Course manual 2022/2023

Course content

In this module we focus on the following aspects of science communication:

1. limitations and responsibilities of science journalism;
2. creating a clear reader profile;
3. choosing an approach angle suitable for the target reader;
4. writing an article intended for the chosen target group reader;
5. getting acquainted with and practicing interview techniques (optional, if there is interest);
6. conduct an interview (optional, if there is interest);
7. how submitting and reviewing an article to a journal/magazine works;
8. get a global picture of science communication initiatives.

During this module we will also look at the different platforms, physical and online, that exist and examine their target audience and the content of the articles they publish.

The end goal of this module is to write an article or conduct an interview. We will try to submit the articles to a suitable science communication platform. The articles you will write can be opinion articles, news articles, but also informative articles in which a concept is explained.

Objectives

Understand the basic principles in Science communication and apply those in own writing.
Write a popular article that is comprehensible, attractive and convincing for your chosen target audience.
Identify why some scientific topics are controversial, and others are not.
Make a readers' profile and use it to construct the article.
Formulate a statement on their vision on science communication
Have an overview of science communication initiatives in their field of interest.
Can give constructive feedback on and edit a science communication article according to professional standards.

Teaching methods

Supervision/feedback meeting
Working independently on e.g. a project or thesis
Self-study
Seminar

Learning activities

Activity	Hours
Meetings	14
Peer meetings	6
Self study	22
Total	42	(1.5 EC x 28 uur)

Attendance

Requirements of the programme concerning attendance (OER-B):

Attendance during practical components exercises is mandatory.

Assessment

Item and weight	Details
Final grade

Fraud and plagiarism

The 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' applies to this course. This will be monitored carefully. Upon suspicion of fraud or plagiarism the Examinations Board of the programme will be informed. For the 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' see: www.student.uva.nl

Course structure

Weeknummer	Onderwerpen	Studiestof
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16

Owner	Master Biological Sciences
Coordinator	dr. Nicos Starreveld
Part of	Master Biological Sciences, Master Earth Sciences, Master Biomedical Sciences, track Oncology, Master Biomedical Sciences, track Cognitive Neurobiology and Clinical Neurophysiology, Master Biomedical Sciences, track Psychopharmacology and Pathophysiology, Master Biomedical Sciences, track Infection and Immunity, Master Biomedical Sciences, track Cell Biology and Advanced Microscopy, Master Biomedical Sciences, track Experimental Internal Medicine, Master Biomedical Sciences, track Molecular Neurosciences, Master Physics and Astronomy, Master Biomedical Sciences, track Physiology of Synapses and Networks, Master Biomedical Sciences, track Developmental and Therapeutic Biology, Master Biomedical Sciences, track Medical Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Master Biomedical Sciences, track Cardiovascular Sciences, year 1

Professional Skills - Science Communication