Comunicação de Ciência

Objectives

In all areas of scientific research the results that are produced must be communicated not only among peers but also to the lay community. Moreover, researches and health professionals are more and more evaluated by their ability to communicate their work, and these actions are taken into account for the evaluation and funding of research projects.

At the end of the course the students shall be able to:

- Acknowledge the importance of communicating science, especially in health;

- Apply different science communication techniques and choose the most appropriate method of communication according to their objectives;

- Identify the best practices for an effective communication;

- Apply methods of science communication evaluation;

- Be familiar with various communication channels and understand their role and potential in communication in health;

- Promote a dialogue with the media;

- Demonstrate communication skills, both written and oral, tailored to different kind of audiences.

General characterization

Code

9614

Credits

4.0

Responsible teacher

Available soon

Hours

Weekly - Available soon

Total - 28

Teaching language

Português

Prerequisites

Available soon

Bibliography

Blum, Deborah et al. (2006) A Field Guide for Science Writers, 2nd edition. Oxford: Oxford University Press;
Brake, M., & Weitcamp, E. (2009) Introducing Science Communication: a Practical Guide. Palgrave Macmillan;
Granado A., Malheiros J.V. (2015) Cultura Científica em Portugal: Ferramentas para Perceber o Mundo e Aprender a Mudá-lo. Fundação Francisco Manuel dos Santos;
Kreps, G.L. (Ed.) (2010). Health Communication, London: Sage Publications.
National Research Council (2010) Surrounded by Science: Learning Science in Informal Environments. Washington D.C.: The National Academies Press.

Teaching method

Participatory theoretical sessions

Case studies

Group work

The evaluation is based on the following parameters:

Commitment, degree and quality of engagement in lessons (20%)
Preparation of a press release – written communication (40%)
Appreciation do elevator pitch – oral communication (40%)

Evaluation method

Available soon

Subject matter

1. Importance of science communication

. Concepts of PUS-Public Understanding of Science, PE-Public Engagement;

. Raise awareness for the social responsibility of communicating science, particularly in the health sector.

2. Science communication techniques.

. Written communication: research papers;

. Oral communication, one or two-ways: presentations and dialogues;

. Different kinds of audience: peer vs. lay person.

3. Effective communication.

. Contents.

. Visual communication.

. Body language.

4. Evaluation of the communication actions.

. Evaluation techniques in science communication;

. Examples of successful science communication projects/actions.

5. Mass media communication platforms.

. Conventional information channels: television, radio, newspapers;

. New generation of information channels – online communication: blogs, social networks.

6. Interacting with the media.

. Main differences between scientific method and journalism;

. Media training.

7. Demonstrate skills of science communication.

Programs

Programs where the course is taught:

Master in Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Health Research