Prospectus

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Science Communication and Society Fundamentals

Course
2020-2021

Introduction

Science Communication and Society (SCS) Fundamentals is a 16-week course for science master students. The course prepares students for internships/career in communication about science and health, for example, as a science or health communicator, a science policymaker, a public relations officer, a health officer, an educator or for a career as a scientist with a communicating mind-set.

NOTE: Because of COVID-19, we are expecting to move our program partly or completely online. However, we will keep to the same schedule, so expect a full time course load.

Students of the Science Communication & Society specialisation are required to also take Scientific Narration and Visualization.

Who can join this course?

The course is open to MSc students from the Faculty of Science and to MSc students in the Biomedical Sciences program of LUMC. Other students who are interested should contact their own study advisor for permission.

Course objectives

After completion of this course, students:

  • will have a general overview of the field of science communication

  • will have developed relevant theoretical knowledge about the underlying theories of science communication (communication models, learning theories)

  • will have developed relevant skills for communicating science, such as popular science writing and developing science communication products.

  • will be able to plan and conduct science communication research

Course content

The course provides a mix of lectures, in-class activities, individual assignments, group assignments, exams, within 5 different modules:

  • Science journalism (taught separately in Dutch and English)

  • Science communication theories and methods

  • Informal science education

  • Policy and Funding

  • Final project

NOTE: the Science Journalism section (English) is open as an elective course 4603SCSSJT (3 EC) to all MSc students from the Faculty of Science and to MSc students in the Biomedical Sciences program of LUMC.

Teaching method and participation

The course uses a mix of lectures, discussions, in-class activities, individual assignments, group assignments, and exams. Each section is taught by a different teacher on a designated day of the week (e.g. all Thursdays are science journalism) for the first 13 weeks. Each module is assessed through practical assignments and/or an exam. In the last three weeks of the course, students work in groups on a final project of their choice.

Course schedule

This course is a 32 hours/week course (one day is available for Scientific Narration and Visualization). The course is worth 19 EC in 16 weeks, August 31 – December 18, 2020. Preliminary schedule: Classes are scheduled on Monday morning, Tuesday afternoon, Thursday morning (Dutch group), Thursday afternoon (English group), Friday morning, Friday afternoon (every other week, visits). The rest of the week is available for self study and group work.

Assessment

In order to pass the course, students need to pass each of the five modules. The final grade is a weighted average of the modules. Students are allowed to retake modules.

Literature

Mandatory literature:

Brightspace

There will be a Brightspace module for the entire course. Students who have applied for the course will receive further information on how to login to Brightspace. Lecture notes, assignments, reading material, and important announcements can be found there.

Application

Application forms can be requested through the SCS department (infoscs@biology.leidenuniv.nl). Please apply as soon as you have decided to enroll in this course, so we have an idea of the number of students. The class number for enrollment in uSis will become available here.

Coordinator

Dr. Anne Land (program coordinator), a.m.land@biology.leidenuniv.nl.

Organization

More information about the SCS program can be found at our website