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Course

Science Writing II

WCWP-40230

As the final capstone course for the Science Communication Certificate, this advanced writing course is designed to build upon the skills learned in the required and elective courses of the program.

Students will work on a science writing project of their choice while also learning various techniques to most-effectively communicate science and other technical subjects to the public.  Course involves extensive writing, peer critique and in-depth reading and discussion that goes beyond basic storytelling and news reporting to incorporate the role of science in society.

Learning Objectives:

  • Create a business plan as a writer
  • Effectively manage reporting, interviewing, writing time
  • Master the art of fact-checking
  • Work in partnership with editors
  • Enhance opportunities for publication
  • Achieve the confidence to go forth as a full- or part-time science writer


Quarters Offered:  Fall Quarter
Course Duration:  9 weeks
Prerequisite:  Successful completion of required & elective courses within the Science Communication Certificate program is required. 
For a list of these courses, visit the certificate page at extension.ucsd.edu/courses-and-programs/science-communication.

Course Information

Live Online
3.00 units
$425.00

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This course applies to these programs

Science Communication

Course sessions

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Section ID:

186320

Class type:

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

Textbooks:

No textbook required.

Policies:

  • No refunds after: 1/15/2025
  • Early Enrollment Discount: $400 ($425 if enrolled after 12/9/2024)
  • Early enrollment advised
  • Prerequisite required

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.

Schedule:

Date Day Start End
1/8/2025 Wed 6:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m.
1/15/2025 Wed 6:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m.
1/22/2025 Wed 6:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m.
1/29/2025 Wed 6:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m.
2/5/2025 Wed 6:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m.
2/12/2025 Wed 6:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m.
2/19/2025 Wed 6:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m.
2/26/2025 Wed 6:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m.
3/5/2025 Wed 6:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m.
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Instructor: Michael Miller

Michael Miller

Michael Miller teaches Science Writing II for the Science Communication certificate program. Michael is currently a Freelance Science Writer for national organizations and institutes such as the National Institutes of Health, the American Society of Clinical Oncology, Georgetown University and the University of North Carolina. He was a Senior Science Writer and head of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Press Office. He received his B.A. degree in Organic Chemistry from Carleton College, Northfield, MN; a Master of Science degree in Molecular Biology from UCLA; and a Master of Public Health degree in Epidemiology from Johns Hopkins University. Prior to working at NCI, he was a Public Affairs Specialist at the National Institute on Aging, also part of NIH, producing press releases as well as writing and producing TV and radio Public Service Announcements.

He has served on the Board of Directors for the Health Education Resources Organization (HERO), an AIDS service organization in Baltimore, MD, as well as on the Board of Hollywood, Health and Society, a program that is part of USC’s Annenberg School of Communications in Los Angeles. He is also a two-time Emmy award winner for a National Institute on Aging PSA and for "Password Plus", an NBC-TV game show.

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