This course is part of the Designing Effective Science Communication Specialization

Melanie Peffer

Offered By

Designing Effective Science Communication SpecializationUniversity of Colorado Boulder

About this Course

In this course, you will continue to explore how to develop and implement evidence-based methods for science communication. Here we’ll be looking at the softer but no less important side of science communication. We’ll cover the basics of human emotion, building connection with your audience through empathy and authenticity, how improv can improve your science communication game, non-verbal communication, and managing adversity in science communication. We’ll close with a discussion of how to be an inclusive and trauma-informed science communicator.

Flexible deadlines

Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.

Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

100% online

Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.

Course 2 of 3 in the

Designing Effective Science Communication Specialization

Beginner Level

Some experience in the sciences or science communication is helpful, but not required.

Approx. 9 hours to complete

English

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What you will learn

Explain the role of emotion in human behavior and how it can come up in science communication.
Explain why authenticity, trust, and empathy will help foster connection and consequently science communication.
Explain how improvisation, storytelling, and nonverbal communication can improve your science communication activities.
Describe how to be an inclusive and trauma informed science communicator.

Skills you will gain

Learning Engineering
Science Education
Learning Sciences
Psychology
SciComm

Flexible deadlines

Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.

Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

100% online

Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.

Course 2 of 3 in the

Designing Effective Science Communication Specialization

Beginner Level

Some experience in the sciences or science communication is helpful, but not required.

Approx. 9 hours to complete

English

Could your company benefit from training employees on in-demand skills?

Try Coursera for Business

Instructor

Melanie Peffer

Research Faculty

18,710 Learners

8 Courses

Offered by

University of Colorado Boulder

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Syllabus - What you will learn from this course

Week1

Week 1

2 hours to complete

The Power of Emotion

2 hours to complete

4 videos (Total 26 min), 3 readings, 1 quiz

Week2

Week 2

3 hours to complete

Building Connection

3 hours to complete

5 videos (Total 35 min), 8 readings, 1 quiz

5 videos

Vulnerability, authenticity and Trust in Science Communication7mEmpathy and Science Communication8mImprovisation and Science Communication5mWhy Use Storytelling? 3mNonverbal Science Communication10m

8 readings

Brené Brown TED Talk: The Power of Vulnerability20mHow to Build Trust in Science and Health: Mini Course10mIntroduction to Empathy, Brené Brown3mThe Art of Question Asking: The Other Half of Empathic Listening10mEmpathy in Science Communication: Mini Course10mIntroduction: Pop culture and Improvisation7mOptional: Improv Can Build Confidence10mHow To Tell A Science Story: Mini Course10m

Week3

Week 3

1 hour to complete

Conflict and Adversity in Science Communication

1 hour to complete

3 videos (Total 22 min), 1 reading, 1 quiz

Week4

Week 4

3 hours to complete

Inclusivity in Science Communication

3 hours to complete

4 videos (Total 24 min), 8 readings, 1 quiz

4 videos

Trauma Informed Science Communication8mDesigning for Inclusion6mEthical Considerations in Science Communication4mWrap Up3m

8 readings

Strategies for Sharing Power10mRacism and Discrimination in Health Care: Providers and Patients10mCulturally Relevant SciComm: Mini Course10mHow to be Inclusive in Science Storytelling: Mini Course10mThe Ethics of Science Communication10mEthics of Science Communication: Mini Course10mCourse 2 Resources10mDESC Universal Final Project Instructions10m

About the Designing Effective Science Communication Specialization

Frequently Asked Questions

When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
The course may not offer an audit option. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid.
The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
What will I get if I subscribe to this Specialization?
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.

More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center.

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The Softer Side of Science Communication

About this Course

What you will learn

Skills you will gain