Write Smarter with Overleaf and LaTeX (Coursera)

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

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

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.

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.