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Course

Science Writing I

WCWP-40105

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 | Spring | Summer | Fall
Prerequisite:  Mastery of written English, experience in writing, and general knowledge of science are strongly encouraged.

Course Information

Online
3.00 units
$450.00

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This course applies to these programs

Science Communication

Course sessions

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Section ID:

190964

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.

Textbooks:

All course materials are included unless otherwise stated.

Policies:

  • No refunds after: 7/12/2025
  • Early enrollment advised

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.

Schedule:

No information available at this time.
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Instructor: Brittany Fair

Brittany Fair
Brittany Fair is the author of The Neuroscience of Yoga and Meditation and a science communicator based in San Diego, CA. She is the director of communications for the Department of Surgery at UC San Diego Health and teaches Science Writing I at UC San Diego Extended Studies. 

She previously worked at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, the National Institute on Aging (NIA)’s National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center, and CNN International. She is also the former president of the San Diego Science Writers Association.

Prior to becoming a science communicator, Brittany conducted research at Stanford University, the University of Vermont, and UC San Francisco where she first-authored a manuscript on cellular health and depression. She also lived in the jungles of Madagascar and Panama studying lemur and howler monkey behavior, respectively. 

Outside of work, she enjoys swimming in the ocean, practicing yoga, and raising three wild boys.  
 
Full Bio