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

Postgraduate Course: Science Communication and Engagement for Practice (BIME11164)

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
SummaryAn online elective for students who wish to learn more about the practice of science communication and how to utilise tools and techniques in their own work.
Course description Students on the course will develop an understanding of science communication practice, be introduced to the many and varied formats which can be utilised, will learn about the value of evaluation, be introduced to the role and impact of the mass media and social media and will touch on communication for behaviour change. Students are introduced to material through examples, case studies and readings which they subsequently discuss on the online discussion fora. The course currently attracts students from a range of programmes in CMVM.
Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
Pre-requisites Co-requisites
Prohibited Combinations Other requirements None
Course Delivery Information
Academic year 2024/25, Not available to visiting students (SS1) Quota:  None
Course Start Block 5 (sem 2)
Course Start Date
Timetable Timetable
Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) Total Hours: 100 ( Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 2, Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours 98 )
Assessment (Further Info) Written Exam 0 %, Coursework 60 %, Practical Exam 40 %
Additional Information (Assessment) Summative assessment consists of a written element, worth 60% of the total mark, and an online element worth 40%.

The written element is a practice-based task in which the students are required to demonstrate their learning through developing a plan for a small, pilot science engagement activity.

The online element requires active participation in the discussion boards and students are assessed on their critical engagement with the material and with the posts of other students.
Feedback Written feedback is provided to each student. Students are expected to reflect on their feedback, to seek additional clarification if appropriate, and to use this to improve on future assignments.
No Exam Information
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
  1. Demonstrate an ability to critically evaluate a selection of practices of science communication and public engagement.
  2. Demonstrate an understanding of how to engage effectively through different media and using different approaches.
  3. Demonstrate an understanding of evaluation for science communication and public engagement.
  4. Demonstrate a basic understanding of the theories and practices for behaviour change.
Reading List
Provided per weekly session.
Additional Information
Graduate Attributes and Skills Science communication skills, critical evaluation skills, reflective thinking skills.
Special Arrangements Be enrolled on an online MSc
KeywordsScience communication,science engagement,evaluation,behaviour change,media,social media
Contacts
Course organiserDr Elizabeth Stevenson
Tel: (0131 6)50 3258
Email: E.Stevenson@ed.ac.uk
Course secretaryMs Ann-Marie Peckham
Tel: (0131 6)50 3160
Email: apeckham@ed.ac.uk
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