Overview
Outreach is an important, and often neglected, component of a scientist’s skill set. A good scientist should be able to explain what he or she is doing and why it matters–and in terms that the general public will both understand and find interesting.
This course will explore the ways scientific information reaches the public, whether communicated by scientists themselves or by journalists, press officers, and other intermediaries. Students will learn what these communications channels are, the strengths and weaknesses of each, and what makes science newsworthy. Students will develop their own work in written, audio, and video formats that will be applicable to social media, blogs, press releases, and more. They will study and critique the work of others, both their fellow students and professionals.
Students will also learn about the practices and goals of science communication, including how to consider audience, goals, and media when creating science communication stories. They will additionally be exposed to current research on science communication best practices, like incorporating storytelling, humor, empathy, and uncertainty into their work.
Research skills: Students will develop interviewing, writing, audio/video production, and communication skills through course assignments, including at least one written article, short podcast, or social media video for the general public about research conducted at BMSC. Students will have the opportunity to publish their work on BMSC’s social media channels.
Practical Skills: Students will leave the course with stronger skills in scientific storytelling to both scientific and general public audiences, and in varying communication strategies to meet the different needs of each audience. For students considering careers in science communication, the course will provide a basic grounding in skills,as well as practical experience. For students considering careers in science, it will provide skills that will bolster their ability to write papers, present their science widely, and secure support for their ongoing research.
Boat Use: There will be no opportunity for students to drive boats during Science Communication. Boat driving is not recommended for this course. Students who wish to drive boats at BMSC must hold a PCOC and valid first aid certificate and will participate in an introductory boat check-out on the first day of orientation.
Prerequisite: Some research experience or other familiarity with scientific research would be an asset, but is not necessary.
Physical Requirements: This course does not have any specific physical requirements beyond those inherent to working and studying at a remote marine station.
Required Text: None
What to Expect
Unlike most courses at BMSC, which involve extensive field or lab research, the Science Communication course will piggyback on other research by other researchers at BMSC. You’ll be expected to spend time in the field or lab reporting on your individual story, and you will be assigned to researchers to tag along with as they collect data and conduct experiments.
The rest of our course time will be spent building skills in science communication best practices, with an overview of skills necessary for science writing, podcast production, and social media video production. Students will be expected to choose one of the three mediums (written, audio, video) to produce an individual final project to be presented on the final day of the course. Each day will be split between lecture, in-class workshop activities, and independent work time to produce final projects.
You will also be practicing giving and receiving feedback, through a process of pitching your final projects, iterating based on group feedback, and check-in’s at rough and final draft stages. You will leave the course with a unique, individual work that can be used as a portfolio piece and, if desired, will be published on the BMSC social media channels.
Registration Details
University of Victoria:
WRIT 321: Special Topics: Science Communication
Credit – 1.5 units
CRN #TBA
University of British Columbia
MRNE 402 – Science Communication
Credit – 3 units
Registered by your department
Simon Fraser University
MASC 478 – Science Communication: An Introduction
Credit – 3 units
University of Calgary:
MRSC 501 – Science Communication
Credit – 3 units
University of Alberta:
MA SC 401 – Science Communication
Credit – 3 units
Registered by your department