Write Smarter with Overleaf and LaTeX from Coursera

This course will introduce you to LaTeX, a document preparation system for creating highly customized formatted documents and Overleaf, a tool that makes writing with LaTeX much easier. LaTeX and Overleaf are particularly useful for scientific researchers who may want to write scientific manuscripts and be able to reformat the manuscript easily for different scientific journals.

Unique Features of this course

- Very beginner friendly approach to LaTeX which is often considered to be an intimidating subject

- Guidance through starting using a template for scientific articles for a preprint archive

- A relatively quick summary overview of how to use the main features of Overleaf

- Some historical context

Key Words

Typesetting, LaTeX, Overleaf, Scientific Manuscripts, Scientific Publishing

Intended Audience

- The course is intended for scientific writers who might be interested in learning how to automate some of their writing formatting/layouts

Note: No prerequisite knowledge is required.

Learning Objectives

1. Be familiar with what LaTeX is and how it came to be

2. Understand the benefits of LaTeX and Overleaf

3. Get started writing in Overleaf with a template for a scientific manuscript

4. Add references to a document in Overleaf

5. Get help if you encounter challenges

6. Work collaboratively on Overleaf

Accessibility

We are committed to making our content accessible and available to all. We welcome any feedback you might have at https://forms.gle/3sTZpctxzYyhj74NA. Questions related to accessibility accommodations should be directed to https://studentserviceportal.force.com/s/.

PDF versions of this course can be found at https://leanpub.com/courses/fredhutch/overleaf_intro.

Overleaf is a very useful tool for collaborative scientific writing. It has an advantage over other potential collaborative writing options in that it enables for seamless changes in formatting and arrangement of text to allow you to submit to various publication platforms, such as preprint archives or scientific journals. Another advantage of Overleaf is that it is based on using LaTeX which makes it easy to add mathematical formulas to your writing. It also helps you do really complicated formatting and layouts with much more ease than other options and it makes it easy to replicate that complicated formatting/layout again for other papers or other writing products. It is widely used in certain fields like statistics and computer science. Therefore, it can also be useful to know about if you have collaborators in these fields.

What's inside

Syllabus

Write Smarter with Overleaf and LaTeX

This module provides a general overview of LaTex and Overleaf, how it can be used in collaborative scientific writing, and what the benefits are to using this tool for collaborations in fields like statistics and computer science. It will walk through the steps of getting started with a template on Overleaf.

Writing with Overleaf and Elements of LaTeX

This module provides many of the common commands needed to get started using LaTex to create headings, create comments, and start and end elements within the text. You will also get to know additional elements including how to add figures and images to documents, add references and citations, add tables, and create internal links back to a figure, table, or section.

Troubleshooting and Collaborating

This module offers more details on the additional support offered by Overleaf. It helps users recognize issues and provides guidance on seeking assistance. It also discusses ways in which you can collaborate with others on Overleaf.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Teaches scientific researchers and writers how to use LaTeX for writing scientific manuscripts

Leverages Overleaf, an online platform, to simplify writing in LaTeX

Suitable for learners with no prior knowledge of LaTeX

Incorporates practical exercises and assignments for hands-on learning

Potential benefits for collaborative writing and formatting in scientific research teams

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Write Smarter with Overleaf and LaTeX with these activities:

Create a Sample Scientific Manuscript

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Allows students to apply their LaTeX and Overleaf skills in a practical context, simulating real-world research activities.

Browse courses on Scientific Writing

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Choose a topic and gather necessary information
Write the manuscript using LaTeX and Overleaf
Format the manuscript according to course guidelines

Share LaTeX Tips and Tricks in a Study Group

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Encourages collaboration, sharing of knowledge, and collective understanding of LaTeX principles.

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Form a study group with classmates
Share tips and tricks for using LaTeX
Discuss common challenges and find solutions together

Tutor Fellow Students in LaTeX

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Deepens understanding through the act of teaching, reinforcing knowledge and solidifying skills.

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Identify students who may benefit from assistance
Offer support with LaTeX concepts and Overleaf usage

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Career center

Learners who complete Write Smarter with Overleaf and LaTeX will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Scientific Writer

Scientific Writers convey complex scientific and technical information to a wide range of audiences. Overleaf and LaTeX can assist Scientific Writers in formatting complex scientific manuscripts with ease, ensuring that their research is presented professionally and accurately. Additionally, Overleaf's collaborative features make co-authoring and reviewing scientific papers more efficient.

See salaries and explore the career path for Scientific Writer

Student

Students pursuing degrees in fields such as science, engineering, and mathematics may find Overleaf and LaTeX particularly valuable. This course can provide students with a strong foundation in LaTeX, enabling them to write and format assignments, theses, and research papers effectively. Proficiency in LaTeX can enhance students' academic performance and prepare them for success in their future careers.

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Academic

Academics teach and conduct research at universities and colleges. Overleaf and LaTeX are widely used in academia for writing and publishing research papers, dissertations, and lecture notes. Proficiency in LaTeX can enhance an Academic's ability to produce high-quality, professionally formatted academic documents.

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Technical Writer

Technical Writers craft clear instructions and documentation that help users understand how to use products, services, and processes. Overleaf and LaTeX can enable Technical Writers to write and format complex mathematical equations and expressions with ease. Its collaborative features also allow for efficient teamwork, essential in producing accurate and user-friendly documentation.

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Researcher

Researchers conduct investigations and experiments to advance knowledge and understanding. Overleaf and LaTeX can provide Researchers with the necessary tools to write and publish their findings. LaTeX's strong support for mathematical notation and complex formatting makes it ideal for presenting research results, theories, and models.

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Statistician

Statisticians collect, analyze, and interpret data to provide insights for decision-making. Overleaf and LaTeX offer Statisticians a powerful tool for presenting their findings in a clear and concise manner. LaTeX's capabilities in typesetting mathematical equations and tables make it particularly valuable for statistical reports and publications.

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Publishing Editor

Publishing Editors oversee the production of books, journals, and other publications. Overleaf and LaTeX can provide Publishing Editors with the necessary tools to format and typeset manuscripts, ensuring that publications meet the highest standards of quality and consistency. Proficiency in Overleaf can enhance an Editor's ability to manage complex formatting requirements and ensure the accuracy and readability of publications.

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Economist

Economists analyze economic data and trends to provide insights for policymaking and business decisions. Overleaf and LaTeX can assist Economists in writing and publishing their research findings. LaTeX's support for mathematical notation and complex formatting makes it suitable for presenting economic models, graphs, and tables.

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Quantitative Analyst

Quantitative Analysts use mathematical and statistical models to analyze financial data and make investment decisions. Overleaf and LaTeX can assist Quantitative Analysts in documenting their research and presenting their findings in a clear and concise manner. LaTeX's strong support for mathematical notation makes it well-suited for presenting complex financial models and equations.

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Computer Scientist

Computer Scientists research and develop new computing technologies and applications. Overleaf and LaTeX can assist Computer Scientists in writing and publishing their research findings. LaTeX's strong support for mathematical notation makes it ideal for presenting complex algorithms, equations, and proofs.

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Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts evaluate and interpret financial data to make investment recommendations. Overleaf and LaTeX can provide Financial Analysts with the ability to create reports and presentations that effectively communicate their findings to clients and stakeholders. Proficiency in LaTeX can enhance the credibility and professionalism of financial analysis reports.

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Actuary

Actuaries assess and manage financial risks and uncertainties. Overleaf and LaTeX can provide Actuaries with the ability to create reports and presentations that clearly communicate complex financial data and models. The ability to use LaTeX effectively can enhance the credibility and professionalism of actuarial reports.

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Data Scientist

Data Scientists analyze and interpret large datasets to extract valuable insights. Overleaf and LaTeX can help Data Scientists create reports and presentations that effectively communicate their findings. The ability to utilize LaTeX's robust mathematical capabilities can enhance the presentation of complex statistical models and data visualizations, making it invaluable for professionals in this field.

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Consultant

Consultants provide expert advice and guidance to businesses and organizations. Overleaf and LaTeX can provide Consultants with the ability to create professional and visually appealing reports and presentations. Proficiency in LaTeX can enhance the credibility and impact of consulting deliverables, helping Consultants stand out in a competitive market.

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Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software systems. Overleaf and LaTeX can provide Software Engineers with the ability to document and share their code effectively. LaTeX's powerful mathematical capabilities make it suitable for writing technical documentation, specifications, and other software-related documents.

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