BS349-15 Science Communication
Introductory description
The module will consider how science is communicated to different audiences and in different medias, drawing out issues around science in society, for example the roles and responsibilities of scientists and journalists in communicating scientific research and the public understanding of science. The skills that scientists need to competently communicate will also be explored.
Module aims
i) Awareness of the issues around communicating science ii) Introduce and develop skills in effective communication iii) Study and research on science communication in media, educational and global contexts
Outline syllabus
This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.
Each 2-hour session is structured as a talk from an expert in the relevant area followed by and interactive seminar session including discussion, structured activities and preparation for assessment: i) Introduction to science communication
ii) Politics
iii) Importance of empathy in communication
iv) Introduction to video development
v) Science Festivals
vi) Storytelling as a vehicle
vii) Science and the media
viii) Scientific publishing
ix) Science funding
x) Research hustings
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- Evaluate the effectiveness of communication in science
- Identify what makes science newsworthy
- Communicate scientific knowledge and ideas effectively and to a variety of audiences
- Evaluate the way science is presented in the media
Indicative reading list
The following books are useful as additional study.
Bowater, L. and Yeoman, K. (2013) Science Communication: a practical guide for scientists. Wiley-Blackwell.
Holliman, R. Whitelegg, E. Scanlong, E. Smidt, S. Thomas, J. (Eds) (2009) Investigating science communication in the information age: implications for public engagement and popular media. Oxford University Press.
Brake, M. and Weitkamp, E. (Eds.) (2010) Introducing science communication: a practical guide. Palgrave Macmillan.
Wilson, A. (Ed) (1998) Handbook of science communication with contributions from Jane Gregory, Steve Miller and Shirley Earl. IoP Publishing Ltd, London.
Holliman, R., Whitelegg, E., Scanlon, E., Smidt, S. and Thomas, J. (2009) Investigating science communication in the information age: Implications for public engagement and popular media. Oxford University Press: New York.
Alley, M. (2003) The craft of scientific presentation: critical steps to succeed and critical errors to avoid. Springer, New York.
Gregory, J. and Miller, S. (2000) Science in public: communication, culture and credibility. Plenum Trade, London.
Subject specific skills
(i) Evaluate the effectiveness of communication in science (ii) Identify what makes science newsworthy (iii) Communicate scientific knowledge and ideas effectively and to a variety of audiences (iv) Evaluate the way science is presented in the media
Transferable skills
- Critical appraisal of source material
- Self directed learning
- Adult learning
Study time
Type | Required |
---|---|
Lectures | 10 sessions of 1 hour (7%) |
Seminars | 10 sessions of 1 hour (7%) |
Private study | 130 hours (87%) |
Total | 150 hours |
Private study description
Independent learning, self directed learning and revision for assessments and video
Costs
No further costs have been identified for this module.
You do not need to pass all assessment components to pass the module.
Students can register for this module without taking any assessment.
Assessment group A
Weighting | Study time | Eligible for self-certification | |
---|---|---|---|
Video | 50% | 20 hours | Yes (extension) |
Video presentation |
|||
Essay/Coursework | 50% | 20 hours | Yes (extension) |
Written activities |
Assessment group R
Weighting | Study time | Eligible for self-certification | |
---|---|---|---|
Other | 100% | No |
Feedback on assessment
Written feedback
Courses
This module is Core optional for:
-
UIPA-C1L8 Undergraduate Life Sciences and Global Sustainable Development
- Year 3 of C1L8 Life Sciences and Global Sustainable Development
- Year 3 of C1LA Life Sciences and Global Sustainable Development: Biological Sciences
- Year 3 of C1LB Life Sciences and Global Sustainable Development: Ecology
-
UIPA-C1L9 Undergraduate Life Sciences and Global Sustainable Development (with Intercalated Year)
- Year 4 of C1L9 Life Sciences and Global Sustainable Development (with Intercalated Year)
- Year 4 of C1LC Life Sciences and Global Sustainable Development: Biological Sciences (with Intercalated Year)
- Year 4 of C1LD Life Sciences and Global Sustainable Development: Ecology (with Intercalated Year)
This module is Optional for:
- Year 3 of UBSA-C700 Undergraduate Biochemistry
-
ULFA-C1A2 Undergraduate Biochemistry (MBio)
- Year 3 of C1A2 Biochemistry
- Year 3 of C700 Biochemistry
- Year 4 of ULFA-C702 Undergraduate Biochemistry (with Placement Year)
- Year 3 of ULFA-C1A6 Undergraduate Biochemistry with Industrial Placement (MBio)
- Year 3 of UBSA-3 Undergraduate Biological Sciences
- Year 3 of ULFA-C1A1 Undergraduate Biological Sciences (MBio)
- Year 4 of ULFA-C113 Undergraduate Biological Sciences (with Placement Year)
- Year 3 of ULFA-C1A5 Undergraduate Biological Sciences with Industrial Placement (MBio)
- Year 3 of UBSA-C1B9 Undergraduate Biomedical Science
-
ULFA-C1A3 Undergraduate Biomedical Science (MBio)
- Year 3 of C1A3 Biomedical Science
- Year 3 of C1B9 Biomedical Science
- Year 3 of ULFA-C1A7 Undergraduate Biomedical Science with Industrial Placement (MBio)
- Year 4 of ULFA-CB18 Undergraduate Biomedical Science with Placement Year
- Year 3 of ULFA-B140 Undergraduate Neuroscience (BSc)
- Year 3 of ULFA-B142 Undergraduate Neuroscience (MBio)
- Year 3 of ULFA-B143 Undergraduate Neuroscience (with Industrial Placement) (MBio)
- Year 4 of ULFA-B141 Undergraduate Neuroscience (with Placement Year) (BSc)