Science and Communication

URL study guide

https://studiegids.vu.nl/en/courses/2025-2026/AM_470587

Course Objective

Gain theoretical insight in the nature of science, Gain theoretical insight in the nature of communication, Gain theoretical insight in the relationship between science and society, Gain insight in the role of science communication in this relationship, Acquire knowledge of different theories and models of science communication, Acquire knowledge of different strategies, media and activities for science communication, Learn how to practically apply theoretical concepts from the field of science communication in communicating science, Develop practical skills for science communication (especially writing and giving oral presentations). Reflect on your own knowledge and competencies pertinent to your projected (ideal) role as science communicator.

Course Content

Science is all around us and shapes our lives in many different ways. From the vaccines you need to get when traveling abroad to the smartphone you use on a daily basis, and from the public transportation you use to get to the university to the ingredients of your toothpaste: scientific knowledge is elemental to all of these. Simultaneously, society shapes the ways in which science and technology develop too. Science, technology and society influence each other continuously—or, to put it differently, they ‘communicate’. Students of the Science Communication specialization are expected to become experts in understanding and designing interactions between science and society. In order to make this interaction fruitful and valuable for both science and society, it is first of all important to gain theoretical knowledge about science, about communication and about science communication. Science and Communication provides students with the theoretical and conceptual foundations of the discipline of science communication. Thus, you will develop an in-depth understanding of communication processes at the core of several interfaces, including those between scientists from different disciplines, between different sciences and their stakeholders, and between science and the public.

Teaching Methods

Expected contact hours: Lectures (20 h) Workgroups (25 h) Home-study for group assignments (15 h) Home-study for individual assignments/exam (100 h)

Method of Assessment

a) Participation. (pass/fail) This consists of the following:
- the 'CARQ' presentations and summaries;
- Active participation in the work groups. All these are assessed as pass or fail. For each one you fail, you have to do an alternative assignment. Nota bene: if you fail your participation, this cannot be compensated with an alternative assignment! b) An interview with a science communicator of your own choosing, including a reflection report. (20%) d) "TED-talk" in which you present the research you did (e.g. for your Bsc thesis or (first) Msc internship) and reflect on it. (20%) e) Exam. (60%) To pass, your grades for the assignments and exam all need to be 5.5 or higher. Resit: In case your grade is not sufficient, you have to take a resit. This can either consist of a second attempt at (b), (c) or (d), or a re-exam.

Literature

Academic articles. Direct links to articles will be provided on Canvas.

Target Audience

The course Science and Communication is a compulsory course for students of the Master specialisation Science Communication (Wetenschapscommunicatie) and is a prerequisite for the internship. Science and Communication is an optional course for students from other master programs in the health and life sciences.