Home > Academic Programs > Science Communication Minor

Science Communication Minor

Main Content

Undergraduate Program Menu

  1. EPIB Program
  2. Course Descriptions
  3. Program Learning Goals
  4. Graduation Requirements
  5. EPIB Experiential Learning
  6. Advising for EPIB
  7. Minor in EPIB
  8. FAQs

Course Schedule

Affiliated Programs

  1. Sustainability Minor
  2. Science Communication Minor
  3. Sustainable Global Food Systems Minor
  4. Creative Expression and the Environment Minor
  5. Graduate Certificate in Human Dimensions of Environmental Change

See Also

  1. SEBS Core Curriculum
  2. PROGRAM HOST: Dept.of Human Ecology

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 and relate the need for understanding science and the scientific process for evidence-based decision making.
  • Define the connection between science and social science expertise on science communication.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of alternative potentials/venues for careers post-graduation.
  • Improve communication skills important for a career in medical, dental, veterinary, nursing, allied health, environmental, basic science fields, and provide the necessary underpinnings specific to science communication for those going into careers in communication and the arts.
  • Understand and practice the skills required for the public communication of science, for communicating science between scientists and for communicating science in personal and professional aspects of your life.

Prerequisite

Students must complete at least ONE of the Natural Science Core Courses prior to enrolling in the minor.

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 (6 Credits Required)

  • Introduction to Science Communication 11:374:103
  • Visualizing Information: Storytelling with Data 11:374:240

Elective Courses (12 Credits Required from below Listings)

No more than half of the electives may come from courses that also fill a major requirement

Biochemistry

  • Biochemical Communication 11:115:491

Cognitive Science

  • The Art and Science of Edutainment 01:185:412
  • Cognitive Science: A multidisciplinary introduction
  • Research Methods in Cognitive Science 01:185:320
  • From Data to Science Communication in R 01:185:325
  • Matlab-Programming for Behavioral Sci 01:185:412/01:830:403:01

Communication

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

Filmmaking

  • Introduction to Filmmaking for Non-Majors 07:211:110
  • Cinematography 07:211:120
  • The Art of Documentary Filmmaking 07:211:240
  • Animation 3-D 07:211:330 (Spring)
  • Animation 2-D 07:211:230 (Fall)
  • Video Editing 07:211:130 [Online]

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
  • Storytelling about Science 11:374:310
  • Environmental Writing: Rhetorical Strategies for Complex Ecological Issues 11:374:311
  • Environmental Education 11:374:416
  • Environment and Behavior 11:374:322

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) (majors only)
  • Weather, Climate, and Television II 11:670:112 (1.5 credit) (majors only)
  • Communicating Climate Change 11:670:415

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
  • Matlab-Programming for Behavioral Sci 01:185:412/01:830:403:01

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

NOTE: additional courses will be added as developed/approved

Program Director

Mary Nucci, PhD.,
Associate Teaching Professor
Cook Office Bldg., Rm. 214
Phone: 848-932-9242
Email: 
mnucci@sebs.rutgers.edu