The development of a science communication course for undergraduates

Description

Science communication is a rapidly expanding area. It is recognised that for meaningful engagement between scientists and citizens there needs to be effective two way communication, understanding and learning. This course focused specifically on science communication and aimed to bring an understanding of how science is disseminated to the public. Students on the course were made aware of the theories surrounding communication and investigated science as a culture and how this culture interfaces with the public. Students also examined case studies in a variety of different scientific areas. They looked at how information is released in the scientific literature and how this is subsequently picked up by the public press. They gained an appreciation of how science information can be used to change public perception and how it can sometimes be misinterpreted. Students also learned practical skills related to designing, running and evaluating a public outreach event at a school or in a public area.

Links

Project report (pdf format)

Science Communication, a presentation about the project given by Kay at the 2008 Bioscience Representative's Forum

Example Science Communication Project reports

• Felicity Knowles - School Science Club
• Jaeger Hamilton - Public Engagement Event
• Jevneet Kular - School Science activities
• Kate Wallis - School Science Day