Science Communication in Theory and Practice is an international summer school course for Master and PhD students (7,5 ECTS)

Screenshot from video production made by students at the 2016 edition of the course

Screenshot from video production made by students at the 2016 edition of the course

This summer school course offers students from all disciplines the opportunity to gain skills in the understanding and production of research communication and in interdisciplinary, problem-oriented collaboration.

More info and application form

The course will be held July-August 2021 (Block 5). See the course description https://kurser.ku.dk/course/nndk16002u/2020-2021  

Students at Faculty of SCIENCE: Sign up for the course in the same way as for other courses in Blok 1 and 2, Fall 2021. 

Other students: See https://www.science.ku.dk/english/courses-and-programmes/other-study-opportunities/summer-courses/. Important notice: The admission requirement mentioned on this webpage for continuing education does not apply for this particular course. Contact the course responsible (achiam@ind.ku.dk) for more information. The application deadlines are: June 1 for credit students and continued education students and May 1 for exchange student.

Content

The course consists of a theoretical and a practical part. In the theoretical part of the course students will learn basic theory of science communication such as narrative techniques and formats and how key messages can be conveyed clearly, accurately, and memorably. Students will also become familiar with basic philosophical theories in order to understand and reflect upon the societal role of science communication. The practical part of the course consists of workshop activities in which students will work together to produce high quality science communication products such as short films, podcasts, articles, and complementary social media.

Project groups will be interdisciplinary, giving students the chance to gain hands-on experience of research and development across disciplinary boundaries. 

The two-week intensive summer school (August 9-20, 2021) will be supported by a programme of online teaching, readings, and short tasks which will enable students to become familiar with the theory and practice of public science communication. The online program is part-time and will take place July 12 to August 6. The online program includes small mandatory tasks and assignments. For credit, students are furthermore required to hand in a written course report no later than August 27. 

Audience

The course is interdisciplinary in nature, and is open to master and PhD students from any discipline as well as people with a professional interest in science communication.

Students do not need to have prior knowledge of science or communication; the main requirement for participation in the course is a keen interest in science communication. Good English skills are also required.

The course is open to both Danish and international students. There is no tuition fee for students enrolled at the University of Copenhagen or other Danish universities.

PhD students are also eligible to apply if they can argue that the course is relevant to their studies and/or future career plans.

The course has been running since 2016 with great success. Here are examples of student productions from the 2019 iteration of the course: