Digital and social media are becoming more prominently used. These tools can help deliver information to the general population. This course aims to introduce students to using digital media platforms for the delivery of scientific communications in language that is appropriate for non-scientists, and to the two-directional communication across communities, both academic and non-academic.

This course will consist of lectures and workshops for 5 weeks.

None

N/A

1. Analysis of a social media campaign (40%) (1,000 words) - ILOs 1-3

2. Record social media videos (total 7-9min) (25%) in groups aimed at a general audience, with peer grade (of no more than 2 grade points) - ILOs 1, 2 and 4

3. Provide an individual rationale of 750 words for the video (35%) - ILOs 1, 2 & 4

Reassessments are normally available for all courses, except those which contribute to the Honours classification. Where, exceptionally, reassessment on Honours courses is required to satisfy professional/accreditation requirements, only the overall course grade achieved at the first attempt will contribute to the Honours classification. For non-Honours courses, students are offered reassessment in all or any of the components of assessment if the satisfactory (threshold) grade for the overall course is not achieved at the first attempt. This is normally grade D3 for undergraduate students and grade C3 for postgraduate students. Exceptionally it may not be possible to offer reassessment of some coursework items, in which case the mark achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade. Any such exceptions for this course are described below. 

Group element of the course is not re-assessable.

This course aims to provide students with an understanding of how digital media can be used as a potential tool to disseminate scientific communications to the general population. The course aims to:

■ Develop the use of appropriate language for scientific communications in general platforms

■ Explore the different types of digital media and how to post communications accordingly

■ Build an understanding of digital media statistical reports

■ Explore writing short, attention-grabbing posts 

■ Enhance engagement of the general public

By the end of this course students will be able to:

1. Critically evaluate scientific communications for general population using appropriate language and publish content to the general population

2. Critically appraise scientific communications in different formats according to different digital platform rules and guidelines

3. Critically appraise social media analytics

4. Critically evaluate and report scientific discoveries using different media

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.