THE UNIVERSITY of EDINBURGH

DEGREE REGULATIONS & PROGRAMMES OF STUDY 2014/2015
- ARCHIVE as at 1 September 2014

University Homepage
DRPS Homepage
DRPS Search
DRPS Contact
DRPS : Course Catalogue : School of Biomedical Sciences : Biomedical Sciences

Undergraduate Course: Science Communication (BIME10015)

Course Outline
SchoolSchool of Biomedical Sciences CollegeCollege of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine
Course typeStandard AvailabilityAvailable to all students
Credit level (Normal year taken)SCQF Level 10 (Year 4 Undergraduate) Credits20
Home subject areaBiomedical Sciences Other subject areaNone
Course website None Taught in Gaelic?No
Course descriptionIt is becoming increasingly important to engage non-specialist audiences with scientific research in order to maximise the impact and benefits of the research for a diverse range of stakeholders e.g. businesses, public services, the school education system, policy makers and also to engage the media effectively. This course introduces students to key principles for engaging with non-specialist audiences and explores a range of methodologies to enable this engagement. The focus for the student will be the exemplification of an area of School of Biomedical Sciences research.
The course combines theory and practical experience and is delivered by a range of practitioners including the course organisers. The course explores the development of science communication as a practice, introduces the student to key principles, explores the relationship between science and the media, and the importance of evaluation of engagement practice. The student is supported in the development of key skills through practice experience.
In addition to in-course practical experience, students will complete a one-day, ¿Science Communication Task¿, in which they are placed with a science communication practitioner within the university to gain experience by assisting with a public event or task, e.g. a school workshop, shadowing in the press office, or science writing.
Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
Pre-requisites Co-requisites
Prohibited Combinations Other requirements None
Additional Costs None
Information for Visiting Students
Pre-requisitesN/A
Displayed in Visiting Students Prospectus?Yes
Course Delivery Information
Delivery period: 2014/15 Semester 1, Not available to visiting students (SS1) Learn enabled:  Yes Quota:  None
Web Timetable Web Timetable
Course Start Date 15/09/2014
Breakdown of Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) Total Hours: 200 ( Lecture Hours 40, Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 4, Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours 156 )
Additional Notes
Breakdown of Assessment Methods (Further Info) Written Exam 0 %, Coursework 100 %, Practical Exam 0 %
No Exam Information
Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes
¿ To gain an appreciation and understanding of the broad scope of science communication through practical experience and engagement with the literature.
¿ To develop skills in engaging non-specialist audiences with science.
¿ To build confidence and the ability in researching, designing and presenting an engaging scientific presentation and resource for a non-specialist audience.
¿ To gain practical experience in science communication.
¿ To develop an understanding of the relationship between science and the media.
¿ To develop an understanding of the evaluation process and its role in enhancing quality in public engagement
Assessment Information
Presentation 40 %, Essay 30%, Sci-comm resource 30%
Special Arrangements
None
Additional Information
Academic description Co Course Organiser: Dr Elizabeth Stevenson

Contributors: Tom Pringle and UoE Press Office
Syllabus Not entered
Transferable skills Not entered
Reading list Not entered
Study Abroad Not entered
Study Pattern Not entered
KeywordsScience communication, informal science education, print media
Contacts
Course organiserDr Janet Paterson
Tel:
Email: Janet.Paterson@ed.ac.uk
Course secretaryMs Lisa Ketchion
Tel: (0131 6)51 1629
Email: Lisa.Ketchion@ed.ac.uk
Navigation
Help & Information
Home
Introduction
Glossary
Search DPTs and Courses
Regulations
Regulations
Degree Programmes
Introduction
Browse DPTs
Courses
Introduction
Humanities and Social Science
Science and Engineering
Medicine and Veterinary Medicine
Other Information
Combined Course Timetable
Prospectuses
Important Information
 
© Copyright 2014 The University of Edinburgh - 29 August 2014 3:31 am