Course Catalogue

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Public engagement in science plays a crucial role in promoting scientific literacy and in building trust between the scientific community and the general public. This course will equip students with the knowledge and skills required to effectively communicate scientific concepts to diverse audiences and will provide the opportunity to gain real world experience in planning and executing an effective public engagement event.

The course will run over 10 weeks in semester 2 and will consist of a combination of lectures and seminars/workshops

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1. Group presentation of the activity and its rationale (10 minutes, 35%) - (ILO 1, 2 & 3)

2. Feedback form to be used in event (15%) - (ILO 1 & 4) 

3. Report of event with analysis of feedback and reflection (1750 words, 50%) - (ILOs 4 & 5)

This course aims to:

■ Explore and evaluate effective science communication and the theory, knowledge and skills behind successful delivery;

■ Build an understanding of general science literacy amongst the public;

■ Explore tools and techniques for communicating complex concepts to non-scientists;

■ Enhance engagement of the general public with science. 

By the end of this course students will be able to:

1. Critically evaluate the significance and effectiveness of public engagement and the approaches suitable for general public.

2. Apply principles of effective science communication and public engagement in a practical context

3. Plan and select scientific content for presentation at a public engagement event.

4. Design and employ quantitative and/or qualitative methods to critically analyse effectiveness of a science engagement initiative.

5. Critically evaluate a science public engagement event and critically reflect on the impact of the group's contribution to this event.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.