Universität Wien

233061 UE Science Communication Laboratories (2022S)

10.00 ECTS (3.00 SWS), SPL 23 - Soziologie
Continuous assessment of course work
Moodle

Registration/Deregistration

Note: The time of your registration within the registration period has no effect on the allocation of places (no first come, first served).

Details

max. 15 participants
Language: English

Lecturers

Classes

Tuesday afternoons (2-5.30pm), starting on 8/03 (2-3pm/Kick off);
15/03, 29/03, 26/04, 10/05, 24/05, 31/05, 21/06, and 28/06;

Tutorials:
Tutorial 1: 05/04 from 2-5pm
Tutorial 2: 17/05 from 2-5pm
Tutorial 3: 14/06 from 2-5pm

location: seminar room 5, Oskar-Morgenstern-Platz 1 (1st floor), 1090 Wien
(seminar and tutorials)

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

Science communication is everywhere in society. From government press conferences to social media, newspaper coverage, and even science-based stand up comedy, public communication of science forms a vital part of laypeople’s leisure and civic lives. It is also everywhere in science. Researchers are increasingly called on to communicate their findings, to each other and to their funders but also to the general public.

In this course students will learn to critically engage with, and carry out, public science communication. They will work in interdisciplinary groups to explore case studies of science communication, develop key skills in talking and writing about research, and create their own science communication projects. In doing so they will work with concrete cases and examples, engaging with science communication organisations in Vienna and working to produce high quality communication products (such as videos, podcasts, pop-up events, or zines) that meet real world needs.

The content of the course will cover:
- The history of science communication, and an overview of its types and formats;
- Analysis of a diverse range of examples of science communication;
- Key skills in creating public communication, from clarity to considering diverse audiences;
- How to evaluate and assess science communication.

Students will learn:
- How to collaborate as part of an interdisciplinary group;
- How to respond to real world situations;
- Practical skills in communication;
- Concepts and tools for analysing science communication and the role of science in society;
- Techniques of searching for, assessing, preparing and presenting information.

Assessment and permitted materials

To pass the seminar, students are expected to complete the following tasks:

- Engagement with set readings and active participation in class;
- Group work and class presentations leading up to the development of a science communication project;
- Writing a blog post for a public audience;
- Keeping a research diary.

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

To successfully complete the course, a weighted average of at least 4,5 is required. Failure to meet the attendance regulations, to deliver course assignments on time or to adhere to standards of academic work may result in a deduction of points.

Grades
100-89 points Excellent (1)
88-76 points Good (2)
77-63 points Satisfactory (3)
62-50 points Sufficient (4)
49-0 points Unsatisfactory (5) (fail)

Examination topics

Reading list

Association in the course directory

Last modified: Th 17.02.2022 13:08