2022 Faculty Courses School of Life Science and Technology Department of Life Science and Technology Graduate major in Earth-Life Science
Communicating Earth-Life Science to theWorld M
- Academic unit or major
- Graduate major in Earth-Life Science
- Instructor(s)
- John William Hernlund / Shawn Mcglynn / Thilina Nishadh Heenatigala
- Class Format
- Exercise (Face-to-face)
- Media-enhanced courses
- -
- Day of week/Period
(Classrooms) - 3-4 Mon (石川台７号館(ELSI-1), 三島ホール) / 3-4 Thu (石川台７号館(ELSI-1), 三島ホール)
- Class
- -
- Course Code
- ELS.C432
- Number of credits
- 020
- Course offered
- 2022
- Offered quarter
- 3Q
- Syllabus updated
- Jul 10, 2025
- Language
- English
Syllabus
Course overview and goals
This course aims to empower students to communicate their research effectively with a diverse audience from scientific community, policy makers to the public at large. The course modules will cover five modules of thought: Public Engagement in Science, Tools for Research Communication, Publishing and Grants in Academia, Policy and Development in Science and Society, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. A key aspect is to provide practical skills and knowledge that students can use throughout their careers. We also aim to show students how science can be a force for positive change in the world, with special attention to issues of poverty, hunger, health, environment, sustainability, social justice, diversity, and equal opportunity. Course content will consist of a mixture of lectures, applied activities, and guest speakers.
Course description and aims
The students will gain the skills needed to communicate their research with society and the scientific community.
Student learning outcomes
実務経験と講義内容との関連 (又は実践的教育内容)
The students will gain the skills needed to communicate their research with society and the scientific community.
Keywords
Science Communication, Public Engagement, Science and Society, Science Policy, Academic Publishing, Inclusive Science
Competencies
- Specialist skills
- Intercultural skills
- Communication skills
- Critical thinking skills
- Practical and/or problem-solving skills
- Specialist skills Liberal arts skills Communication skills Applied skills (inquisitive thinking and/or problem-finding skills) Applied skills (practical and/or problem-solving skills)
Class flow
The class will be lecture-based with discussion and hands-on workshops.
Course schedule/Objectives
| Course schedule | Objectives | |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | Introduction to Global Science Communication (Thilina) |
a. What is science communication and why is it important for a researcher? |
| Class 2 | Public Engagement and Understanding of Science (Thilina) |
What is different between scientists and the public in understanding research? |
| Class 3 | Presentation and Interpersonal Skills (Thilina) |
a. How to informally talk about your research |
| Class 4 | New Media in Practice (SNS, Blogs, Web, Podcasts, Videos, etc.) (Thilina) |
How to use modern tools to communicate science? |
| Class 5 | Press Releases and Popular Articles (Thilina) |
a. How can a research paper turn into an article for the public and media? |
| Class 6 | Scientific Narration and Visualization (Thilina) |
a. How to build your science story and use visualization effectively? |
| Class 7 | Tools for Organizing Scientific Meetings (John) |
a. Different kinds of meetings (workshops, conferences, groups, administrative, etc.) |
| Class 8 | Building a Professional Reputation (Thilina) |
a. How do we become findable? |
| Class 9 | Effective Grant Writing & Lobbying (John/Shawn) |
a. Science costs money. Where can you get it? |
| Class 10 | Publishing and Open Science (John) |
a. How to write science clearly and effectively |
| Class 11 | Science in Society (John) |
a. What is the relationship between science and society? |
| Class 12 | Effective Research Collaboration (Shawn) |
a. Effective collaboration can lead to exciting findings and enhance your research output. |
| Class 13 | Research Ethics (Shawn/John) |
a. Moral/Ethical imperatives of scientists |
| Class 14 | Inclusive Practices in Academia (Thilina) |
a. Importance of diversity and openness in science. |
Study advice (preparation and review)
To enhance effective learning, students are encouraged to spend approximately 100 minutes preparing for class and another 100 minutes reviewing class content afterwards (including assignments) for each class.
They should do so by referring to textbooks and other course material.
Textbook(s)
None
Reference books, course materials, etc.
Materials will be provided.
Evaluation methods and criteria
Students will be evaluated on the basis of completing a series of projects related to lecture topics.
Related courses
- GEG.S411 ： Global Science Communication and Engagement
- GEG.S413 ： Science Media and Communication for Global Development of Environment and Society
Prerequisites
The student should have a basic level of English communication skill, and scientific literacy.