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DEGREE REGULATIONS & PROGRAMMES OF STUDY 2021/2022

Information in the Degree Programme Tables may still be subject to change in response to Covid-19

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DRPS : Course Catalogue : Deanery of Biomedical Sciences : Biomedical Sciences

Postgraduate Course: The Role of Social Media in Science Communication (BIME11076)

Course Outline
SchoolDeanery of Biomedical Sciences CollegeCollege of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine
Credit level (Normal year taken)SCQF Level 11 (Postgraduate)
Course typeOnline Distance Learning AvailabilityNot available to visiting students
SCQF Credits10 ECTS Credits5
SummaryThis course examines the range of Social Media tools available and studies their use in a science communication/public engagement context. The opportunities and challenges of communicating science in an accurate and approachable way through social media will be examined through group discussion of several case studies. The case studies will include examples of how social media forms one aspect of science communication/public engagement programmes and how different channels can be combined effectively. The challenges of understanding the needs, expectations and concerns of specific audiences will be examined. The issues and ethics around the use of social media tools will be considered. Accessibility and the appropriateness of using these media will also be discussed. We will look at how to find the right 'voice' and tone for your audience.
Course description Not entered
Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
Pre-requisites Co-requisites
Prohibited Combinations Other requirements None
Course Delivery Information
Academic year 2021/22, Not available to visiting students (SS1) Quota:  None
Course Start Block 5 (Sem 2) and beyond
Timetable Timetable
Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) Total Hours: 100 ( Online Activities 25, Summative Assessment Hours 30, Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 2, Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours 43 )
Assessment (Further Info) Written Exam 0 %, Coursework 100 %, Practical Exam 0 %
Additional Information (Assessment) 1. On-going contribution to discussion boards (40% of the total mark).
2. Written assignment (60% of the total mark)
Feedback Not entered
No Exam Information
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
  1. An ability to critically examine Social Media tools and strategies and their various roles in Science Communication.
  2. Ability to apply theory to practice in the use of contemporary Social Media tools for evaluation and monitoring.
  3. Ability to apply theoretical knowledge in practice to solve complex issues which can arise in a social media science communication/public engagement context.
Reading List
Reading material will be released on a week-by-week basis throughout the duration of the course.
Additional Information
Course URL http://www.sciencecommunication.mvm.ed.ac.uk/online/
Graduate Attributes and Skills Not entered
Special Arrangements This course will be taught entirely by distance learning, using the virtual learning environment Blackboard Learn as the delivery platform. Course materials are protected by secure username and password access, of which will be made available to matriculated students.
KeywordsSCPE-OLDL-RSMedia
Contacts
Course organiserDr Elizabeth Stevenson
Tel: (0131 6)50 3258
Email: E.Stevenson@ed.ac.uk
Course secretaryMs Jenn Liedtke
Tel: (0131 6)50 3160
Email: Jennifer.Liedtke@ed.ac.uk
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