Module: Science Communication & Media Skills

Module Specifications..

Current Academic Year 2023 - 2024

Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title	Science Communication & Media Skills
Module Code	PSYC119
School	37
Module Co-ordinator	Semester 1: Barbara Gormley Semester 2: Barbara Gormley Autumn: Barbara Gormley
Module Teachers	Lorraine Boran Barbara Gormley
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

Coursework Only

Description

The aim of this module is to introduce students to theory and practice of science communication. Particular emphasis will be on developing practical skills to clearly communicate research findings to the ‘lay’ (non- expert) public and also patients. Communication skills can include writing for the non-expert audience e.g. feature writing, news report writing, and science blogging; broadcasting skills can include podcasting and radio production; and social media skills for science communication

Learning Outcomes

1. Critically consider theoretical approaches to studying science communication
2. Critically consider approaches to public and patient involvement (PPI) in research
3. Draft a piece of journalistic writing communicating research findings for the non-expert audience.
4. Create an audio production communicating research findings for the non-expert audience.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Lecture	20	Based on indicative content and learning outcomes; Asynchronous active listening and engagement with lecture material.
Workshop	6	Moderator and student-led skills based workshops
Independent Study	50	Self-directed learning including Assessment preparation
Fieldwork	49	Developing and Communicating Graphics - Preparation and Training
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Introduction to science communication theory Science in public Science in media
Science in public Science in media Data Visualisation

Open and Reproducible Science

Narrative or Storytelling n/a

Writing for the non-expert audience
Feature writing News reporting Writing for new media

Broadcasting to the non-expert audience
Journalistic research skills Interview skills Audio production skills

Communication strategies for social media

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown
Presentation	Pecha Kucha Oral Presentation on theoretical approaches to science communication.	20%	n/a
Assignment	Draft a piece of journalistic writing communicating research findings to a public or patient audience e.g. Op Ed)	40%	n/a
Assignment	Podcast. Produce a podcast based on interview material with a researcher/other.	40%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; 1 = A resit is available for all components of the module 2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module 3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category 1

Indicative Reading List

Peter Stewart: 2010, Essential Radio Skills: How To Present A Radio Show, A&C Black, 1408121794
David E. Sumner and Holly G. Miller.: 2013, Feature & magazine writing, ; Wiley-Blackwell, Chichester, West Sussex, UK, 1118305132
William Zinsser: 2016, On writing well, HarperCollins, New York, 9780060891541
Healy, Kieran: 0, Data Visualisation (online), https://socviz.co/lookatdata.html,
National Academy of Sciences: 0, Communicating Science Effectively: A Research Agenda, https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/23674/communicating-science-effectively-a-research-agenda,
Craig Cormick: 0, The Science of Communicating Science, 148630981X
Merlin Sheldrake: 2020, Entangled Life, Random House, 0525510311
Massimiano Bucchi (Editor), Brian Trench (Editor): 2014, Handbook of Public Communication of Science and Technology, Routledge,

Other Resources

None

Programme or List of Programmes

BPDT	BSc Psychology & Disruptive Technologies
BPY	BSc (Honours) in Psychology

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