Professional Development

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University

Assessment

The assessment comprises two elements:

• a 500-word summary of peer feedback, and
• a 1500-word grant application.

The 1,500-word grant application will be modelled on a real world science communication tender or grant. This will include a description of your planned activity, identification of major stakeholders, aims and objectives suitable for the activity and justifiable for the identified target publics, Gantt chart (or other suitable planning tool) and an indication of the evaluation that could be carried out to measure against the projects objectives.

In the 500-word summary of peer feedback, you will be asked to provide a reflective summary of the peer communication and feedback that have been obtained throughout the module. This can include contributions to discussion forums, wikis, and/or live interactive seminars.

On successful completion of the assessment, you will receive transferable credits (ECTS).

Content

You will typically cover eight topics, amongst which are:

• an introduction to science communication
• audiences
• project planning and management
• presentation skills
• promoting events
• facilitation skills and evaluation.

Using the readings and self-directed activities to build a strong theoretical background, you will be encouraged to consider how theory can and does inform practice. You will also be encouraged, via a series of activities, to share your professional and personal experiences of science communication for mutual benefit and learning.

On completion, you will be equipped with a contemporary understanding of current theory and practice in science communication and public engagement with research, have developed an awareness of key principles of relevance and will have engaged in activities which allow you to explore a range of science communication practices. You will also develop skills in self-directed learning which will facilitate your studies.

Course Director

Dr Kathy Fawcett

E-mail

science.communication@uwe.ac.uk

Introduction

This 15 credit Science Communication: Connecting People, Creating Events module will support you to develop underpinning knowledge and skills in science communication and public engagement with research.

On successful completion of this level 7 (Masters level) module, you will be able to:

• Apply current theory in science communication and engagement;
• Articulate specific and appropriate objectives for engagement activities;
• Demonstrate the ability to identify and align key message, audience and medium;
• Apply project planning and management skills to science communication projects;
• Design justifiable and effective evaluation strategies for an engagement activity;
• Critically analyse their own and others' practice.

 

Key Facts

This course is taught as an accredited module.

Learning and Teaching

The module will be taught across 10 weeks of online content, comprising narrated presentations, self-directed learning activities (including designated reading), problem-based learning, discussion forums, wikis, asynchronous feedback opportunities and/or live interactive seminars. In addition, you will be expected to develop advanced knowledge in one or more aspects of course content through independent reading and reflexive practice.

The taught time will also include two private study weeks when you will have an opportunity to carry out independent study and review previous weeks contents and materials. A variety of electronic resources will be provided via Blackboard to present supplementary support for students during your periods of independent study.

Study facilities

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Telephone

+44 (0)117 32 81158

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Title

15 credit level 7 module