04-706   Technical Writing and Communication Skills

Course description

This course is designed to develop students' technical writing and communication skills to aid them in their other modules at CMU-Africa as well as in their future careers. The course covers core principles of technical writing (such as audience and purpose) and different forms of writing such as manuals, proposals, and technical reports. These skills will help them successfully complete their MS programs at CMU-Africa and will enable them to communicate more effectively with technical audiences, potential investors, clients, and end-users. 

This course is offered on a pass/no pass basis.

Learning objectives

The course aims to equip students with a wide range of technical writing and communication skills which students will require for their externally facing modules (e.g. business), technical communication, as well as work as research assistants or associates and their future careers.

Outcomes

Students will produce two different pieces of written work (e.g. a report and a manual) and a presentation. Each will be accompanied by a written justification for the content and style of the document/presentation.

Content details

• Knowing your audience
• Writing clearly
• Organising your ideas
• Document design
• Manuals
• Proposals
• Technical reports
• Better presentations 

Prerequisite

None