Science Literacy - How Solid Science Can Help You Save the World from Coursera

This course will help you become scientifically literate so that you can make better choices for yourself and the world. Unlike other courses on statistics and scientific methods, we explore global challenges - such as poverty or climate change - and then discuss how key approaches of statistics and scientific methods can help tackle these challenges. We present these approaches in a non-mathematical and easily accessible way. You will leave the course being able to recognize which efforts to do good in this world actually work, and you will have used your science literacy to make some personal changes in your life. Many current attempts to do good in this world are based on good intentions, but don’t work well, or are even harmful. In this course we talk to leading experts from academia, business and non-profit organizations about how we can use science to distinguish bad, good and even better ways of improving this world. We also invite you to change your own behavior to do more good. You will learn how to spot BS (bad science) in the media, how to evaluate whether a social program works or not, and how your career could have a better impact on this world. Finally, you will develop your own plan on how you are going to do good better with science. Guest speakers include Behavioral Economist Dan Ariely, Philosopher Peter Singer, and Happiness researcher Elizabeth Dunn.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Teaches strategies for tackling global challenges with scientific methods and reasoning

Emphasizes the importance of scientific literacy for informed decision-making

Introduces accessible approaches to statistics and scientific methods for non-technical audiences

Empowers learners to evaluate the validity of claims and make informed choices

Provides practical guidance on implementing science-based solutions for real-world problems

Features guest speakers who are experts in a range of fields, offering diverse perspectives

Reviews summary

Empowering course for positive change

This engaging course provides a unique and powerful approach to understanding science and its role in addressing global challenges. Through expert insights and practical applications, learners gain valuable knowledge and skills to make informed decisions and create positive change in the world.

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 - How Solid Science Can Help You Save the World with these activities:

Review scientific writing principles

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Sharpen your scientific writing skills to effectively communicate your ideas and findings.

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Review guidelines and best practices for scientific writing.
Practice writing clear and concise sentences and paragraphs.
Seek feedback on your writing from peers or mentors.

Read Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman

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Gain insights into cognitive biases and decision-making to enhance your critical thinking.

View Noise: A Flaw in Human Judgment on Amazon

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Purchase the book or borrow it from a library.
Allocate specific time slots for reading and reflection.
Take notes and highlight key concepts.
Discuss the book's ideas with friends, family, or classmates.

Revisit basic statistics

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Brush up your statistics knowledge to enhance your understanding of the course materials.

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Review notes from previous statistics courses or textbooks.
Complete online practice problems or quizzes.
Attend a refresher workshop or tutorial.

Five other activities

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Explore case studies of effective science communication

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Analyze real-world examples to refine your understanding of how to communicate science effectively.

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Identify reputable sources for case studies of effective science communication.
Read and analyze case studies, paying attention to the strategies and techniques used.
Discuss the case studies with peers or mentors to gain diverse perspectives.
Apply insights gained from the case studies to your own communication efforts.

Attend a science communication workshop or conference

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Connect with experts and learn about best practices in science communication.

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Research and identify relevant workshops or conferences.
Register and make travel arrangements.
Actively participate in sessions, ask questions, and engage with speakers.
Network with other attendees, exchange ideas, and build connections.

Develop a data visualization project

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Create a data visualization project to enhance your analytical and communication skills.

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Identify a dataset that aligns with your interests or a global challenge.
Clean and analyze the data to identify patterns and insights.
Choose an appropriate data visualization tool and format.
Design and create the data visualization, ensuring clarity and effectiveness.
Present your project to peers or mentors for feedback and improvement.

Write a blog post on a global challenge of your choice

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Deepen your understanding by writing about a global challenge and exploring its scientific dimensions.

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Choose a global challenge that you are passionate about.
Research the challenge, gathering data and evidence from reliable sources.
Craft a compelling narrative that explains the challenge and its scientific implications.
Publish your blog post on a reputable platform and share it with your network.

Participate in a science outreach program or volunteer at a science museum

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Enhance your communication skills and inspire others by sharing your passion for science.

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Identify local science outreach programs or science museums that offer volunteer opportunities.
Apply for a volunteer position and complete any necessary training.
Participate in outreach events, engage with the public, and share your knowledge.

Career center

Learners who complete Science Literacy - How Solid Science Can Help You Save the World will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Philanthropy Manager

A Philanthropy Manager is responsible for managing the charitable giving of an individual, family foundation, or corporation. The course can help a Philanthropy Manager become more effective in their role by providing them with the skills to evaluate the effectiveness of social programs, which will enable them to make more informed funding decisions. Additionally, the course will help Philanthropy Managers learn how to communicate the impact of their giving to donors and other stakeholders.

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Economist

Economists study how societies produce, distribute, and consume goods and services. The course can help an Economist become more effective in their role by providing them with the skills to analyze data and make informed decisions. Additionally, the course will help Economists learn how to communicate their findings to policymakers and other stakeholders.

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Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, clean, and analyze data to help organizations make better decisions. The course can help a Data Analyst become more effective in their role by providing them with the skills to use statistical methods to analyze data and draw valid conclusions. Additionally, the course will help Data Analysts learn how to communicate their findings to stakeholders in a clear and concise way.

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Statistician

Statisticians collect, analyze, and interpret data to help organizations make informed decisions. The course can help a Statistician become more effective in their role by providing them with the skills to use statistical methods to analyze data and draw valid conclusions. Additionally, the course will help Statisticians learn how to communicate their findings to stakeholders in a clear and concise way.

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Researcher

Researchers design and conduct studies to investigate problems and develop new knowledge. The course can help a Researcher become more effective in their role by providing them with the skills to use scientific methods to conduct research and evaluate the results. Additionally, the course will help Researchers learn how to write and publish research papers.

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Teacher

Teachers educate students at all levels, from elementary school to college. The course can help a Teacher become more effective in their role by providing them with the skills to use scientific methods to teach science concepts. Additionally, the course will help Teachers learn how to assess student learning and provide feedback.

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Science Writer

Science Writers communicate complex scientific information to a non-scientific audience. The course can help a Science Writer become more effective in their role by providing them with the skills to write clearly and concisely about scientific topics. Additionally, the course will help Science Writers learn how to evaluate the accuracy and reliability of scientific information.

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Journalist

Journalists write, edit, and publish news stories for newspapers, magazines, and websites. The course can help a journalist become more effective in their role by providing them with the skills to evaluate the accuracy and reliability of information. Additionally, the course will help Journalists learn how to write clearly and concisely about complex topics.

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Environmental Scientist

Environmental Scientists study the environment and its interaction with human activity. The course can help an Environmental Scientist become more effective in their role by providing them with the skills to use scientific methods to study environmental issues and develop solutions to environmental problems. Additionally, the course will help Environmental Scientists learn how to communicate their findings to policymakers and other stakeholders.

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Nonprofit Manager

Nonprofit Managers oversee the operations of nonprofit organizations. The course can help a Nonprofit Manager become more effective in their role by providing them with the skills to manage staff, finances, and programs. Additionally, the course will help Nonprofit Managers learn how to evaluate the effectiveness of their programs.

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Social Worker

Social Workers help people overcome personal and social challenges. The course can help a Social Worker become more effective in their role by providing them with the skills to use scientific methods to assess client needs and develop treatment plans. Additionally, the course will help Social Workers learn how to communicate effectively with clients and other stakeholders.

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Public Relations Specialist

Public Relations Specialists manage the public image of organizations and individuals. The course can help a Public Relations Specialist become more effective in their role by providing them with the skills to communicate effectively with the public. Additionally, the course will help Public Relations Specialists learn how to evaluate the effectiveness of their public relations campaigns.

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Health Educator

Health Educators teach people about health and how to make healthy choices. The course can help a Health Educator become more effective in their role by providing them with the skills to use scientific methods to develop and deliver health education programs. Additionally, the course will help Health Educators learn how to evaluate the effectiveness of their programs.

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Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts research and analyze public policy issues to help policymakers make informed decisions. The course can help a Policy Analyst become more effective in their role by providing them with the skills to use scientific methods to analyze policy issues and develop policy recommendations. Additionally, the course will help Policy Analysts learn how to communicate their findings to policymakers and other stakeholders.

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Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers develop and execute marketing plans to promote products and services. The course can help a Marketing Manager become more effective in their role by providing them with the skills to understand consumer behavior and develop effective marketing campaigns. Additionally, the course will help Marketing Managers learn how to evaluate the effectiveness of their marketing campaigns.

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