University of Wisconsin-Madison students, alongside professionals from across the nation, have the opportunity to enhance their science communication skills through a variety of courses in Life Sciences Communication (LSC). One option is LSC 360: Science Podcasting and Radio, offered this upcoming summer term and next academic year. This immersive, hands-on course teaches students how to translate complex scientific topics into compelling audio storytelling. In addition to providing practical experience in science communication, LSC 360 fulfills the UW-Madison Communication B requirement, making it an excellent choice for students looking to refine their communication skills awhile fulfill course requirements.
Instructor Dexter Patterson describes the course as deeply collaborative. Structured to introduce students to the world of audio production, students build confidence in their voices, literally and figuratively. “Throughout the course, students get to work together, lean on each other, and troubleshoot with each other as a team,” said Patterson. “It really sets the tone for a strong community.”
Throughout the semester, students tackle progressively more challenging projects, building their technical skills along the way. From writing and recording one-minute news stories to producing full-length radio segments and podcasts, students develop a diverse portfolio showcasing their newfound expertise in audio storytelling. A highlight of the course is a visit to WSUM, UW-Madison’s student-run radio station. Here, students get to see a professional studio environment firsthand.
By the end of the course, students will have created a portfolio of work, including their own podcast pilot. “Everything you’re learning transfers outside of the classroom,” Patterson explains. “Whether you want to be a podcaster, a radio host, or anything else, being able to effectively communicate, research, and tell a story is an invaluable skill.”
LSC 360 is available this summer, as an online, asynchronous course, offering students a hands-on opportunity to develop their audio communication skills in an engaging and supportive environment. For those looking to explore science communication through podcasting and radio, this course is not to be missed.
For a full offering of LSC Summer Term courses, please visit the LSC Summer Courses page.
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Written by: Katie Cervenka, B.S. ‘25