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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1/10/2023 - 3/14/2023

$425

Online

Closed

• SECTION ID:

  169623

• CLASS TYPE:

  Online Asynchronous.
  
  This course is entirely web-based and to be completed asynchronously between the published course start and end dates. Synchronous attendance is NOT required.
  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.

• INSTRUCTOR:
  

  Buschman, Heather

  Heather Buschman, PhD, teaches Science Writing I for the Science Communication  certificate program, and she is currently the director of scientific communications and media relations at the Salk Institute. She earned her graduate degree in molecular pathology at UC San Diego and has managed communications for several other research institutions, including Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute and UC San Diego. She has served on the board of the San Diego Science Writers Association and has won a number of awards for her work, including an Association of American Medical Colleges Gold Award for Excellence, Health Care Communicators Finest Awards, Content Marketing Institute Gold Award, and PR Daily’s Nonprofit PR Award.

• TEXTBOOKS:

  No textbook required.

• POLICIES:

  Early enrollment advised.
  No refunds after: 1/13/2023.
  Early Enrollment Discount: $400 ($425 if enrolled after 12/12/2022).
  

• NOTE:

  This is an Online Asynchronous course. All instruction and course materials delivered and completed online between the published course start and end dates. You will have access to your 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 & LOCATION:

  1/10/2023 - 3/14/2023
  extensioncanvas.ucsd.edu
  You will have access to your course materials on the published start date OR 1 business day after your enrollment is confirmed if you enroll on or after the published start date.