Starting in 2018, the Centre for Science Communication and the Department of Media, Film and Communication at the University of Otago are offering an exciting new Minor in Science Communication. The minor 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 coordinator Dr. Fabien Medvecky by phone 64 3 4797848 or email fabien.medvecky@otago.ac.nz.
Compulsory papers
- MFCO 103 Introduction to Communication Studies
- SCOM209 Communicating Science: An Introduction
- MFCO222 Science, Technology, and Society
- SCOM301 Science and the Public
Electives
- ECOL 212 Ecological Applications
- ENGL228 Writing For The Professions
- ENGL327 Creative Non-Fiction
- HIST229 Science And Society 1789-1914
- HIST306 Medical History
- MFCO220 Writing For The Media
- MFCO223 Documentary Film And Media
- MFCO321 Strategic Communication
- PHIL225 Philosophy Of Science
- PHIL235 Environmental Philosophy
- POLS207 Environmental Politics
- PUBH202 Health Promotion
- PUBH203 Health Policy And Politics
- RELS217/317 Religion Science And Magic
- SOCI208 Environmental Sociology
- TOUR306 Ecotourism And Sustainable Development
