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University of Alberta

Science Literacy

Fake news or good science? In a world where we have access to unlimited information, it is hard to sift through the echo chamber of opinions fueled by emotions and personal biases, rather than scientific evidence. Science Literacy will teach you about the process of science, how to think critically, how to differentiate science from pseudoscience, how indigenous wisdom can inform science, how to understand and design a scientific study, and how to critically evaluate scientific communication in the media. Every module will build your new skill-base with real life examples, and at the end of each module you will have to apply these skills to scientific questions, talking points and controversies in the world. Warning: this course requires an open mind and the ability to self-reflect. In Science Literacy, you’ll hear from special guests: Timothy Caulfield, Canada Research Chair in Health Law and Policy and star of Netflix’s “A User's Guide to Cheating Death” on pseudoscience Dr. Torah Kachur, Scientist and CBC journalist on science communication (and miscommunication!) Christian Nelson, Citizen Scientist and creator of Edmonton Weather Nerdery, on experimental design Metis Elder Elmer Ghostkeeper and Cree Elder Kokum Rose Wabasca, on the holistic nature of Indigenous wisdom and how it can work with the scientific process Associate Professor in Psychology, Dr. David Rast on uncertainty and decision making

Status: Statistical Analysis
Status: Science and Research
BeginnerCourse23 hours

Featured reviews

NJ

Reviewed Oct 16, 2024

good course. However lots of drag and drop activity dont open due to server error

JH

Reviewed Apr 26, 2022

G​ood course and very informative. Looking back on some of my beliefs and what I have digested as information, I now can critically evaluate thier weight.

JJ

Reviewed Mar 2, 2021

very useful for critically analyzing news articles, credentials and understanding personal biases. Great course!

AG

Reviewed Aug 26, 2021

A course that is fit for the times. Excellent resource for teachers like myself to help develop ideas to help high school students develop scientific and critical literacy.

MB

Reviewed Nov 15, 2021

What an insightful and informative course. Broadened the knowledge about timely topics and how to look at problems in a scientific eye.

SM

Reviewed Nov 30, 2020

Well put together with great examples and loved the videos!

CE

Reviewed Jun 8, 2021

Great course! Is there an official evaluation as I have a few specific pieces of feedback I would like to offer.

WC

Reviewed Nov 18, 2020

Learning the ability to think critically is tough. This course is a great way to start.

VD

Reviewed Nov 28, 2020

This course was exactly what I wanted and needed. Great length and quantity of activities. At times the 'drop and drag' assignments were tedious.

LH

Reviewed Jan 30, 2025

great course ,easy to follow and sharp on the topics

OH

Reviewed Mar 29, 2021

Well written & concise. Great information & aids development of thinking processes to be able to start critically evaluating scientific literature from all sources.

DF

Reviewed Dec 6, 2020

I sure had trouble with the drag and drop questions.

All reviews

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Reviewed Nov 23, 2020
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Stephen
5.0
Reviewed Feb 16, 2021
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Reviewed Nov 8, 2020
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Reviewed Nov 21, 2020
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Reviewed Nov 18, 2020
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Reviewed Nov 22, 2020
Michael
4.0
Reviewed Mar 21, 2022
Chris
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Reviewed May 1, 2023
Michael
2.0
Reviewed Jul 22, 2024
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Reviewed Feb 22, 2024
Keith
5.0
Reviewed Dec 17, 2020
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Reviewed Mar 2, 2021
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Reviewed Jun 8, 2021
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Reviewed Dec 13, 2020
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Reviewed Jan 4, 2021
Cynthia
5.0
Reviewed Jan 10, 2021