Public Engagement for Scientists from Coursera

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Syllabus

Module 1: Scientists and Everyone Else: Key Communication Challenges

Welcome to Public Engagement for Scientists! Module 1 delves into the multifaceted role of scientists in society, highlighting the challenges and responsibilities in communicating scientific knowledge. It aims to equip students with a nuanced understanding of what constitutes scientific expertise, the interplay between science and the public sphere, and the inherent communication challenges faced by scientists today.

Module 2: Foundations I: Translating Tough Material

This module is designed to enhance students' skills in tailoring written communication effectively for diverse audiences and purposes. It focuses on the art of revising and editing texts to match the audience's vocabulary level, ensuring conciseness and precision, and utilizing visual elements like typesetting and color for enhanced comprehension. The course combines theoretical knowledge with practical exercises, enabling students to master the intricacies of impactful written communication.

Module 3: Foundations II: Data Visualization, Part 1

This module dives into the skills required for effective data management and visualization. It focuses on the foundational techniques of cleaning and structuring both quantitative and qualitative data, understanding and selecting appropriate types of data visualizations for different rhetorical purposes, and crafting meaningful captions, legends, titles, and labels to enhance the interpretability and impact of data presentations.

Module 4: Foundations II: Data Visualization, Part 2

This module is designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the interplay between human visual perception and data visualization, alongside the ethical considerations inherent in the field. It covers the psychological and physiological aspects of how the human eye processes visual information, particularly in the context of data presentation. Additionally, the module delves into the ethical dimensions of data visualization, highlighting potential pitfalls and the responsibilities of data communicators in representing information truthfully and responsibly. Students will learn to critically analyze visual data presentations, both in terms of how effectively they convey information and their adherence to ethical standards.

Module 5: Communicating Science to Researchers

This module is tailored to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the objectives and expectations within the research community. It aims to demystify the purposes and methodologies behind key forms of scientific communication, namely research papers and technical reports. Students will explore the goals driving academic research, delve into the structure and function of research papers, and understand how these papers serve as critical tools for communicating complex information. The module also covers technical reports, explaining their purpose, structure, and how they differ from research papers in conveying detailed information. Through this module, students will develop a clearer perspective on the nuances of scientific communication and its role in advancing knowledge in the research community.

Module 6: Communicating Science to your Peers

This module focuses on the critical aspects of communication within a professional scientific setting. It is designed to equip students with the skills necessary to communicate effectively with peers, emphasizing the importance of concision and precision in delivering clear and impactful messages. The module delves into the key rhetorical features of internal documentation, illustrating how to effectively convey complex information in a manner that is easily comprehensible to team members. Additionally, students will learn the art of crafting effective messages for peer-to-peer communication, a vital skill for successful collaboration and project management.

Module 7: Communicating Science to other Professionals

This module is crafted to enhance students' understanding and skills in tailoring communication effectively based on audience needs. It emphasizes the strategic selection and reframing of information to ensure clarity, relevance, and engagement for various audiences. Students will learn how to identify and analyze the specific needs and expectations of their audience, guiding their decisions on what information to include and how to present it. The module also covers techniques for adjusting the complexity of communication, known as editing up or down, to suit the audience's level of understanding and interest.

Module 8: Communicating Science to the General Public

This module is designed to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of the multiple factors that influence public opinion and the essentials of constructing a persuasive public argument. It begins by exploring the various elements that shape public opinion, including cultural, social, political, and psychological factors. Students will then delve into the fundamentals of building a strong public argument, learning how to develop a logical structure, use rhetorical techniques, and engage the audience effectively. A key focus of the module is on the strategic use of data in supporting arguments, teaching students how to integrate statistical evidence to enhance persuasiveness and credibility. Additionally, the course examines the impact of document design on argument presentation, including the use of layout, typography, and visual elements to reinforce the message and facilitate comprehension.

Summative Course Assessment

This module contains the summative course assessment that has been designed to evaluate your understanding of the course material and assess your ability to apply the knowledge you have acquired throughout the course.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Tailors lessons to meet the specific needs of researchers and professionals in the field

Covers the writing formats and publication styles used in scientific research and for specific audiences

Features visual graphics and interactive exercises to enhance learning

Provides opportunities to practice writing, designing, and delivering scientific communication

Emphasizes both textual and visual elements of scientific communication

Covers advanced topics such as data visualization and ethical considerations

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 Public Engagement for Scientists with these activities:

Organize Class Materials for Easy Review

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By gathering and organizing all materials for this course, you can make studying more efficient and the information easier to understand.

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Gather and review all lecture notes, slides, and handouts.
Organize the materials by module or topic.

Follow Tutorials for Data Visualization Techniques

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By following video or online tutorials, you can acquire a strong foundation in data visualization tools and methods.

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Identify the software you will be using for data visualization.
Search for interactive data visualization tutorials.
Go through the tutorials and practice creating visualizations.

Practice Data Visualization and Manipulation Techniques

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Regular practice with data visualization and manipulation will help you develop the proficiency required in this course.

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Choose a data visualization or manipulation technique.
Find practice exercises or online challenges.
Apply the technique to solve the exercises or challenges.

Ten other activities

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Review: A Practical Guide for Scientific Data Analysis

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This in-depth, practical guide provides all the information you need to master data analysis for your scientific research.

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Read the chapters that cover analysis methods relevant to the course.
Take notes on the key concepts, formulas, and examples.
Complete the practice exercises at the end of each chapter.

Develop research proposals

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Strengthens research proposal writing skills, essential for securing funding and support for scientific endeavors.

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Review course materials and funding agency guidelines on proposal writing.
Identify a research problem and develop a clear research question.
Design a research plan that includes appropriate methodology and analysis.
Prepare a compelling budget and timeline.
Seek feedback on the clarity, feasibility, and impact of the proposal.

Writing practice

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Enhances writing skills in scientific communication, improving the clarity and effectiveness of scientific messages.

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Review course materials on scientific writing techniques.
Practice writing different types of scientific documents, such as research proposals, technical reports, and journal articles.
Seek feedback from instructors, peers, or writing tutors to refine writing skills.

Review: Writing Clear and Concise Scientific Writing

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Reviewing writing techniques will improve your ability to understand the writing presented in this course and in the field of science.

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Compose a list of the technical writing courses you have taken.
Identify your current strengths and weaknesses in writing.
Review grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure.

Create Infographics Explaining Scientific Concepts

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Using graphic design software, you can create scientific visualizations that present data in a visually engaging and informative way.

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Choose a scientific concept to visualize.
Gather data and prepare it for visualization.
Select appropriate charts, graphs, and images to represent the data.

Develop data visualizations

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Strengthens visual communication skills, enabling scientists to effectively present and interpret scientific data.

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Review course materials on data visualization best practices.
Use appropriate software (e.g., R, Python) to create data visualizations.
Consider the target audience and purpose of the visualizations.
Incorporate visual elements such as charts, graphs, and images to enhance comprehension.
Seek feedback on the clarity and effectiveness of the visualizations.

Develop a Science Communication Outreach Project

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By developing a communication project, you can expand on the skills you learn in this course to communicate to diverse audiences.

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Identify a scientific concept or topic.
Determine the target audience and their information needs.
Choose appropriate communication channels and strategies.
Develop and implement your outreach project.

Conduct a Detailed Analysis of a Complex Data Set

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Through the analysis of complex data sets, you can develop your ability to identify trends, patterns and actionable insights.

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Gather data from multiple sources.
Clean and prepare the data for analysis.
Apply appropriate statistical and analytical techniques.
Visualize and interpret the results of your analysis.

Design scientific posters

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Develops skills in creating visually appealing and informative scientific posters, effective for dissemination of research findings.

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Review course materials on poster design principles.
Use appropriate software (e.g., Adobe InDesign) to create scientific posters.
Consider the target audience and the key message to be conveyed.
Incorporate visual elements, text, and data to engage the audience.
Seek feedback on the clarity, visual impact, and effectiveness of the poster.

Oral presentation practice

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Improves oral communication skills, fostering confidence and effectiveness in presenting scientific findings.

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Review course materials on effective presentation techniques.
Practice delivering presentations using various visuals and aids.
Time and rehearse presentations to ensure clarity and conciseness.
Seek feedback from instructors, peers, or presentation coaches to enhance delivery.

Career center

Learners who complete Public Engagement for Scientists will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Technical Writer

A Technical Writer documents technical products and processes for a broad range of audiences, including customers, colleagues, and management teams. To write clear and accurate technical information, a Technical Writer must have a deep understanding of the subject matter they are writing about. Therefore, this course can be quite helpful for people seeking to become Technical Writers. It can provide a foundation in the theoretical and practical knowledge and skills needed to be successful in the field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Science Communicator

Science Communicators play a vital role in bridging the gap between the scientific community and the public. They use their knowledge of science and communication to translate complex scientific concepts into terms that are easy for non-scientists to understand. Science Communicators work in a variety of settings, including museums, science centers, universities, and government agencies. This course can be useful for people who want to become Science Communicators. It can provide a foundation in the theoretical and practical knowledge and skills needed to be successful in the field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Science Communicator

Medical Writer

Medical Writers create content for a variety of audiences in the healthcare industry, including patients, physicians, and other healthcare professionals. They often write articles, website content, and marketing materials. Medical Writers typically have a strong background in science, and they are able to translate complex medical concepts into terms that are easy for non-scientists to understand. This course can be helpful for people who want to become Medical Writers because it can provide a foundation in the theoretical and practical knowledge and skills needed to be successful in the field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Medical Writer

Public Relations Specialist

Public Relations Specialists help organizations build and maintain a positive public image. They work in a variety of settings, including corporations, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. Public Relations Specialists often use a variety of communication channels to reach their target audiences, including the media, social media, and the web. This course can be helpful for people who want to become Public Relations Specialists because it provides a foundation in the theoretical and practical knowledge and skills needed to be successful in the field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Relations Specialist

Science Writer

Science Writers can be employed by media outlets, scientific research institutions, or private companies to communicate scientific discoveries and concepts to general audiences. They often write articles, blog posts, and other types of content for laypeople, with an aim of making complex scientific topics more accessible. This course may be helpful for Science Writers who want to learn more about the process of communicating science to diverse audiences. It can also help Science Writers develop the skills they need to create clear and engaging content.

See salaries and explore the career path for Science Writer

Science Journalist

Science Journalists write about scientific discoveries and concepts for a general audience. They work for a variety of media outlets, including newspapers, magazines, and websites. Science Journalists often have a strong background in science, and they are able to translate complex scientific concepts into terms that are easy for non-scientists to understand. This course can be helpful for people who want to become Science Journalists because it provides a foundation in the theoretical and practical knowledge and skills needed to be successful in the field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Science Journalist

Science Policy Advisor

Science Policy Advisors use their knowledge of science and public policy to inform decision-making. They work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, think tanks, and non-profit organizations. Science Policy Advisors often provide advice on issues such as climate change, energy policy, and public health. This course can be helpful for people who want to become Science Policy Advisors because it provides a foundation in the theoretical and practical knowledge and skills needed to be successful in the field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Science Policy Advisor

Grant Writer

Grant Writers write proposals to secure funding for a variety of projects, including scientific research, education programs, and community development initiatives. They work in a variety of settings, including universities, non-profit organizations, and government agencies. Grant Writers typically have a strong understanding of the grant writing process, and they are able to write clear and persuasive proposals. This course can be helpful for people who want to become Grant Writers because it can provide a foundation in the theoretical and practical knowledge and skills needed to be successful in the field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Grant Writer

Science Educator

Science Educators teach science to students of all ages. They work in a variety of settings, including schools, museums, and science centers. Science Educators often use a variety of teaching methods to engage students and help them learn about science. This course can be helpful for people who want to become Science Educators because it provides a foundation in the theoretical and practical knowledge and skills needed to be successful in the field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Science Educator

Instructional Designer

Instructional Designers create and develop educational materials for a variety of audiences. They work in a variety of settings, including schools, corporations, and government agencies. Instructional Designers often use a variety of instructional design models and theories to create effective learning experiences. This course can be helpful for people who want to become Instructional Designers because it can help them develop the knowledge and skills they need to be successful in the field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Instructional Designer

Education Consultant

Education Consultants provide advice and guidance to educational institutions and organizations. They work in a variety of settings, including schools, colleges, and universities. Education Consultants often have a deep understanding of the education system, and they are able to help organizations improve their teaching and learning practices. This course can be helpful for people who want to become Education Consultants because it can provide a foundation in the theoretical and practical knowledge and skills needed to be successful in the field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Education Consultant

User Experience Designer

User Experience Designers design and evaluate the user experience for websites, apps, and other digital products. They work in a variety of settings, including tech companies, design firms, and marketing agencies. User Experience Designers often have a strong understanding of human-computer interaction, and they are able to create user-friendly and intuitive interfaces. This course can be helpful for people who want to become User Experience Designers because it can help them develop the knowledge and skills they need to be successful in the field.

See salaries and explore the career path for User Experience Designer

Information Architect

Information Architects design and organize the content of websites, apps, and other digital products. They work in a variety of settings, including tech companies, design firms, and marketing agencies. Information Architects often have a strong understanding of information organization and retrieval, and they are able to create structured and easy-to-navigate content. This course can be helpful for people who want to become Information Architects because it can help them develop the knowledge and skills they need to be successful in the field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Architect

Technical Communicator

Technical Communicators create and deliver information about technical products and services. They work in a variety of settings, including tech companies, manufacturing companies, and government agencies. Technical Communicators often have a strong understanding of technical writing, and they are able to translate complex technical information into terms that are easy for non-technical audiences to understand. This course can be helpful for people who want to become Technical Communicators because it can help them develop the knowledge and skills they need to be successful in the field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Communicator

Data Analyst

Data Analysts analyze data to identify patterns and trends. They work in a variety of settings, including tech companies, financial institutions, and government agencies. Data Analysts often have a strong understanding of statistics and data analysis techniques, and they are able to interpret and communicate data in a clear and concise way. This course may be helpful for people who want to become Data Analysts because it can help them develop the knowledge and skills they need to be successful in the field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Public Engagement for Scientists

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