SCIC - Science Communication

Teaches students to communicate effectively about science with the public. Students formulate research questions, identify and interview appropriate expert sources, integrate material into engaging works of creative nonfiction using techniques such as structure, description and voice, and work with peers and the instructor to analyze and improve their work. Focuses on writing as the primary vehicle for creative nonfiction expression about science across mediums. Taught in conjunction with SCIC 200. Students cannot receive credit for this course and SCIC 200. Enrollment is restricted to sophomores, juniors, and seniors and subject to interview with the instructor to confirm level of scientific training and writing experience. Contact the instructor to arrange the interview.

Covers field-adapted color illustration techniques including watercolor, colored pencil, inkwash, and mixed media. Field trips to various natural environments provide opportunities to sketch plants, mammals, birds, insects, landscapes, and other subject matter. In addition to in-class assignments, students produce a field sketchbook and a final project. Appropriate for students with demonstrated interest in science illustration through previous course work in science and art or through extracurricular activity in the field or a strong desire to learn the skills of the field. Enrollment process differs for Summer Session.

Introduction to graphite, pen and ink, coquille, and scratchboard, along with training in essential skills for creating accurate and dynamic scientific illustrations. Attention to the demands of the printing process along with basics of proportion, perspective, and composition. Appropriate for students with a demonstrated interest in science illustration through previous course work in science and art, or through extracurricular activity in the field, or a strong desire to learn the skills of the field.

Effective data visualizations have grown into global movements, such as the "warming stripes"; climate change visualization by Ed Hawkins, and have been used to guide policy, for instance, in the COVID-19 pandemic response. This course trains students in data-based storytelling that promotes research and science communication for the benefit of communities and policymakers on local and global scales. Students draft a science writing script, create custom raster and vector graphics, program data visualizations, learn to model and animate 3D models, and create animated compositions. For their final project, students assemble these data-driven assets into an animated video abstract for their own research or that of a collaborating researcher. Taught in conjunction with SCIC 210.

A rigorous examination and practice of the skills involved in writing articles about science, health, technology, and the environment for the general public. Covers the essential elements of news writing and explanatory journalism, including developing a story idea, interviewing scientists, fact checking, composition, and editing of multiple drafts about scientific research.

Students submit petition to sponsoring agency.

Students submit petition to sponsoring agency.

Instructs science students in communicating about their work with the non-scientist public, including written, visual, and audio forms of communication. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students in science and engineering studies. Enrollment is by interview with the instructor to confirm level of scientific training and writing experience. Taught in conjunction with SCIC 100. Students cannot receive credit for this course and SCIC 100.

A survey of the conventions of newspaper journalism and the special application of those conventions to scientific and technological subjects.

A survey of selected feature articles in the current national science magazines, with attention to strategy, level of complexity, explanation technique, and style. Writing assignments include a publishable feature article.

A survey of science and nature profiles and essays. Purpose, content, form, and style are considered. Writing assignments include original profiles and essays on current issues in science, technology, and society.

Rigorous examination of techniques for reporting topics where science and technology meet public policy and society. Covers essential skills of investigative reporting, including obtaining documents through Public Records Act requests, using online reporting resources, and writing about ethical and legal issues.

Introduces web-media tools for reporting science stories and enhancing coverage for broad audiences, including video packages, narrated slideshows, podcasts, blogs, and still photography. Laboratory sections address skills for handling equipment and online editing.

Theory and practice of writing and editing articles on scientific, medical, environmental, and technological subjects for newspapers, magazines, and special publications directed at non-technical readers.

Effective data visualizations have grown into global movements, such as the "warming stripes," climate change visualization by Ed Hawkins, and have been used to guide policy, for instance, in the COVID-19 pandemic response. This course trains students in data-based storytelling that promotes research and science communication for the benefit of communities and policymakers on local and global scales. Students draft a science writing script, create custom raster and vector graphics, program data visualizations, learn to model and animate 3D models, and create animated compositions. For their final project, students assemble these data-driven assets into an animated video abstract for their own research or that of a collaborating researcher. Taught in conjunction with SCIC 110.

A media internship is completed with faculty tutorial assistance, to satisfy a need for the student when a regular course is not available. Enrollment restricted to graduate students formally accepted into the writing track of the Science Communication Program.

Independent Study