Module 1 - Theoretical and Practical Foundations (September to mid-December)
Students start their science communication experience at Science North during the late summer, toward the end of the peak visitor season. The students’ practical experience with a variety of audiences will be subject to reflective practice which draws on the theoretical principles and societal context of science covered in other courses Thus, the four courses running in parallel throughout this period provide a foundation for the rest of the program.
Module 2 - Understanding the Development Process (January to mid-February)
Building on the foundation from Module 1 students will consider the application of theory in the design and development of a wide variety of modes and styles of science communication and will be introduced to the social science research methods used in studying science communication, especially in evaluating the effectiveness of projects. These courses will be offered in a semi-intense format over six weeks.
Module 3 - Development Experience (mid-February to mid-May)
Students will apply theory and practice in intensive experience of the development and evaluation of projects in two of four modes of science communication. In order to accomplish the research, design, development, production and delivery of a project, students will be expected to work at least 8 hours a week for 12 weeks on each course. This time will include supervision by the course leader and consultation with a mentor from Science North, the university or another organization, who will provide support and feedback for the project portfolio. The work may be carried out in a placement setting.
Two of the following four:
Module 4 – Research Project (mid-February to end June)
Students will undertake a research project of their choosing in consultation with one of the program co-directors and an appropriate project supervisor.
Total credits to graduate: 30
Year at a Glance - Program Timetable
SCOM 5016 Audiences and Issues
This course introduces students to different public audiences including live audiences. Students will apply the reflective practitioner strategy as a way of maximizing the effectiveness of their communication. This approach encourages students to become critical of their practices through recognizing patterns, drawing conclusions, being self-evaluative and recognizing underlying theories and principles. Students will learn to adapt their communication approach to the needs, background knowledge, beliefs, values, attitudes and risk perception of different audiences. Communication will be considered in the context of current science and technology issues such as nuclear power generation and disposal of radioactive waste; cloning; genetically modified foods; climate change; drug testing; conservation of natural resources; stem cell research; species at risk; and intelligent design.
Students will be assigned rotating placements throughout Science North’s different labs and programs to gain practical experience with live audiences. They will present and discuss their findings as well as review relevant articles and research in seminars. The practicum includes science centre labs, outreach, discovery camp and special events during an intensive "Audiences Camp" in late August. Total of 75 practicum hrs. (exp, lec/sem 2) cr 3
SCOM 5026 Learning: Theories and Practice
This course introduces students to current theories of learning relevant to communicating science. Students will explore Piaget’s theory of cognitive development and the growth of scientific understanding from infancy to adulthood; the constructivist approach to learning and the current research on life-long free-choice learning in informal setting; the research and practice in cognitive skills development in science and technology as it pertains to program development; and current research concerning adult learners and learning styles. Only available to students in the Science Communication Program. (lec 2, sem 1) cr 3
SCOM 5036 Theories and Principles of Science Communication
Drawing on rhetorical theory and rhetorical studies of scientific communication, this course will provide a conceptual framework for understanding the forms and functions of science communication practices. The course will address two main areas:
1) Basic Rhetorical Concepts and Principles. This section of the course will introduce students to basic rhetorical concepts and principles, such as: language as action; the relationship between language, values and knowledge; discourse communities; rhetorical situations (purpose, audience, occasion, and genre); modes of effective communication (logical, ethical, and emotional appeals); techniques of argumentation
2) Rhetoric of Science. This section of the course will introduce students to recent research in the rhetoric of science and explore the relevance of this research to the science communication practices that students will be encountering later in the program. Issues to be discussed include: historical and contemporary perspectives on scientific communication; language and scientific knowledge-making; information as implicit persuasion; the effective communication of science to diverse audiences (e.g. expert versus non-expert groups). (lec 2, sem 1) cr 3
SCOM 5046 Science and Society
This course will be in a seminar format and will begin with an introduction to the processes, philosophy and ethics of science. Various views of the importance and relevance of public awareness and public understanding of science will be explored. Students will be required to review the science, debate the issues and ethics, and consider both public and political responses to current science and technology issues such as: nuclear power generation and disposal of radioactive waste; cloning; genetically modified foods; climate change; drug testing; conservation of water resources; agricultural practices. (lec 2, sem 1) cr 3
SCOM 5056 Design Theory in Science Communication
Students will study the theory of design and its application to science communication. There are three components covered in this course: content design – conceptual organization of scientific knowledge for learnability; format design – selection of modes and protocols of presentation for effective free choice learning; production design – development of communication artifacts within project standards and constraints. (lec/lab 3) cr 3
PREREQ: SCOM 5016 (or permission of the instructor), SCOM 5026, SCOM 5036, 5046
SCOM 5066 Science Communication Practice
Students will create science communication artefacts in different modes of science communication such as exhibits, live programming, information technology, and mass media. The focus in this practical course is on consideration of learning theory, audience composition, design theory, the social, political and ethical context, to best develop effective forms of science communication. Guest presenters, field trips and meetings with science communication professionals will complement the curriculum. (exp, lec/tut/sem 3) cr 3
PREREQ: SCOM 5016, SCOM 5026, SCOM 5036, SCOM 5046
Field trips
This part of the course will normally take place in January and expose the students to a wide range of communication styles and techniques exemplifying effective communication. Students will be responsible for assignments based upon critical analysis of selected experiences during the trip. Institutions which may be visited include: the National Museum of Science and Technology, Ontario Science Centre, Royal Ontario Museum, Metro Toronto Zoo, Montreal’s Botanical Gardens, Insectarium, Biodome and Cosmodome.
SCOM 5076 Communicating Science through Exhibits
In this course students will communicate science issues and phenomena through exhibits by applying their knowledge of effective communication methods that best promote learning and understanding. Students will research, design, and develop a prototype exhibit for public use. Students will also prepare a design rationale for their final product. Lectures will cover such topics as: exhibit design and signage writing philosophy from around the globe; analysing museum and science centre exhibit research; establishing scientifically credible and balanced content; anthropometric issues and health and safety issues; writing signage for a lay audience; evaluating exhibits. Total of 100 project hrs. (exp, lec/lab 3) cr 3
PREREQ: SCOM 5116
SCOM 5086 Communicating Science through Live Programming
Students will take responsibility for the design, development, delivery and evaluation of their own show, workshop, program or field trip as their assignment. Learning theories and communication methods will be discussed and applied in the development of the project. Lectures will address topics such as: content analysis and design for effective learning; establishing scientifically credible and balanced content; adapting to audience response; presentation skills; retaining audience attention; theatrical techniques; evaluation of live programs. Total of 100 project hrs. (exp, lec 2) cr 3
PREREQ: SCOM 5116
SCOM 5096 Communicating Science through Information Technology
Students will design, develop, implement and evaluate an interactive computer-based project, typically a simulation or visualization of a scientific principle. Lectures will cover such topics as: content analysis and design for effective learning; establishing scientifically credible and balanced content; system requirements; modelling of scientific concepts for simulation; researching, designing and prototyping an interactive interface; preparing support materials; documentation; evaluating software. Total of 100 project hrs. (lec/lab 2) cr 3
PREREQ: SCOM 5116
SCOM 5106 Communicating Science through Mass Media
Students will prepare proposals, including content outlines, for shows and articles on topics of their choosing. They will research the science in original publications; justify the content and storyline; develop some proposals for shooting, recording or writing; conduct interviews with suitable scientists and other subjects; select and compile segments from transcripts into edited stories. The emphasis will be on effective communication of the science rather than on technical aspects of the production process. Students will also prepare briefing notes on selected science and technology topics for use by class colleagues in an interview or press conference. Each student will be responsible for preparing a portfolio of work for evaluation, including a more intensively developed project piece for television, radio or print. When possible this course will include a placement situation with a suitable media organization. Total of 100 project hrs. (lec/sem 2) cr 3
PREREQ: SCOM 5116
SCOM 5116 Research Methods in Science Communication
The goal of this course is to familiarize students with empirical research methods that science communicators use in evaluating the effectiveness of all forms of science communication. Understanding audience response to science communication is an evolving field and methods of evaluation and assessment are continuously being tested and revised. Students will study the methodology and consider the ethics of research with human subjects. Students will be able to employ these methods during their research project (SCOM 5125). In the context of science communication, lectures and seminars will cover topics such as: qualitative and quantitative research methods; data collection and data analysis using descriptive and basic inferential statistics; focus groups; interview methods; questionnaire design; grounded theory research; experimental design; ethics of research with human subjects. (lec/sem 3) cr 3
PREREQ: SCOM 5016, SCOM 5026, SCOM 5036, SCOM 5046
SCOM 5125 Research Project in Science Communication
Students will choose a topic or area of interest to them in consultation with the course coordinator; review the relevant literature; decide on a research question; design and conduct a study to answer that question; analyze the data and write a research report of between 6000 and 9000 words. In addition to submitting a research report students will give an oral presentation of their project. Appropriate ethics committee approval will be required for all projects involving human subjects. PREREQ: SCOM 5116. (exp, sem)
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