Communicating science to a lay audience can be a challenging activity. In the past scientists have encountered problems with presenting their research to a wider audience - think of the fiasco with cold fusion. In this module, we address some of the basic issues associated with presenting science to the public and consider the value of a range of media - the press, broadcast media, popular science writing, science fiction, museums and discovery centres. In addition, participants develop their own writtten, oral and visual communication skills through a series of workshops, culminating in a public exhibition of posters produced during the module.

Prior to the first assignment, there is a trip to a science museum. There will be a charge for this trip (note: attendance on trip is compulsory, please email lecturer for further details.)
There may be a cost incurred in producing the poster for the second assessment.

The module will cover the following topics:

- Why do scientists wish to communicate with the public? Where and how do they engage in such
communication?

- The difference between academic scientific writing and coverage in the popular press.

- Science museums and discovery centres, including a field trip.

- Popular science writing: New Scientist; Nature and popular science books.

- Science fiction as a way of communicating science.

- Presentation of science to the public: open exhibition of student posters produced during the course.