General Science (GSCI)

This skills-based course covers the writing and communication techniques essential for science students. Topics include general writing and research skills, scientific writing and presenting, constructing scientific graphs and figures, and basic communication theory.

Students are introduced to the basics of leadership theory, application of them, and the various issues and topics that leaders need to be aware of in a modern context. In addition to presentation of theoretical underpinnings, 50% of student time (at minimum) will be spent on immersive activities and related reflections to develop competence with specific leadership skills. For each topic, students explore the theory and the data supporting specific approaches, and then apply the principles. Further, we explore how values affect scientific research approaches, how they impact on (and can bias) research outcomes, and what better research methodologies can and should be used.

This skills based course covers the methods and means of communicating scientific research to both academic and public audiences. Topics include scientific writing and presenting, funding and scholarship requests, media theory, public communications strategies, and communicating science through the media.