HU113: Technical Report Writing

Prof. Dr. Abdelsamie Moet

Fall 2012/13

Pharos University in AlexandriaFaculty of Engineering

Lecture 1: Course Outline

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Course Description

• HU 113 Technical Reports Writing and Presentation Skills 2[2-0-2]

• The course teaches the students the basic skills and structure of technical writing .The student is introduced to the methods of data collection and its preparation for report writing for projects and industrial purposes. Types of reports, contents of reports, reduced reports, means of graphs representation, Patterns of writing are presented through the use of formal-informal report. Training in using word processing and CV preparation is introduced. preparation of short talks, scientific discussion and presentation is also introduced.

• Prerequisites: None

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Intended Learning Objectives

• Write and turn-around accurate technical documents quickly to meet deadlines and productivity goals

• Design, edit, and revise a variety of documents according to the basic norms of written technical communication.

• Select, organize, reference, and present information in order to communicate a clear, grammatically correct message.

• Compose coherent texts using content and language appropriate for the intended readers.

• Present your technical report more effectively both internally and externally

• Capture technical and non-technical audience by delivering presentation with power and authority

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Grades

• Tutorial In-class Work 20• Assignments 10• Midterm Exams 20• Final Exam (Lectures & Tutorial) 50

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Lecture Topics

1. Course Outline; Becoming an Engineer

2. Communication Skills

3. Elements and Standards of Technical Writing

4. Initial Preparation, Planning and Research

5. Report Structure, Style, Grammar and Checking

6. Writing and Communicating CV

7. Presentation Skills

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Becoming an Engineer

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Global Equivalency . . .

. . . for the Better

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Specifications of an Engineer

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Modern Engineer: ABET a-k CriteriaEngineering programs must demonstrate that their graduates have:

(a) an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering

(b) an ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data

(c)(c) an ability to design a system, component, or process to meet an ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needsdesired needs

(d)(d) an ability to function on multi-disciplinary teamsan ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams(e)(e) an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering

problemsproblems(f)(f) an understanding of professional and ethical responsibilityan understanding of professional and ethical responsibility(g)(g) an ability to communicate effectivelyan ability to communicate effectively(h)(h) the broad education necessary to understand the impact of the broad education necessary to understand the impact of

engineering solutions in a global and societal contextengineering solutions in a global and societal context(i)(i) a recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-a recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-

long learninglong learning(j)(j) a knowledge of contemporary issuesa knowledge of contemporary issues(k)(k) an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern

engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.

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ABET in KSA

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Mälardalen UniversitySweden

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Birmingham University Site

http://library.bcu.ac.uk/learner/writingguides/1.02%20Reports.htm

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Penn State Site

Writing Guidelines for Engineering and Science Students

http://www.writing.engr.psu.edu/

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National Information Standards Organization

• Scientific and Technical Reports — Elements, Organization, and Design

http://www.ece.nmsu.edu/pdf/Z39-18-1995.pdf

DriverForKnowledgeEconomy

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Lab Report Writing

North Carolina State University:http://www.ncsu.edu/labwrite/info/howto.htm

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Textbook

Report Writing Style Guide for Engineering Students, 4th edition, Anne Winckel and Bonnie Hart, University of South Australia Foundation Inc, 2002

http://www.eas.slu.edu/People/DJCrossley/scomm/EOST09/report-engineering.pdf

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Reference Book

Gurak, Laura J. and John M. Lannon. A Concise Guide to Technical Communication. 3rd ed. New York: Longman, 2007.

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No

Why

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Dictionary and Thesaurus

http://dictionary.reference.com/

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Becoming a 21st Century Engineer

Write a short (2-3 pages) essay on the following subject:

Due Next WeekWrite Do Not Copy

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Directionshttp://library.bcu.ac.uk/learner/writingguides/1.01%20Essays.htm

Collect the material (from sources: references)

• Introduction• Body of the essay (elements)• Conclusion• References

Title page: includes the title, your name and the name of the tutor to whom it is being submitted, date of submission, your course/department,

Avoid “fancy” fonts and effects and don’t include any clipart.

Consult Mrs

Rana

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Report vs. EssayReport Essay

Presents information Presents an argument

Table of contents and numbered pages No contents page

Uses numbered headings and subheadings Minimal subheadings if any

Uses short concise paragraphs and dot points where applicable

Links ideas into cohesive paragraphs, rather than breaking down into dot points

Graphics used (illustrations, tables, graphs)

No illustrations

References required References required

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Essay Evaluation Grid

http://www.majortests.com/sat/essay-scoring.php

SATStandardizedAdmissionTest

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