Public Engagement for Scientists (Coursera)

Written assignments, discussion questions, and communication exercises will provide students with a better understanding of the relationship between scientists and diverse audiences, whether in the workplace, laboratory, or other environments.

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

- Explain key strategies for communicating scientific information to a variety of audiences.

- Analyze a communicative situation and its context to determine audience needs.

- Design visual and textual forms of scientific communication that meet the needs of a diverse range of audiences.

- Prepare documents using formatting, style, and graphics that are appropriate for the situation.

Software Requirements: R (preferably RStudio), document creation software (Microsoft Word, LaTeX, Google Docs, etc.)

Syllabus

Module 1: Scientists and Everyone Else: Key Communication Challenges

Welcome to Public Engagement for Scientists! Module 1 delves into the multifaceted role of scientists in society, highlighting the challenges and responsibilities in communicating scientific knowledge. It aims to equip students with a nuanced understanding of what constitutes scientific expertise, the interplay between science and the public sphere, and the inherent communication challenges faced by scientists today.

Module 2: Foundations I: Translating Tough Material

This module is designed to enhance students' skills in tailoring written communication effectively for diverse audiences and purposes. It focuses on the art of revising and editing texts to match the audience's vocabulary level, ensuring conciseness and precision, and utilizing visual elements like typesetting and color for enhanced comprehension. The course combines theoretical knowledge with practical exercises, enabling students to master the intricacies of impactful written communication.

Module 3: Foundations II: Data Visualization, Part 1

This module dives into the skills required for effective data management and visualization. It focuses on the foundational techniques of cleaning and structuring both quantitative and qualitative data, understanding and selecting appropriate types of data visualizations for different rhetorical purposes, and crafting meaningful captions, legends, titles, and labels to enhance the interpretability and impact of data presentations.

Module 4: Foundations II: Data Visualization, Part 2

This module is designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the interplay between human visual perception and data visualization, alongside the ethical considerations inherent in the field. It covers the psychological and physiological aspects of how the human eye processes visual information, particularly in the context of data presentation. Additionally, the module delves into the ethical dimensions of data visualization, highlighting potential pitfalls and the responsibilities of data communicators in representing information truthfully and responsibly. Students will learn to critically analyze visual data presentations, both in terms of how effectively they convey information and their adherence to ethical standards.

Module 5: Communicating Science to Researchers

This module is tailored to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the objectives and expectations within the research community. It aims to demystify the purposes and methodologies behind key forms of scientific communication, namely research papers and technical reports. Students will explore the goals driving academic research, delve into the structure and function of research papers, and understand how these papers serve as critical tools for communicating complex information. The module also covers technical reports, explaining their purpose, structure, and how they differ from research papers in conveying detailed information. Through this module, students will develop a clearer perspective on the nuances of scientific communication and its role in advancing knowledge in the research community.

Module 6: Communicating Science to your Peers

This module focuses on the critical aspects of communication within a professional scientific setting. It is designed to equip students with the skills necessary to communicate effectively with peers, emphasizing the importance of concision and precision in delivering clear and impactful messages. The module delves into the key rhetorical features of internal documentation, illustrating how to effectively convey complex information in a manner that is easily comprehensible to team members. Additionally, students will learn the art of crafting effective messages for peer-to-peer communication, a vital skill for successful collaboration and project management.

Module 7: Communicating Science to other Professionals

This module is crafted to enhance students' understanding and skills in tailoring communication effectively based on audience needs. It emphasizes the strategic selection and reframing of information to ensure clarity, relevance, and engagement for various audiences. Students will learn how to identify and analyze the specific needs and expectations of their audience, guiding their decisions on what information to include and how to present it. The module also covers techniques for adjusting the complexity of communication, known as editing up or down, to suit the audience's level of understanding and interest.

Module 8: Communicating Science to the General Public

This module is designed to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of the multiple factors that influence public opinion and the essentials of constructing a persuasive public argument. It begins by exploring the various elements that shape public opinion, including cultural, social, political, and psychological factors. Students will then delve into the fundamentals of building a strong public argument, learning how to develop a logical structure, use rhetorical techniques, and engage the audience effectively. A key focus of the module is on the strategic use of data in supporting arguments, teaching students how to integrate statistical evidence to enhance persuasiveness and credibility. Additionally, the course examines the impact of document design on argument presentation, including the use of layout, typography, and visual elements to reinforce the message and facilitate comprehension.

Summative Course Assessment

This module contains the summative course assessment that has been designed to evaluate your understanding of the course material and assess your ability to apply the knowledge you have acquired throughout the course.