Science Communication

Overview

Students who complete the Science Communication program of the Northern Arizona University will develop the broad background and hand-on skills needed to work in this burgeoning field. Whether coupled with another graduate degree or not, the coursework will enable students to later work as science communicators in a corporation, government agency, NGO, or media organization.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Understand elements of communication theory relevant to science 

• Gain an overview of diverse formats for nonspecialist science communication including journalism, blogging, and informal settings (e.g. museums)

• Gain overview of the basics of storytelling/narrative

• Appreciate media literacy/taxonomy of the modern media

• Develop interviewing skills

• Practice oral presentation skills

• Be introduced to and practice concepts of data visualization, using the principles of human visual perception

• Identify possible sources of bias or obstacles of clarity in visual tools

• Critique and redesign statistical graphics based on graphic design principles

• Understand the basics of quantitative reasoning and statistical tools

• Practice using numbers to convey accurate messages about risk, scale, probability, and statistics

• Develop an ethical framework for dealing with controversial topics

• Understand audience differences and cultural sensitivity, e.g. in “translational” science and health communication

• Develop considerations for engagement in the political sphere

• Practice the basics of digital photography, video, and audiose editing software to complete a multimedia product

• Be able to conceptualize, research, write and edit a range of professional-quality writing products

• Conceptualize, research, and complete in-depth communication project