COMM06057 2019 COMMUNICATION FOR SCIENTISTS
Full Title
COMMUNICATION FOR SCIENTISTS
Transcript Title
COMMUNICATION FOR SCIENTISTS
Code
COMM06057
Attendance
75 %
Subject Area
COMM - Communication
Department
LIFE - Life Sciences
Level
06 - NFQ Level 6
Credit
05 - 05 Credits
Duration
Semester
Fee
€
Start Term
2019 - Full Academic Year 2019-20
End Term
9999 - The End of Time
Author(s)
Victoria Stevens
Programme Membership
SG_SFORE_G07 201900 Bachelor of Science in Science in Forensic Invest & Analys(Emb)
SG_SFORE_H08 201900 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Forensic Investigation and Analysis
SG_SFORE_B07 201900 Bachelor of Science in Science in Forensic Investigation and Analysis
SG_SANAL_G06 201900 Higher Certificate in Science in Analytical Science
Description
This module aims to develop the learner's written and oral communications skills to effectively encode a technical message to a technical and non-technical audience.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;
1.
Deliver effective oral presentations on Scientific topics.
2.
Visually Represent Scientific Data in a manner that facilitates ease of communication.
3.
Paraphrase and Summarise written scientific information, reference sources and write a bibliography.
4.
Use appropriate software to format, structure and publish short scientific report according to established conventions.
5.
Assess own communications skills and develop a personal development plan.
Teaching and Learning Strategies
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 Assessment Strategies
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
- Demonstrate effective reflective learning skills
- 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.
- 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.
- Short quizzes such as multiple choice questions(MCQ) or short answer questions may be a feature of the learning journal..
Repeat Assessments
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.
Module Dependencies
Prerequisites
None
Co-requisites
None
Incompatibles
None
Indicative Syllabus
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.
Coursework & Assessment Breakdown
Coursework & Continuous Assessment
100 %
Coursework Assessment
| Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Individual in class communication tasks | Formative | Assessment | - % | OnGoing | 1,2,5 |
| 2 | Communications portfolio/journal /workshop | Coursework Assessment | Individual Project | 40 % | OnGoing | 5 |
| 3 | Short written pieces (essays, lab report components) | Coursework Assessment | Individual Project | 30 % | OnGoing | 2,3,4 |
| 4 | Presentation - Slides & Delivery | Coursework Assessment | Oral Exam/Presentation | 30 % | Week 13 | 1,2 |
Full Time Mode Workload
| Type | Location | Description | Hours | Frequency | Avg Workload |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Problem Based Learning | Problem Based Learning Room | Practical workshops max 16 students per group | 2 | Weekly | 2.00 |
| Independent Learning | Not Specified | Self Study | 5 | Weekly | 5.00 |
Total Full Time Average Weekly Learner Contact Time 2.00 Hours
Module Resources
Non ISBN Literary Resources
Recommended Reading
Glasman-Deal, H. (2010) Science Research Writing – For Non-Native Speakers of English, Imperial College Press, London
Langford, A. (2019) Practical skills in forensic science. Pearson Education
Lobban, C.S. & Schefter, M. (2002) Successful Lab Reports: A Manual for Science Students, Cambridge University Press.
Matthews, J. R. and Matthews, R. W. (2014) Successful scientific writing : a step-by-step guide for the biological and medical sciences. Cambridge University Press
Supplementary Reading
Nelson-Jones, R. (2004), Effective thinking skills : preventing and managing personal problems, Sage Publications, London
Summers, J. (2004) Communication skills handbook : how to succeed in written and oral communication, Wiley & Sons, Australia
Journal Resources
See Moodle learning environment
URL Resources
See Moodle learning environment
Other Resources
None
Additional Information
None