Course Catalogue

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Effective communication to scientific and lay audiences is key to disseminate scientific advancements, influence policy, empower the public and to teach and engage with future scientists. This course will allow students to explore science communication in a variety of relevant formats and platforms, enhancing their communication, critical thinking and teamwork skills. This will be achieved through the development of a portfolio of science communication pieces. This course aims to support students explore science communication as a career choice where to apply their discipline specific knowledge and to boost their employability for a wide range of jobs. This course is open to students across all degree groups in Life Sciences.

There is normally 3 hours of teaching on Fridays, delivered either as a single session or split across shorter sessions.

Normally, only available to final-year Life Sciences students. Visiting students may be allowed to enrol, at the discretion of the Life Sciences Study Abroad Adviser and the Course Coordinator.

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The course will be assessed by in-course assessments consisting of 2 components; a set exercise which includes the design, creation and evaluation of a public engagement activity (40%) and a portfolio which includes an oral presentation appropriate for a specified audience (20%) and the design of graphical and written materials for a public campaign (40%).

This course aims to equip students with the skills needed to effectively convey scientific information to diverse audiences. During this course, students will:

■ Analyse and compare different modes and genres of scientific communication (e.g. written, visual, oral, digital), and justify the selection of the most appropriate mode(s) for different target audiences

■ Develop skills in evaluating different types of scientific communications

■ Develop an appreciation of how creativity can influence public understanding and engagement in scientific information and how impact can be measured

■ Work co-operatively and effectively with peers to develop interdisciplinary and teamwork skills

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Design inclusive scientific communication materials in appropriate accessible formats to effectively communicate with diverse audiences

■ Analyse scientific information from credible sources to create accurate and engaging content in appropriate formats

■ Construct and deliver an engaging scientific oral presentation using innovative strategies appropriate for a specified audience

■ Evaluate the effectiveness of public engagement activities