Elements of Science Communication

Code:

EC/DC4001

Acronym:

EC/DC4001

Level:

400

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Science Teaching/Science Divulgation

Instance: 2023/2024 - 1S

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Science Education Unit
Course/CS Responsible:	Master in Science Education and Communication

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
M:EDC	7	Official Study Plan 2019/2020	1	-	6	42	162

Teaching language

Portuguese

Objectives

It is intended that at the end of this course students will be able to discuss the fundamentals of science communication, analyze the national and international reality of science communication, know models and appropriate communication techniques for different audiences and science communication initiatives. Evaluation of specific science communication initiatives will also be considered.

Learning outcomes and competences

1.    Discuss the fundamentals of science communication


2.     Analyze the national and international reality of science communication


3.     Analyze scientific articles in the area of science communication


4.     Examine the process of publication in scientific journals


5.     Integrate scientific communication techniques into oral communications and posters


6.     Discuss the phases of an R & D project


7.     Identify public and models of science communication


8.     Differentiate types of initiatives of science communication


9.     Describe the presence of science in museums, books and publications


10.     Discuss the potential of scientific illustration in science communication


11.     Describe the objectives and forms of public involvement in citizen science initiatives


12.     Analyze evaluation models of the triad intentions-agenda- satisfaction of visitors in museums


13.     Evaluate specific on going initiatives of science communication


14.     Make a proposal for an initiative of science communication

Working method

Presencial

Program

1. Concepts and contexts in science communication
1.1 Clarification of concepts
1.2 Motivations and barriers in science communication
1.3 Surveys of scientific culture

2. Dissemination of science to the public
2.1 Paradigms (PAS; PUS; PEST) and audiences in science communication
2.2 Types of science communication initiatives
2.3 Practices and techniques in science communication: skills and challenges (public speaking, storytelling, application of ICT to science communication)
2.4 Citizen science

3. Evaluation of science communication practices
3.1 Studies on visitors' experiences in museums
3.2 Models for evaluating the triad of visitor intentions-agenda-satisfaction

4. Communicating science to peers
4.1 Scientific writing and publication in scientific journals
4.2 Oral communications and posters
4.3 R&D projects: application, development and dissemination

5. Museums and science centers

6. Scientific illustration
6.1 Science outreach books and publications
6.2 Scientific illustration in various science outreach activities

Mandatory literature

Bowater, L. & Yeoman, K.; Science Communication: A Practical Guide for Scientists., UK: Wiley-Blackwell, 2013
Bucchi, M., & Trench, B. ; Routledge Handbook of Public Communication of Science and Technology: Second edition, London & New York: Routledge, 2014
Hodges, E R. S. (Ed.) ; The Guild handbook of scientific illustration (2nd ed). , Hoboken, New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons, 2003
Illingworth, S., & Allen G. ; Effective science communication - a practical guide to surviving as a scientist. , Bristol, UK: IOP Publishing, 2016

Comments from the literature

Specific bibliography is given in each class and is also placed in Moodle.

Teaching methods and learning activities

Theoretical-practical classes: in the theoretical component, strategic pluralism is based on PowerPoint presentations, presentation of studies, videos, results of surveys, projects and readings of scientific articles with critical analysis. The practical component is to carry out group and individual work.

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation without final exam

Assessment Components

designation	Weight (%)
Apresentação/discussão de um trabalho científico	40,00
Trabalho escrito	60,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

designation	Time (hours)
Apresentação/discussão de um trabalho científico	6,00
Frequência das aulas	42,00
Trabalho escrito	50,00
Estudo autónomo	64,00
Total:	162,00

Eligibility for exams

To obtain frequency the students must perform and get approval at least half of the tasks associated with the assessment components.

Calculation formula of final grade

Evaluation Formula:

A - Presentation and discussion of work
B - Written work

Final grade = 0.40 x A + 0.60 x B

Classification improvement

Given that the UC follows the typology of distributed assessment without a final exam (continuous assessment) and has a very systemic nature, the grade improvement in this UC can only be carried out by repeating all the assessment components throughout the semester and, as such, in the following school year.

Observations

Jury

Carla Morais
Paulo Simeão Carvalho