1.1 Introduction

This course is an introduction to the issues surrounding plagiarism. It will help you to acquire some of the necessary skills and judgement to apply to your academic work and publications.

The course is divided into three sections. The first will explain why plagiarism is an important issue, discuss what defines plagiarism and provide you with some examples of how bad writing and bad practice have led to plagiarism.

The second section of the course concentrates on how to develop a personal sense of good practice in your field and in the skills required to reference appropriately in your own work.

The third, and final, section will test your understanding of the topics covered in the first two sections. When you have finished the test you will be able to print out a certificate confirming that you have passed the course.