“This course was extremely engaging, well-paced, and well-structured. I enjoyed the active participation and more "hands-on" approach in applying learned material.”

IMPRS, Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology, Tübingen, February 2021

“This workshop made writing my TAC report less daunting and more approachable.”

IMPRS, Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology, Tübingen, February 2021

“This class was amazing! Deborah did a great job!”

IMPRS, Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology, Tübingen, February 2021

“I really love the part about dividing the abstract and introduction into pre-defined sections. It makes writing easier and clearer.”

IMPRS, Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology, Tübingen, February 2021

“I gained confidence and motivation in scientific writing.”

IMPRS, Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology, Tübingen, February 2020

“This course really helped to structure and define my PhD project.”

IMPRS, Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology, Tübingen, February 2020

“It was much more interesting and exciting than I expected. Well done!”

IMPRS, Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology, Tübingen, February 2020

“The course was well delivered, well structured and a lot of fun!”

IMPRS, Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology, Tübingen, February 2020

“I found the guidelines on organizing each section of our report very useful.”

IMPRS, Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology, Tübingen, February 2020

“I loved the pro-active approach and the way we were strongly encouraged to think about our projects and how to present them.”

IMPRS, Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology, Tübingen, February 2020

Training:
Crafting a
convincing first
TAC report

Writing the first TAC report is often the first formal writing task that doctoral researchers face. It can be a challenging experience - the project may not be fully defined or the doctoral candidate may still be getting to grips with the content. BETA training helps participants to gain an overview of their projects, to identify key objectives, develop a plan and present this information clearly and concisely in their first report.

All courses are available online
All courses are available online
Overview
This course guides participants through the process of writing their first TAC report. Morning sessions consist of two components: one with a focus on structuring each report section and the other on honing scientific writing skills. Afternoons are dedicated to drafting the section discussed in the morning session. All participants receive written individual feedback and attend a short one-to-one discussion session with the workshop facilitator at the end of the week.
Target group
First year doctoral researchers. Training can be provided for both individuals and small groups (max. 10) from a post-graduate programme, research group or university department.
Course content

The workshop consists of two key strands, one focusing on structure and the other on writing skills.

Structure:

  • Articulating your research story
  • The Abstract: Drawing your reader in
  • The Introduction: Positioning your research
  • The Project Plan: Explaining how you will achieve your aims

Writing skills:

  • Principles of style
  • Formality and precision
  • Cohesion and flow
  • Punctuation and grammar
Method
This workshop uses authentic materials from the participants’ disciplines. The structural component is based on a genre analysis approach, identifying critical steps in each section of the target text. The language component includes short practical exercises within the disciplinary context. All participants have the opportunity to write first drafts of each report section and receive detailed individual feedback. Small groups foster a relaxed atmosphere, encouraging a high degree of interaction.
Course Format/Duration
This workshop consists of eight 90-minute units that are delivered during two 90-minute sessions per day over four days (e.g. Monday to Thursday 09:00-12:15). Friday is devoted to 15-minute individual feedback sessions with the workshop facilitator.
MENU