BIO06031 2020 Scientific Communication

Demonstrate interpersonal skills in perception, listening, questioning, assertiveness, and non-verbal communication.

Display good communication and presentation skills particularly for scientific concepts and ideas

Paraphrase and summarise written scientific information, reference sources and write a bibliography

Use appropriate software to format, structure and publish short scientific reports according to established conventions.

Establish their individual role and responsibilities as members of a scientific profession

This module will be delivered fully online using a variety of e-learning software e.g. Moodle and Adobe Connect. The module will be taught using lectures supported by assigned reading/viewing and interactive online engagement and discussion. Self-directed, student-centred, independent learning is also encouraged through completion of module coursework.

Oral Presentation (15%)

• Students will have to prepare and deliver an oral presentation with questions from the lecture. Students will receive feedback via an online assessment rubric with comments from the lecturer.

Written Assignment (55% and 30%)

Students will have 2 other assignments assessing their communication of science in different formats and for different audiences, these may take the following form:

• Students will have to prepare a review article on a scientific topic and include an abstract summarising the review. Students will receive feedback via an online assessment rubric with comments from the lecturer.
• Students will have to research a recent scientific journal article and produce a ‘Blog Post/Popular Science’ style article on the chosen article. The assessment will also require students to constructively review one of their peer’s articles. Students will receive feedback via an online assessment rubric with comments from the lecturer.

Repeat assessments will be created and assigned where necessary at the discretion of the lecturer and/or following direction from exam board. 

This module will blend lecture material and assigned reading/viewing with applied communication, with content that includes the following: 

Communications for interviews, verbal and visual presentations.

• Oral presentations and verbal articulation skills.
• Some use of presentation software e.g. Microsoft Powerpoint
• Interview techniques, styles and skills.
• Visual material presentation skills.

Professional writing and referencing skills (for academic and professional audiences)

• Sourcing, reading and referencing authoritative scientific information
• Writing a literature review on a scientific topic
• Types of Literature review 
• Grammar and punctuation

Communicating science to the general public or layperson

• Writing science for the general public
• Science in the Media
• Public engagement strategies
• Constructive peer review.