TWC 150 Introduction to Technical Writing and Communications I

School of Environment and Geomatics

TWC 150 Introduction to Technical Writing and Communications I is an introduction to general principles in written technical communication and their application to environmental concerns and workplace communication. Classroom sessions focus on developing writing skills, the organization and presentation of data, basic report formats, and job search techniques.

Prerequisites: Admission to the School of Environment and Geomatics

Accessibility Services Notice

Students who would like an academic accommodation and who have a documented disability should contact Accessibility Services, if they have not already done so.

Transfer Agreements

Course to Course transfer – YesBlock Transfer – Yesbctransferguide.ca
Course Details
Total number of weeks15
Total Credits
Total Hours45
Typical hours per week breakdown
Lecture3

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to:

  1. Exhibit professional behaviours such as respect for colleagues, punctuality, willingness to think independently, and pride in presentation of work
  2. Practice writing in sufficient quantity to develop conciseness, correctness and clarity
  3. Critically analyze and predict the needs of different purposes and audiences in written communication
  4. Demonstrate page design techniques in a variety of written formats
  5. Practice job search techniques and interview skills
  6. Write resumes and job letters aimed at specific employers

Teaching and Learning Approach

This course is learner-centered, which means that lectures are minimal and you can expect to be active in the classroom. This also means that you are expected to come prepared to work on in-class activities and participate in class discussions.

Learning Resources

th McMillan VE. 2021. Writing papers in the biological sciences. 7 ed. Boston (MA): Bedford / St. Martin's.

Detailed Course Content, Topics, and Sequence Covered

1. Orientation Week 2. Course Introduction / Clear, Concise Writing 3. Expository Modes, Rhetorical Context 4. Report Writing Strategies / Champion Lakes Report Assignment 5. National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (MO) and Champion Lakes Field Day (WE) this week: Scheduling Details TBA Report Writing Strategies / Champion Lakes Report 6. Report Writing Strategies 7. Thanksgiving (MO) and Gilpin Field Day (TU) this week: Scheduling Details TBA Report Writing / Champion Lakes Report 8. Resumes, Cover Letters, and Interviews 9. Resumes, Cover Letters, and Interviews 10. Writing for Media 11. Remembrance Day (MO) and Study Break Day (TU) this week: Scheduling Details TBA Documentation 12. Proposal Writing Strategies / Environmental Proposal Assignment 13. Proposals contd. 14. Course Conclusion 15. Final Exam Week

Assessment

TitleLearning OutcomesValue
Attendance, Participation, ClassroomExercises10%
Field Notes Assignment1,2,3,420%
Champion Lakes Report Assignment1,2,3,425%
Resume and Cover Letter Assignment1,2,3,4,520%
Environmental Proposal and Op-EdAssignment 1,2,3,425%
Total100%

Grading Table

Standard Academic and Career Programs Grading Table

Percentage Letter Grade GPA
90-100 A+ 4.33
85-89 A 4.00
80-84 A- 3.67
76-79 B+ 3.33
72-75 B 3.00
68-71 B- 2.67
64-67 C+ 2.33
60-63 C 2.00
55-59 C- 1.67
50-54 P 1.00
0-49 F 0.00
DNW 0.00

See the Academic Calendar for General Information including how to withdraw from course(s) and other regulations.

Disclaimer

Information contained in this course outline is correct at the time of publication. Content of the course is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational, employment and market needs. The instructor will endeavor to provide notice of changes to students as soon as possible. The instructor reserves the right to add or delete material from courses.