Science Communication Minor

Course Schedule

• Spring 2025 Course Schedule
• Fall 2024 Course Schedule

The minor in Science Communication (Subject Code 886) recognizes the pressing need in our technologically-based society to understand and communicate science issues personally and professionally. Students in the minor will learn how to access, understand and communicate evidence-based science information in the context of real-world problems. After completing the minor, students will be better prepared to understand and address the issues in communicating science effectively.

Learning Goals

After completing the program students will be able to:

• recognize the need for understanding science and the scientific process for evidence-based decision-making;
• make the connection between science and social science expertise on science communication;
• realize alternative potentials/venues for careers postgraduation;
• communicate effectively for careers in medical, dental, veterinary, nursing, or allied health fields; 
• effectively convey science information to the general public as well as to scientists; and
• describe the role of science and scientists in society.

Requirements

Students will be expected to complete a total of 18 credits of Minor approved courses, which must include three required courses and participation in a public (such as course presentation, science café, poster session, conference presentation) presentation which must be approved by the Program Advisor.  The balance of courses can be from the list of Elective Minor courses. 

Students are encouraged to contact the Program Director prior to signing up for the Minor to discuss their interest and class selections.

Required Courses (9 Credits Required)

• Introduction to Science Communication 11:374:103
• Visualizing Information: Storytelling with Data 11:374:240
• Communication in the Life Sciences 11:374:435 OR Environmental Writing: Rhetorical Strategies for Complex Ecological Issues 11:374:311 (Prerequisite: Expository Writing 01:355:101 or its equivalent)

Required (Non-course)

• Public presentation (participation in a course presentation, science café, poster session, or conference presentation approved by the Program Advisor)

Elective Courses (9 Credits Required from below Listings)

Biochemistry

• Biochemical Communication 11:115:491

Communication

• Science and Health Journalism 04:567:340
• Health Communication 04:192:407
• Health Literacy 04:192:307
• Communication Theory 04:192:200

Genetics

• Effective Communication Skills in Genetics 01:447:430 (Genetics majors only)
• Thesis Writing and Communication in Genetics I 01:447:414 (Genetics majors only)
• Thesis Writing and Communication in Genetics II 01:447:415 (Genetics majors only)

History

• History of Science and Society 01:506:251

Human Ecology

• Risk, Health and Safety 11:374:430
• Food for Thought: Agriculture and Food Issues in Contemporary Media 11:374:227
• Environment in Society and Mass Media 11:374:225

Marine and Coastal Studies

• Communicating Sciences to Informal Audiences 11:628:307
• Communicating and Teaching Climate Science 11:628:340
• Communicating Ocean Science 11:628:307

Meteorology

• Weather, Climate, and Television 1 11:670:111 (1.5 credit)
• Weather, Climate, and Television II 11:670:112 (1.5 credit)

Nutritional Sciences

• Nutrition Communication 11:709:442 (prereqs: 709:202, 255, 441)

Philosophy

• Bioethics 01:730:249

Psychology

• Social Psychology 01:830:321
• Health Psychology 01:830:377

Theater Arts

• Improving Communication through Improv 07:965:330

Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies

• Gender and Science 01:988:240

Writing Program (English)

• Scientific and Technical Writing 01:355:302
• Science Writing 01:355:342
• Science in the Professions 01:355:355 (Only sections: Writing in the Social Sciences, Writing in medicine)
• Writing in Biology 11:355:312
• Writing as a Naturalist 11:355:352
• Web Authoring 11:355:425

Online courses

• Foundations of Program Planning 11:607:401
• Building Community Partnerships 11:607:402

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NOTE: additional courses will be added as developed/approved