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  Studiegidsen 2013-2014
Radboud UniversiteitStudiegidsenFaculteit der Natuurwetenschappen, Wiskunde en Informatica > Mastervarianten

Introduction Science Communication 

(Vakcode)
Course ID
NWI-FC001B
(Studiepunten)
Credits
3
(Periode)
Scheduled
tweede kwartaal
Collegerooster opvragen
SWS / PersoonlijkRooster
Teaching methods (Werkvormen)
  • 4 hrs guided group project work
  • 1 hrs guided individual project work
  • 10 hrs lecture
  • 2 hrs individual project work without guidance
  • 3 hrs student presentation
  • 6 hrs problem session
  • 60 hrs individual study period
Pre-requisites (Vereiste voorkennis)
This is the first course of the Mastertrack Science Communication. It is part of the obligatory programme of the Mastertrack. In addition the course is open as an optional course for all MSc. students.
Objectives (Leerdoelen)
  • Students can explain the different approaches to scientific literacy
  • Students can use the different approaches to scientific literacy to analyze existing practices of science communication and articulate which approach fits well in specific circumstances. 
  • Students can distinguish four different communication strategies and relate them to different theoretical principles.
  • Students can use these theoretical principles to critically assess existing science communication practices.
  • Students can present a good account of and substantiated opinion about a specific example of science popularization.
  • Students are trained by a professional in presentation skills
Contents (Beschrijving)
Communicating science is becoming more and more important in the careers of scientists. Whether it is focused on peers, policy makers or public stakeholders and whether it is to discuss research findings, to receive funding or to popularize science.

Colleagues, friends, journalists or representatives of societal groups do not only require a technical explanation but often want to discuss items of personal interest, related ethical and social issues or the uncertain and innovative aspects of research findings. In this course we introduce different strategies from the field of science communication which are grounded in different visions, theories and contexts. The focus is on ‘science in public' and the different target groups that can be discerned. Various issues, in which scientific knowledge plays an important role, will be discussed.

The course features a presentation training during which you will analyze and present a classical or recent example of an activity or item which aims at popularizing science. This way, we will discuss different media during the course, e.g. TV documentaries, movies, fiction and non-fiction books, museums and websites or events. The course does not focus on presenting papers to peers at a conference, but evidently the techniques and skills learned are applicable in such context as well.

Subjects (Onderwerpen)
  • science and citizenship
  • (media) images of nanotechnology
  • history of science communication
  • science and uncertainty in public debate
  • research in Ethical
  • Legal and Social Issues of Science
  • Presentation skills
Examination (Tentaminering)
Written exam, participation and presentation
Literature (Literatuur)
Literature will be made available on blackboard
Extra information (Bijzonderheden)
Foreign students should contact the course coordinator 3 weeks in advance