COMM 228Introduction to Science Writing and Communication

3 credits · Communications · Penn State

Introduction to Science Writing and Science Communication (3) COMM 228 introduces students to the basics of science writing and communication. Through a combination of lecture, discussion, and writing assignments, students learn how to write science stories that are accurate, clear, and compelling. After completing COMM 228 are students will be able to: demonstrate an understanding of the importance of science communication; write interesting, clear science stories that grab the reader's attention and explain the science in terms that people with a non-scientific background can understand; gather information through the use of interviews, research documents, scientific conference papers, and events.; generate story ideas that reflect an understanding of important science stories; produce copy free of misspellings, grammatical errors, AP style errors, and factual errors; understand the legal, ethical, and historical principles underlying science communication, including the role of science in society; and communicate the latest scientific, technological, and medical findings to create an informed populace.