Technical Writing and Presentation (TWTP)

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.

Technical Writing and Technical Presentation (TWTP)

Students complete the TWTP requirement using one of the following options:

  • Completion of COM 21700
  • Completion of an oral communication course and advanced technical writing course from the Oral Communication and Advanced Writing course lists
  • Approved Experiential Learning contract
Oral Communication, a University Core requirement (UCORE), is met through completion of this requirement.

List of Approved Courses

Technical Writing (TW)

The TW requirement is met by completing one of the following options:

  • Course in technical writing from the list of approved courses; or
  • 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

Earning Core Curricular Requirements through Experience

Students wishing to meet the Technical Writing requirement through an intensive writing experience are required to complete the Experiential Learning contract process.

International Students Only: International students whose primary high school/equivalent instruction was not in English must meet the Technical Writing requirement through completion of an approved course.

Technical Presenting (Oral Communication)

The Technical Presentation requirement is met by completing one of the following options:

  • Course in technical presenting from the list of approved courses; or
  • 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).

Earning Core Curricular Requirements through Experience

Students wishing to meet the Technical Presentation requirement are required to complete the Experiential Learning Contract process.

Special Note: Students posting both COM 11400 (elective credit) and COM 21700 (Technical Writing and Presentation requirement) may use both courses to meet degree requirements.