The Minor in Science Communication, co-taught with the Department of Media, Film and Communication at the University of Otago, is designed to complement an existing major in either the humanities or the natural sciences with the latest in science communication, both practical and theoretical. It is composed of five papers, four compulsory and one elective.
The four compulsory papers provide a background to communication theory, an understanding of the societal context within which science and science communication operates, as well as a whole host of practical skills such as film making, hosting public events, and creative nonfiction writing.
The elective paper allows you to pursue more specialised interests, from the philosophy of science, to journalistic writing, to public health promotions.
Being a scientist or any other academic today means not just navigating the world of research but also interacting with the community, reaching out via the digital realm and having at your disposal modern and exciting communication skills. So why settle for a standard science or humanities degree when you can become workplace ready by taking the new Science Communication minor alongside your major?
For further information regarding this degree option, or to discuss whether it is the right fit for you, contact our undergraduate co-ordinator Dr Fabien Medvecky.
Dr Fabien Medvecky, Undergraduate co-ordinator
Tel +64 3 479 7848
Email fabien.medvecky@otago.ac.nz
Compulsory papers
- MFCO 103 Introduction to Communication Studies
- SCOM 109 Communicating Science: An Introduction
- MFCO 222 Science, Technology and Society
- SCOM 301 Science and the Public
Electives
- ECOL 212 Ecological Applications
- ENGL 228 Writing for the Professions
- ENGL 327 Creative Non-Fiction
- HIST 229 Science and Society 1789–1914
- HIST 306 Medical History
- MFCO 220 Writing for the Media
- MFCO 223 Documentary Film and Media
- MFCO 321 Strategic Communication
- PHIL 225 Philosophy of Science
- PHIL 235 Environmental Philosophy
- POLS 207 Environmental Politics
- PUBH 202 Health Promotion
- PUBH 203 Health Policy and Politics
- RELS 217/317 Religion, Science and Magic
- SOCI 208 Environmental Sociology
- TOUR 306 Ecotourism and Sustainable Development
