COMM06057 2019 Communication for Scientists

Deliver effective oral presentations on Scientific topics.

Visually Represent Scientific Data in a manner that facilitates ease of communication.

Paraphrase and Summarise written scientific information, reference sources and write a bibliography.

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

Assess own communications skills and develop a personal development plan.

This module will be delivered full time.   This will include lectures in a blended learning environment, augmented by experience and reflection, and independent learning and directed learning. This approach is expected to address student learning needs. Moodle may be used as a repository of educational resources and as a means of assessment (e.g. quizzes, uploading assignments and journals). Teamwork / Group Activities/ Group Discussions are a feature of the module.  This practical module requires a 75% minimum attendance.

Module will be assessed by Continuous assessment (100%)

1. Written Assessment (30%)

Individual mark: Present a series of short written pieces (essays; lab reports)

2. Group Presentation (30%)

In small groups (2 or 3 people per group) deliver a presentation.  Individual Mark for Delivery Skills and Group Mark awarded for Slides content & structure.

3. Personal Learning Journal

1. Demonstrate effective reflective learning skills
2. Learners will be encouraged to read and reflect on current issues that relate to their course and to a scientist., and to be involved in group discussions that may be facilitated by the students themselves.
3. Learners will be encouraged to demonstrate knowledge about communications models and key communications skills that relate to presenting and writing information to a technical and non-technical audience.
4. Short quizzes such as multiple choice questions(MCQ) or short answer questions may be a feature of the learning journal..

Students must repeat attend, if attendance requirement not met.

If students have met the attendance requirement and still have not achieved a Pass mark (40%), they can complete a repeat assessment.

Presenting Skills

Professional Delivery Skills;

Explaining, Informing, Demonstrating

Visual Communication and Data Representation; 

Literacy Skills

Laboratory report - (Pre-reading.  Setting up Lines of Enquiry.  Seeking information to complete gaps in knowledge.  Develop Discussions.)  

Technical report.

Visual literacy.

Referencing (Paraphrasing, Summarising, Quoting).

Produce meaningful, clear and concise sentences and paragraphs.

Scientific values demonstrated in the written word.