MNKOM9000 – Science communication
Course content
MNKOM9000 is an introduction to the variety of genres in the public space and the scientist`s role in society. You will learn to communicate with different target groups through genres such as social media and blogs, essays and opinion articles, books, press releases, oral presentations and posters.
Learning outcome
The course will give you enhanced knowledge on how journalists think and how scientists can cooperate with media. The students will also learn how to discuss uncertainties in science, improvements and implications.
After completing this course you will:
- Know the role you may have in society as a scientist
- Know different genres for reaching an audience, and use different medias with your academic knowledge
- Know how to handle and cooperate with the press
- Host accessible lectures both within and outside of your own academic arena
- Present scientific data graphically
- Transfer your communication skills between different genres; from feature stories to academic publications
Admission
Enrollment to the course is offered to PhD candidates at the MN Faculty, UiO. Candidates should apply for admission to the course via StudentWeb. Ph.d.-studyright for the entire period the course is taught is required.
The course has limited capasity (Maximum 30 candidates).
Teaching
The course will be taught over two semesters with intensive seminars.
The lectures will be given in English, but the students will be split into English and Norwegian feed-back groups based on which language they wish to use.
The lectures are held in blocks. Each block contains:
- Lectures of 45-90 minutes
- All-day seminars (10.00 – 14.00) with feedback groups.
The lectures will be on themes in the curriculum, but are mainly designed to acknowledge problems and perspectives on communication and for inspiration. The seminars offers practical exercises in different genres.
The seminars include 9 tasks, including written assignments.
The assignments are designed to be easily published in national and international media.
This course is a pilot project and is taught for the first time in the autumn semester of 2014 / spring semester of 2015.
Examination
The mandatory assignments throughout the course must be passed. The assignments are deemed as passed when they are ready for publishing on the student's own blog
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a pass/fail scale. Read more about the grading system.
Explanations and appeals
Resit an examination
Students who can document a valid reason for absence from the regular examination are offered a postponed examination at the beginning of the next semester.
Re-scheduled examinations are not offered to students who withdraw during, or did not pass the original examination.
Special examination arrangements
Application form, deadline and requirements for special examination arrangements.