Scientific thought has been enormously successful in offering explanations of the world and universe in which we live.  Together with its technological applications, science has set humans on the moon, eradicated diseases like smallpox and enabled people to communicate across distances previously thought impossible.  Indeed, science now influences the way most of us think about almost every aspect of our lives.

Yet while science has become ever more integral to our lives, many people have become less trusting of scientists and other authorities.  Scientists now operate in an environment in which they must always strive for credibility – explaining to donors why their research should be funded; talking with the public to ensure that their research both benefits and is embraced by society.

All this means that good science communication skills are becoming ever more valued in the workplace. The aim of Practical Skills for Communicating Science (SCOM2001) is to help equip you with these skills.  

On successful completion of the course students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Understand and describe good science communication principles
2. Employ good organisational techniques to work together on a large project
3. Employ critical thinking to design and guide own learning
4. Appraise and critique the work of others
5. Design visual aids based on appropriate Science Communication techniques
6. Discuss and critique Science Communication principles in a written form
7. Develop and deliver appropriate verbal presentations

Assessment will be based on:

• Attendance and participation (10%; LO2)
• Conference organisational role (10%; LO2, 3)
• Preliminary conference organisation reports (2 x 5%; LO2, 4)
• Post conference report (10%; LO2, 4)
• Paper on a science communication topic (20%; LO1, 6)
• Poster / PowerPoint on a science communication topic (10%; LO1, 5)
• Peer assessment of Poster / Powerpoint on a science communication topic (10%, LO1, 4)
• Conference presentation (20%, LO1, 7)

3 hours of workshop per week, plus additional tutorials as necessary.

36 units of courses, including 24 units of Group A courses