May 08, 2024  
2023-2024 University Catalog 
    
2023-2024 University Catalog

College of Science Core: Composition and Presentation


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Curricular Outcome: Ability to communicate well, both orally and in writing. Students will develop college-level writing and presentation skills through the Technical Writing and Technical Presentation requirement.

Written Communication


Technical Writing & Presenting (TWTP)


Students may elect to take one course to meet the TWTP requirement or a combination of courses. The list of approved courses below contains all course options. Students may also elect to use experiences as defined below to complete this important Science core requirement.  

Technical Writing


The Technical Writing requirement may be met by completing one of the following options:

International Students Only: International students whose primary high school/equivalent instruction was not in English must meet the Technical Writing requirement using option 1 only.

Option 2


  • Scholarly publication:
    • Paper accepted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal or peer-reviewed conference proceedings in which the student is the lead author or has written the large majority of the paper; or
    • Paper a College of Science faculty member with expertise in the area deems of publishable quality; or
    • Three approved papers of at least 1,500 words each, at least one of which makes a strong or persuasive argument
  • Students wishing to meet the Technical Writing requirement through Option 2 are required to complete the Experiential Learning contract process.

Technical Presenting (Oral Communication)


International Students Only: International students whose primary high school/equivalent instruction was not in English must meet the Technical Presenting requirement using option 1 only.

Option 1


Option 2


  • Presentation of scientific work
    • at a scientific meeting (sole or predominant presenter); or
    • at an adjudicated poster session in the presence of a certified judge (written feedback will be required to complete the Experiential Learning Contract process); or
    • during an internship or co-op; or
    • Three approved 10-minute (or longer) presentations within science course(s).
  • Students wishing to meet the Technical Presentation requirement through Option 2 are required to complete the Experiential Learning Contract process.

Technical Writing & Presenting


The following courses meet both Technical Writing & Technical Presenting.

Additional Information


  • Students completing both COM 11400 (elective) and COM 21700 (Technical Writing and Presentation requirement) may use both courses to meet degree requirements.
  • Earning Core Curricular Requirements through Experience (Option 2)
    • Students may meet The Technical Presentation (Technical Writing) requirement through approved experiential learning opportunities. Interested students should contact their academic advisor for more information on this option and incorporating experiential learning into their four-year program of study. For more information on earning requirements through experience, please click here.

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