Wide array of science communication educational opportunities offered through LSC summer courses

Although we are still in the thick of the spring semester and summer seems so far away, it is the perfect time to start thinking about summer courses. The Department of Life Sciences Communication will be offering a variety of classes covering both the theoretical and applied aspects of science communication, making them a great fit for undergraduate students, graduate students, and professionals alike. All five of the summer courses that LSC offers will be completely online, so whether you’re heading home for the summer, planning for an internship, continuing to work, traveling, or remaining right here in Madison, you will receive an outstanding UW–Madison educational experience and learn from a top-notch LSC instructor. Information on how to enroll in a summer course at UW–Madison can be found through the Summer Term’s webpage. Summer Term enrollment began on April 5^th, 2021 so check out LSC’s course options below and enroll now.

LSC Online Summer Course Offerings:

LSC 100: Science and Storytelling

Duration: 8 weeks Credits: 3 Students in LSC 100 explore the power of storytelling in communicating science. This course is designed to hone students’ skills in college-level writing and public speaking. Students will learn how to think critically, gather and evaluate evidence, and develop constructive discussion skills. LSC 100 is an eight-week online course that runs from June 14 to August 8, 2021, and is taught by LSC Graduate Student Becca Beets. This course fulfills UW–Madison’s Communications-A requirement.

LSC 251: Science, Media and Society

Duration: 8 weeks Credits: 3 LSC 251 takes a close look at the social and cultural factors that impact communication at the intersection of science, politics and society. Students will learn an overview of the theoretical foundations of science communication and their relevance for societal debates about science and emerging technologies. This course is open to all UW–Madison students but is particularly relevant for those within the biological sciences, physical sciences and engineering industries, as it highlights the importance of the involvement of STEM fields in societal conversations. LSC 251 is an eight-week online course that runs from June 14 to August 8, 2021, and is taught either by LSC Graduate Student Nicole Krause or LSC Graduate Student Mikhaila Calice. This course fulfills UW–Madison’s Humanities or Social Science requirement as well as the CALS International Studies requirement.

LSC 350: Visualizing Science and Technology

Duration: 5 weeks Credits: 3 In LSC 350, students will be introduced to the theoretical and practical principles of visual communication pertaining to science, the environment, and agriculture. Students will also learn how to discern various manipulations of visuals, such as distorted data graphs, deepfakes, and fake photos, and reflect on the ethical implications. Each week, pre-recorded lectures will introduce visual theory from communication, psychology, neuroscience, design, or information science; students will then explore intriguing and visually appealing examples from media, exhibits, or other venues using reflective quizzes/exams, writing assignments, and other asynchronous activities. LSC 350 is a five-week online course that runs from May 24 to June 27, 2021, and is taught by LSC Graduate Student Shiyu Yang. This course fulfills UW–Madison’s Humanities or Social Science requirement.

LSC 432: Social Media for the Life Sciences

Duration: 5 weeks Credits: 3 LSC 432 focuses on communicating effectively with social media and takes a close look at how social media shape modern interactions. Students will learn to create a social media/digital marketing strategy, understand and leverage various online platforms to create meaningful connections, and measure the impact of their social media practice. By the end of this course, students will have experience using social media and content marketing to promote their brand and add value to other businesses and organizations in their field. LSC 432 is a five-week online course that runs from June 1 to July 4, 2021, and is taught by LSC Faculty Associate Don Stanley.

LSC 560: Scientific Writing

Duration: 5 weeks Credits: 3 LSC 560 focuses on clear and effective science writing strategies which are critical to successfully communicating science in an increasingly interdisciplinary research environment. This course provides training in writing techniques that can be applied to academic papers, scientific journals, grant proposals, and other written and oral professional work in science and technology-related fields. Students will build skills in discussing the importance of research, the use of storytelling elements to engage scientific audiences in written and oral communications, the production of writing that is clear and compelling, and the ability to give and receive constructive feedback on writing. LSC 560 is a five-week online course that runs from June 14 to July 18, 2021, and is taught by LSC Faculty Associate Madeline Fisher. This course also fulfills UW–Madison’s Communication-B requirement. Why should you take a summer course? Find out more about how UW–Madison Summer Term can help you advance your degree and/or your career. We look forward to seeing you this summer!