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Reviewing Technical Documents is a Course

Reviewing Technical Documents

Ended Dec 6, 2021

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Full course description

Synopsis

Peer review can improve the quality of technical documents, but the process of working well with colleagues and their writing can be a learning curve. This module offers a step-by-step method to maximize efficiency, collaborate effectively, and catch as many errors as possible to be a team that turns out top-quality papers and communications.

Upon successful completion of this a module, participants are issued a digital verifiable badge.

This module is part of UBC Okanagan’s non-credit micro-credential, Critical Skills for Communication in the Technical Sector, an 8-module program that covers skills essential for employment and career advancement in the science and engineering sectors. Participants who successfully complete all eight modules will earn a UBC Okanagan Letter of Proficiency, a non-credit credential.

Course Structure, Delivery and Fees

  • This module is designed to be completed in five to six hours; you have two weeks to complete the module once you have started it. All work must be completed by November 22, 2021.
  • Content comprises asynchronous readings, video lectures, exercises, and assignments. Coursework is assessed as ‘Pass’ or ‘Fail’. All materials and engagement activities are delivered fully online through Canvas Catalog.
  • The fee for this module is $150 and is non-refundable. Access to all instructional content required to complete the module is included and there are no additional fees for textbooks.
  • Once enrolled, you may access the course through your Student Dashboard. Prior to the module release date, the course will appear with a lock symbol over the course card. Once released, the course will have a “Begin Course” link.
  • You may enter a course and review the background materials any time after the release date. You may choose to start the module at your convenience. Once started, you have a maximum of two weeks to complete the module, as long as all work is completed by November 22, 2021. 

Module Completion Recognition

Upon successful completion of a module, participants are issued a digital verifiable badge, which may be claimed and displayed on social media platforms (e.g., LinkedIn) and personal online e-portfolios, resumes, and CVs. Each badge contains metadata that encapsulates the learning outcomes achieved.

Admission requirements

This non-credit learning opportunity has no pre-requisites nor does it require a prior or existing affiliation with UBC. The content is designed for adult learners; participants must be 18 years or older. Language of instruction is English.

This course is designed for professionals who will have typically earned a university degree or college diploma in a science or engineering discipline and are engaged in continuing professional development (e.g., for a professional association/society such as Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia, BC Institute of Agrologists, Association of BC Forest Professionals, College of Applied Biology).

Technical Requirements

This module is delivered fully online using the Canvas learning management system.

It is expected that participants have access to a personal computer connected to the Internet with speakers, web-camera and a microphone and that the computer is installed with web browser, word processor, spreadsheet and presentation software.

Help sessions use Zoom (technical requirements). 

Course Materials

Course content, submission of coursework, and assessment are conducted in Canvas Catalog. Canvas Catalog software is accessed via a web browser. Links to optional and extended learning materials also are provided but are not required to complete the micro-credential.

Course notes are provided in a pdf format that can be downloaded for future use. Video content is available only through Canvas Catalogue. 

All materials required for completion of the micro-credential are provided within Canvas Catalogue. Participants do not have online access to the UBC Library system. 

Course Facilitator

Christa Bedwin, B.Ed., B.Sc. is a Senior Technical Editor, who has 20 years’ experience coaching scientific and engineering writers, and editing for industry, government, academia, and educational and trade publishers, with specialties in engineering and the environment. She has taught technical writing to professional engineers and scientists in Canada and internationally; has published three textbooks about writing for scientific reporting consultants; and among other projects has contributed chapters to Editors Canada’s two most recent publications, Editing Canadian English and its companion volume, Editorial Niches.

Additional Information

This credential is offered as part of the Career and Personal Development program administered by the Department of Earth, Environmental and Geographic Sciences at UBC Okanagan. Queries about the credential, or the EEGS Department CPD program more generally, should be submitted to: eegs.cpd@ubc.ca. The CPD Program coordinator is Ms. Marni Turek.

Last updated: September 21, 2021. ML