BIO 200 - Science and Communication (SYS) (1)

In this course, students will address the need for better scientific communication with the public and investigate the importance of conveying accurate and accessible scientific information. How does the public engage with science? How does scientific information make its way from the lab into the coffee shops of our local communities, into our high school textbooks, or even the latest science fiction television series? What is the role and the responsibility of academic scientists in distributing scientific knowledge to the average citizen? How do artists and creators intersect with scientists to accomplish these goals? To learn communication strategies, we will use examples of effective science communication from popular scientific journalists, podcasts, art and museum exhibits, and science fiction television/film. We will explore the relationship between science and the public and actively participate in improving scientific engagement in our local community of Mount Vernon. Students will select a scientific topic, identify a target audience, and design a communication initiative using the skills gained throughout the course. Students from all academic backgrounds will be able to apply their skills-interdisciplinary approaches are strongly encouraged in developing community science engagement projects. Only open to sophomores.
(Sophomore Year Seminar (SYS)) (Science)