer-review will be introduced and practised by the students.
About this Module
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What will I learn?
Learning Outcomes:
On completion of this module, students should be able to:\ - Distinguish between scientific (peer-reviewed) and other sources of information;\ - Search electronic databases to find relevant literature on a specific topic;\ - Understand the differences between scientific and other forms of writing;\ - Write a scientific review paper on a specific topic;\ - Participate in peer-review (as author and reviewer) to improve a scientific document;\ - Prepare a short oral presentation using PowerPoint or similar software.
Indicative Module Content:
The use of abstracted or indexed sources of information will be introduced and search operations for the selection of pertinent literature sources from electronic catalogues and databases will be applied by the students in computer assisted practicals. The module will introduce students to fundamental differences between scientific writing (e.g. theses, journal articles, technical reports) and other forms of writing (e.g. popular, journalistic, literary, blogs) and will explain how to read scientific articles. Students will learn about principles of scientific writing, including linguistic style, citation and bibliography, construction of arguments, structure and sections of scientific texts, using data and graphical information, plagiarism and publication outlet-specific conventions. The students will apply those principles and skills in the researching, drafting, peer-reviewing and revising of a written literature review. The students will prepare informative and visually appealing slides for an oral presentation on a scientific topic.
How will I learn?
Student Effort Hours:
| Student Effort Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 14 |
| Small Group | 6 |
| Computer Aided Lab | 6 |
| Specified Learning Activities | 40 |
| Autonomous Student Learning | 45 |
| --- | --- |
| Total | 111 |
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Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lectures will introduce theoretical content. Computer Assisted Laboratories (CALs) will include practical learning exercises on library skills, database searches and the design of presentation slides.\ Each student will conduct a literature review on a set topic related to their degree programme and produce a written review. As part of this task, they will also engage in a peer-review exercise with their fellow students, giving and receiving feedback on their drafts, and prepare visual material for an oral presentation.
Am I eligible to take this module?
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Exclusions:\
Similar Modules on writing skills
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Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Incompatibles:\ BIOL30040 - Scientific Writing for Biology\ \ Equivalents:\ Scientific Writing & Review (BIOL40020), Scientific Writing & Review (SBES30010), Scientific Writing & Review (SBES40020)\ \ \ \
How will I be assessed?
Assessment Strategy
| Description | Timing | Component Scale | Must Pass Component | % of Final Grade | In Module Component Repeat Offered |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assignment(Including Essay): A written literature review | Week 7 | Graded | No | 50 | No |
| Participation in Learning Activities: Presentation: Preparation of slides and recording of an oral presentation | Week 4 | Graded | No | 10 | No |
| Practical Skills Assessment: Open-book tests in computer labs | Week 2, Week 3 | Graded | No | 20 | No |
| Reflective Assignment: A peer-review exercise. Students exchange draft literature reviews with a peer, read them and then give each other feedback. | Week 5, Week 6 | Graded | No | 20 | No |
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Carry forward of passed components
Yes
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What happens if I fail?
| Resit In | Terminal Exam |
|---|---|
| Autumn | No |
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. \
Assessment feedback
Feedback Strategy/Strategies
• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment\ • Group/class feedback, post-assessment\ • Peer review activities\ • Self-assessment activities\
How will my Feedback be Delivered?
Peer-review and self-assessment using a draft version. Group/class feedback on all open book tests. Option of written mini-report as feedback on final written literature review.
Associated Staff
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Dr Matthew O'Brien | Lecturer / Co-Lecturer |
When is this module offered?
Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
| Spring | Lecture | Offering 1 | Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 | Thurs 14:00 - 14:50 |
| Spring | Lecture | Offering 1 | Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 | Tues 14:00 - 14:50 |
| Spring | Computer Aided Lab | Offering 2 | Week(s) - 20, 21, 22 | Tues 15:00 - 16:50 |
| Spring | Seminar | Offering 2 | Week(s) - 23, 24, 25, 26 | Tues 15:00 - 16:50 |
| Spring | Computer Aided Lab | Offering 4 | Week(s) - 20, 21, 22 | Wed 15:00 - 16:50 |
| Spring | Seminar | Offering 4 | Week(s) - 23, 24, 25, 26 | Wed 15:00 - 16:50 |
| Spring | Computer Aided Lab | Offering 5 | Week(s) - 20, 21, 22 | Thurs 15:00 - 16:50 |
| Spring | Seminar | Offering 5 | Week(s) - 23, 24, 25, 26 | Thurs 15:00 - 16:50 |