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 (in-class) | Summer (live remote)
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: This course is almost full for Summer Quarter.

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

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7/1/2020 - 9/2/2020

$395

Hybrid

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• SECTION ID:

  149435

• CLASS TYPE:

  Hybrid, Online & Classroom instruction

• INSTRUCTOR:
  

  Buschman, Heather

  Heather Buschman 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 releases, newsletter articles, magazine pieces, podcast episodes and more. Buschman also co...Read More

• TEXTBOOKS:

  No textbook required.

• POLICIES:

  Early enrollment advised.
  Early Enrollment Discount: $370 ($395 if enrolled after 6/1/2020).
  No refunds after: 7/8/2020.
  1st no meeting date: 8/19/2020.
  

• NOTE:

  IMPORTANT: This is a Hybrid course. Class sessions are taught live online via ZOOM during the scheduled times listed below, and course materials will be provided by the instructor. // Students will receive the ZOOM class meeting link from the instructor prior to the course meeting date/time.

DATE	DAY	START	END	LOCATION
7/1/2020	Wed	5:00 p.m.	8:00 p.m.	TBD
7/8/2020	Wed	5:00 p.m.	8:00 p.m.	TBD
7/15/2020	Wed	5:00 p.m.	8:00 p.m.	TBD
7/22/2020	Wed	5:00 p.m.	8:00 p.m.	TBD
7/29/2020	Wed	5:00 p.m.	8:00 p.m.	TBD
8/5/2020	Wed	5:00 p.m.	8:00 p.m.	TBD
8/12/2020	Wed	5:00 p.m.	8:00 p.m.	TBD
8/26/2020	Wed	5:00 p.m.	8:00 p.m.	TBD
9/2/2020	Wed	5:00 p.m.	8:00 p.m.	TBD