Science Writing I

This course provides an introduction to most forms of science communication intended for non-scientific audiences, such as news and feature writing for both print and online outlets, video scripts, university communications, industry public relations, and more.

We will introduce various careers and considerations in science communication, including the ins and outs of being a freelance writer. We’ll also provide tips on interviewing and other tools and techniques needed to accurately convey complicated subjects in an engaging way to a variety of audiences.

Please note: This course is about communicating scientific topics to non-scientific audiences, not about writing scientific journal articles or grants.

Weekly Course Topics:

• Introduction
• Fundamentals I
• Fundamentals II
• Storytelling
• Interviewing
• Writing for Video/Controversial Topics
• Brand Journalism
• Freelancing
• Write-a-thon

Quarters Offered:  WINTER (Online); SUMMER (Online)
Prerequisite:  Mastery of written English, some experience in writing and general knowledge of science are strongly encouraged.
Questions:  Contact the academic department at ahl@ucsd.edu.

Note: Meeting times in the schedule below are listed in Pacific Time.

Course Number: WCWP-40105
Credit: 3.00 unit(s)
Related Certificate Programs: Science Communication

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1/13/2022 - 3/10/2022

$370

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• SECTION ID:

  161716

• CLASS TYPE:

  Synchronous web-based class meetings that are scheduled to meet online at published times (time/date).

• INSTRUCTOR:
  

  Buschman, Heather

  Heather Buschman teaches Science Writing I for the Science Communication  certificate program. Heather​ has 12 years of experience communicating science to non-scientists. She earned her Ph.D. in molecular pathology at UC San Diego and completed a health communications internship in the National Cancer Institute’s press office. She spent her first years away from the bench as a science writer and communications manager for the Consortium for Functional Glycomics at The Scripps Research Institute, Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute and NuVasive, a medical device company. She is currently Senior Communications and Media Relations Manager for UC San Diego Health, where she translates complex research findings into lay-friendly stories in the form of press r...Read More

• TEXTBOOKS:

  No textbook required.

• POLICIES:

  Early enrollment advised.
  No refunds after: 1/20/2022.
  Early Enrollment Discount: $370 ($395 if enrolled after 12/13/2021).
  

• NOTE:

  Synchronous web-based class meetings that are scheduled to meet online at published dates and times. You will have access to your online course on the published start date OR 1 business day after your enrollment is confirmed, if you enroll on or after the published start date. To login to your course, go to your MyExtension account, select My Courses, select this course and then click the link that appears under Online Provider.

DATE	DAY	START	END	LOCATION
1/13/2022	Thu	5:00 p.m.	8:00 p.m.
1/20/2022	Thu	5:00 p.m.	8:00 p.m.
1/27/2022	Thu	5:00 p.m.	8:00 p.m.
2/3/2022	Thu	5:00 p.m.	8:00 p.m.
2/10/2022	Thu	5:00 p.m.	8:00 p.m.
2/17/2022	Thu	5:00 p.m.	8:00 p.m.
2/24/2022	Thu	5:00 p.m.	8:00 p.m.
3/3/2022	Thu	5:00 p.m.	8:00 p.m.
3/10/2022	Thu	5:00 p.m.	8:00 p.m.