SCOM-5016 - Audiences and Issues

This course introduces students to communicating with different public audiences and self-evaluation strategies. Students will learn to adapt their communication approach to the needs, background knowledge, values, attitudes and risk perception of different audiences in the context of current science and technology issues. Students will gain practical experience throughout Science North's different labs and programs. 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

This course will provide a conceptual framework for understanding the forms and functions of science communication practices by drawing on rhetorical theory and rhetorical studies of scientific communication. The course addresses two main areas. Basic Rhetorical Concepts and Principles introduces students to topics such as language as action, rhetorical situations, modes of effective communication and techniques of argumentation. Rhetoric of Science explores recent research into the rhetoric of science and its relevance to science communication 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

SCOM-5076 - Communicating Science Through Exhibits

In this course, students apply effective communication strategies to research design and develop a prototype science 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 and content outlines, for shows and articles on topics of their choosing. This will include researching the science, justifying the content and storyline, developing proposals, interviewing scientists, and compiling segments into edited stories. The emphasis will be on effective communication of the science rather than on technical aspects of the production process. 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

This course will familiarize students with empirical research methods to evaluate 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. In the context of science communication, lectures and seminars will cover qualitative and quantitative research methods; data collection and data analysis; focus groups; interview methods; questionnaire design; grounded theory research; experimental design; ethics of research with human subjects. Students will be able to employ these methods during their research project (SCOM 5125). (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) cr 6