Minor in Science Communication (18 credits)

Adviser: Mary L. Nucci, PhD (mnucci@sebs.rutgers.edu)

Program Webpage: http://humeco.rutgers.edu/sci-comm-minor.html

Program Description

The minor in science communication recognizes the pressing need in our technologically based society to understand and communicate science issues personally and professionally. Students in the minor will learn how to access, understand, and communicate evidence-based science information in the context of real-world problems. After completing the minor, students will be better prepared to understand and address the issues in communicating science effectively.

Learning Goals

After completing the program students will be able to:

1. recognize the need for understanding science and the scientific process for evidence-based decision-making;
2. make the connection between science and social science expertise on science communication;
3. realize alternative potentials/venues for careers postgraduation;
4. communicate effectively for careers in medical, dental, veterinary, nursing, or allied health fields; 
5. effectively convey science information to the general public as well as to scientists; and
6. describe the role of science and scientists in society.

Required Courses (9 credits)

11:374:103 Introduction to science communication
11:374:240 Visualizing information: Storytelling with data
11:374:435 Advanced communication in the sciences OR 11:374:311 Environmental writing: Rhetorical strategies for complex ecological issues

Non-course requirement
Public presentation (participation in a course presentation, science café, poster session or conference presentation approved by the Program Advisor)

Electives (9 credits required)

Biochemistry
11:115:491  Biochemical Communication

Communication
04:567:340  Science and Health Journalism
04:192:407  Health Communication
04:192:307  Health Literacy
04:192:200  Communication Theory

Genetics
01:447:430 Effective Communication Skills in Genetics  (Genetics majors only)
01:447:414 Thesis Writing and Communication in Genetics I (Genetics majors only)
01:447:415 Thesis Writing and Communication in Genetics II (Genetics majors only)

History
01:506:251  History of Science and Society

Human Ecology
11:374:350 Informal Science Education
11:374:430 Risk, Health and Safety
11:374:108 Processes of Human Ecology
11:374:227 Food for Thought: Agriculture and Food Issues in Contemporary Media
11:374:225 Environment in Society and Mass Media
11:374:310 Storytelling for Science Majors

Marine and Coastal Studies
11:628:330  Communicating Sciences to Informal Audiences
11:628:340  Communicating and Teaching Climate Science

Meteorology

Weather, Climate and Television 1 11:670:111 (1.5 credit)
Weather, Climate and Television II 11:670:112 (1.5 credit)

Nutritional Sciences
11:709:442  Nutrition Communication (prerequisites: 709:202, 255, 441)

Philosophy
01:730:249  Bioethics

Psychology
01:830:321  Social Psychology
01:830:377  Health Psychology

Theater Arts
07:965:330  Improving Communication Through Improv

Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
01:988:240  Gender and Science

Writing Program (English)
01:355:302 Scientific and Technical Writing
01:355:342 Science Writing
01:355:355 Science in the Professions (Only sections: Writing in the Social Sciences, Writing in Medicine)
11:35:312 Writing in Biology
11:355:352 Writing as a Naturalist
11:355:425 Web Authoring

Online Courses
11:607:401  Foundations of Program Planning
11:607:402  Building Community Partnerships