Science Literacy from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

Module 1: Introduction to Science

Welcome to Science Literacy! In a world where we have access to unlimited information, it is hard to sift through the echo chamber of opinions fueled by emotions and personal biases, rather than scientific evidence. Science Literacy will teach you about the process of science, how to think critically, how to differentiate science from pseudoscience, and how to critically evaluate scientific communication in the media. In this first module, we'll hear from indigenous elders about the traditional process of knowledge collection, and how it can be used to inspire, consolidate, and validate scientific hypotheses. We'll introduce the process and purpose of scientific thought and give you some tips and tricks for identifying biases in arguments, as well as how to distinguish common sense and intuition from genuine scientific theories. You'll also meet your presenters Claire and Rachel in the first video, so let's get started, and get scientifically literate!

Module 2: Pseudoscience

In this module, you are going to learn how to differentiate and discriminate science from pseudoscience. We'll look at some common examples of pseudoscience in everyday life, and practice separating them from science, bad science and plain ol' fraudulent science. Finally we'll find out just what it is that makes pseudoscientific language so appealing, how to combat it by staying skeptical and examine the harm that pseudoscience can do, if left unchallenged.

Module 3: Critical Thinking

In this module you'll learn a fundamental skill in science literacy- critical thinking! We'll introduce you to the basics of critical thinking before giving you the tools to try and apply some critical thinking to actual case studies. We'll also introduce the concept of correlation and demonstrate the difference between correlation and causation. We'll also examine the importance of replicability and the value (and burden) of extraordinary evidence. Finally, we'll visit the work of Karl Popper and discover why falsifiability lies at the heart of science literacy, and while complex conspiracy theories may appeal to the X Files fans in us, in science, the simplest explanation is often the most likely to be correct. So come on, it's time to get critical!

Module 4: Scientific Methods

In this module, we'll be taking a deep dive, into the particular methods that scientists use to form knowledge and understanding of the world around us. We'll be dissecting the different parts of a scientific paper, learn that there is a way to read even the densest scientific papers and give you an opportunity to test these new skills out. You'll also learn how to construct a scientific experiment, from forming your hypothesis, to choosing your variables and most appropriate method of research design, from natural to survey. After this module, you'll not only be able to rad and understand scientific reports, but you'll be able to design and carry out your own!

Module 5: Interpreting Evidence

Who knows you better than your peers? Well, if you're science...no one! In this module we'll be looking at all aspects of the peer review system, through which scientific knowledge is published- its pros, and its imperfections. We'll look at how statistics can be used to substantiate scientific theories, but also how they can be used to bolster spurious correlations and dodgy data! We'll also look at how the media communicates and miscommunicates science, and how even scientists themselves can fall into the traps of sharpening, leveling and pseudosymmetry. Finally, we'll explore open data and open access as an option for the improvement of science communication and improving access for the general public to scientific research, so they don't have to rely on social media!

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Teaches critical thinking and how to differentiate science from pseudoscience, highly relevant to living in a world of fake news

Examines how indigenous wisdom can inform science, offering a unique perspective on knowledge creation

Teaches how to understand and design a scientific study, empowering learners to engage with science actively

Covers fundamental topics in science literacy, such as critical thinking, scientific methods, and pseudoscience

Provides insights into scientific communication and how media influences public understanding of science

Reviews summary

Enlightening science literacy

Learners say this course is largely positive, engaging, and well-structured. The relevance of the course's topics such as media literacy and scientific studies are highly valued by students. While the course may be challenging at times, its informative videos, expert interviews, and drag and drop assignments contribute to a comprehensive learning experience. Students recommend the course to enhance their scientific and critical thinking skills.

Drag and drop assignments can be difficult but improve learning.

"This course was exactly what I wanted and needed."

"Amazing job ladies."

"The course is interesting and provides a lot of information, the videos have quality and are well-edited."

Helps learners evaluate information from media sources.

"You may think that you are a logical and skeptical person and can see through much of the bias and rhetoric that comes at you, but take this course."

"It was a really good course for people who want to learn to be sceptic about what they hear on the News and Social Media."

"This course has made me want to do more to help foster critical thinking and promote open data for a brighter future."

Engaging videos, expert interviews, and relevant readings.

"The videos and PDF's were great and well presented."

"The course is interesting and provides a lot of information, the videos have quality and are well-edited."

"I have learned so much, and really challenged myself, so thank you!"

Mixed opinions on effectiveness, some find it tedious or confusing.

"I sure had trouble with the drag and drop questions."

"The flaws have already been well documented in the existing reviews under 1, 2 and 3 stars."

"This course was a mini-review of a course I took 30 years ago on the same topic."

Some quizzes are unclear or have subjective questions.

"I found many test questions to not be clear."

"The quizzes contained statements which seemed ambivalent and hard to classify in the ways offered."

"Some of the questions were so long and dense as to be virtually unintelligible."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Science Literacy with these activities:

Read a paper on the scientific method

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Become familiar with the structure and components of a scientific paper, and to understand the process of scientific inquiry.

Browse courses on Science Literacy

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Choose a paper related to the course topic.
Read the paper and identify the main argument, methods, and results.
Discuss the paper with classmates or the instructor.

Watch videos on the history of science

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Gain a deeper understanding of the historical context and evolution of scientific thought.

Browse courses on History of Science

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Choose videos that cover different periods and topics in the history of science.
Watch the videos and take notes on the key concepts.
Discuss the videos with classmates or the instructor.

Read "Bad Science" by Ben Goldacre

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Enhance understanding of the importance of critical thinking and skepticism in evaluating scientific claims.

View Statins on Amazon

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Read the book and identify the main arguments.
Discuss the book with classmates or the instructor.
Apply the principles of critical thinking to evaluate scientific claims in the media.

Five other activities

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Solve problems on scientific reasoning

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Practice applying critical thinking and logical reasoning skills to solve problems related to scientific concepts.

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Identify the problem and the relevant information.
Analyze the information and identify patterns.
Develop a logical argument to support a solution.
Evaluate the solution and consider alternative perspectives.

Participate in a study group to discuss course material

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Enhance understanding of course material through discussions and collaborative learning with peers.

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Form a study group with classmates.
Meet regularly to discuss course material and assignments.
Help each other understand concepts and solve problems.

Attend a workshop on data analysis

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Develop practical skills in analyzing and interpreting scientific data.

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Identify a workshop that aligns with the course topics.
Attend the workshop and participate actively.
Apply the skills learned in the workshop to analyze scientific data.

Design an experiment to test a scientific hypothesis

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Develop skills in designing and conducting scientific experiments to test hypotheses.

Browse courses on Scientific Method

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Identify a scientific hypothesis to test.
Design an experiment that can test the hypothesis.
Conduct the experiment and collect data.
Analyze the data and draw conclusions.

Create a poster presentation on a scientific topic

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Develop skills in communicating scientific information effectively and engagingly to a general audience.

Browse courses on Scientific Communication

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Choose a topic and research the relevant information.
Design the poster, including visuals, text, and data.
Practice presenting the poster to classmates or the instructor.

Career center

Learners who complete Science Literacy will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Science Researcher

Science Researchers conduct scientific research to advance our understanding of the natural world. They use their knowledge of science and research methods to design and conduct experiments, collect and analyze data, and draw conclusions. This course may be useful to Science Researchers because it helps them understand the scientific process, how to think critically about scientific information, and how to communicate scientific findings to other scientists.

See salaries and explore the career path for Science Researcher

Science Communicator

Science Communicators translate complex scientific information into a form that is accessible to the general public. They use their knowledge of science and communication to develop and deliver programs, presentations, and other materials that explain scientific concepts in a clear and engaging way. This course may be useful to Science Communicators because it helps them understand the scientific process, how to think critically about scientific information, and how to communicate scientific findings to a variety of audiences.

See salaries and explore the career path for Science Communicator

Science Journalist

Science Journalists report on scientific research and discoveries for the general public. They use their knowledge of science and journalism to write articles, stories, and other materials that inform and educate the public about science. This course may be useful to Science Journalists because it helps them understand the scientific process, how to think critically about scientific information, and how to communicate scientific findings to a general audience.

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Science Teacher

Science Teachers teach science to students at all levels, from elementary school to college. They use their knowledge of science and education to create lesson plans, deliver instruction, and assess student learning. This course may be useful to Science Teachers because it helps them understand the scientific process, how to think critically about scientific information, and how to communicate scientific findings to students.

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Science Writer

Science Writers communicate complex scientific topics to a general audience. They use their knowledge of science and writing to write articles, books, and other materials that explain scientific concepts in a clear and engaging way. This course may be useful to Science Writers because it helps them understand the scientific process, how to think critically about scientific information, and how to communicate scientific findings to a general audience.

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Science Outreach Specialist

Science Outreach Specialists develop and implement programs that promote science education and awareness. They use their knowledge of science and outreach to create programs that are fun, engaging, and educational. This course may be useful to Science Outreach Specialists because it helps them understand the scientific process, how to think critically about scientific information, and how to communicate scientific findings to a general audience.

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Science Museum Educator

Science Museum Educators develop and deliver educational programs for visitors to science museums. They use their knowledge of science and education to create exhibits, lead tours, and give presentations that explain scientific concepts in a clear and engaging way. This course may be useful to Science Museum Educators because it helps them understand the scientific process, how to think critically about scientific information, and how to communicate scientific findings to a general audience.

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Science Consultant

Science Consultants provide scientific expertise to businesses, governments, and other organizations. They use their knowledge of science and consulting to help organizations solve problems, make decisions, and develop new products and services. This course may be useful to Science Consultants because it helps them understand the scientific process, how to think critically about scientific information, and how to communicate scientific findings to a variety of audiences.

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Medical Writer

Medical Writers create written materials about medical topics for a variety of audiences, including patients, healthcare professionals, and the general public. They use their knowledge of science and writing to write articles, brochures, and other materials that are accurate, clear, and concise. This course may be useful to Medical Writers because it helps them understand the scientific process, how to think critically about scientific information, and how to communicate scientific findings to a variety of audiences.

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Science Policy Analyst

Science Policy Analysts analyze science policy and its impact on society. They use their knowledge of science and public policy to develop and evaluate policies that promote scientific research and innovation. This course may be useful to Science Policy Analysts because it helps them understand the scientific process, how to think critically about scientific information, and how to communicate scientific findings to policymakers.

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Science Editor

Science Editors oversee the production of scientific publications. They work with authors to develop and refine scientific manuscripts, and they ensure that the manuscripts are accurate, clear, and concise. This course may be useful to Science Editors because it helps them understand the scientific process, how to think critically about scientific information, and how to communicate scientific findings to a variety of audiences.

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Science Librarian

Science Librarians help scientists and researchers find and access the information they need. They use their knowledge of science and library science to develop and maintain collections of scientific resources, and they provide reference and research assistance to scientists and researchers. This course may be useful to Science Librarians because it helps them understand the scientific process, how to think critically about scientific information, and how to communicate scientific findings to scientists and researchers.

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Science Grant Writer

Science Grant Writers write grant proposals to secure funding for scientific research. They use their knowledge of science and grant writing to develop proposals that are clear, concise, and persuasive. This course may be useful to Science Grant Writers because it helps them understand the scientific process, how to think critically about scientific information, and how to communicate scientific findings to potential funders.

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Science Administrator

Science Administrators manage the day-to-day operations of scientific organizations. They use their knowledge of science and administration to develop and implement policies, procedures, and programs that support the organization's mission. This course may be useful to Science Administrators because it helps them understand the scientific process, how to think critically about scientific information, and how to communicate scientific findings to a variety of audiences.

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Science Policy Advisor

Science Policy Advisors advise the government on science policy. They use their knowledge of science and public policy to develop and implement policies that promote scientific research and innovation. This course may be useful to Science Policy Advisors because it helps them understand the scientific process, how to think critically about scientific information, and how to communicate scientific findings to policymakers.

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