Science Communication
Module Summary
The module considers 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 are also explored.
Module aims
- Awareness of the issues around communicating science
- Introduce and develop skills in effective communication
- Study and research on science communication in media, educational and global contexts
Key Information
| Module Lead | Professor Kevin Moffat |
Credits | 15 CATS |
| Host Dept | Life Sciences | Level | UG Level 3 |
| Module duration | 10 Weeks | Typical student numbers | 100 |
| Year of launch | Launched in 2016; Revised for 21/22 | Assessment | 100% coursework |
| Teaching | 10 x 2 hour lecture/seminars |
Teaching Structure/ Pedagogical approach
Each 2-hour session is structured as a talk from an expert in the relevant area followed by an interactive seminar session including discussion, structured activities and preparation for assessment:
- Introduction to science communication
- Politics
- Importance of empathy in communication
- Introduction to video development
- Science Festivals
- Storytelling as a vehicle
- Science and the media
- Scientific publishing
- Science funding
- 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
Subject specific skills
- 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
Transferable skills
- Critical appraisal of source material
- Self directed learning
- Adult learning
Assessment Structure
Video presentation (50%)
Essay/ Coursework (50%)
You will be required to build a portfolio of work consisting of blogs, intermediate reflections, and activities. Finally you will be asked to produce a short video.
You must complete all blogs and all activities as a minimum for half the course. Your first blog is formative, you will receive written/audio feedback from the academics. You will subsequently be able to discuss all blogs and activities with a mentor, but not the module academics. Your mentors will not be marking your work and you alone are responsible for the submissions.
Upon course completion your portfolio will act as a source for your reflective writing to demonstrate evidence of meeting the learning objectives of the course and engagement across the module. The reflective piece will count for 50% of the module. The video itself will count for 50% of the module
Student Feedback
“……I put in a lot more time than I should have for a 15 cat module- it was almost too engaging!!”
“….I did genuinely really enjoy the module and felt I learnt a lot + defo intend to enage in sci comm in the future! The fact that the module exists itself is amazing and was nice to have somethign different to break up year 3”.
“Great input of real-world expertise into the module. A welcome presence.”
“This module is immensely fun and engaging and offers you a lot of freedom, but it REQUIRES weekly engagement and time!”