This track teaches students to communicate science to a range of audiences in a variety of genres.
The first minor course (Writing 159A, Science Literacy) focuses on the skills necessary to understand and critically examine scientific research in a wider social context. Students will learn how to evaluate the quality of scientific information and explore why the public sometimes resists scientific consensus. Assignments may include a range of texts -- such as academic essays, presentations, short videos, and podcasts -- that examine the historical, ethical, and sociocultural dimensions of science. Recent classes have focused on storytelling and combating misinformation.
The second minor course (Writing 159B, Science Communication for the Public) teaches students to communicate with nonspecialist audiences in genres ranging from websites to social media. Students learn about techniques for engaging audiences and then design a substantial capstone project targeting an audience of their choice. See the 2024 Graduation Slide Deck for recent capstone projects.
Students will leave 159A & B with an e-portfolio that demonstrates their writing expertise in science communication. See the Science Communication Track Website for sample portfolios from past years.
Who Should Apply?
This track of the minor will be of particular benefit to two groups of students:
- STEM and non-STEM majors seeking to enter careers in which communicating science to the public is vital (e.g. environmental non-profits, health professions, tech start-ups, etc.)
- STEM majors looking to improve communication skills before attending medical/graduate school or entering research positions.
Where can students find internships for the Science Communication minor track?
Magazines and newspapers, such as The Independent and UCSB Current; businesses, such as Citrix Online and Deckers Outdoor; UCSB organizations, such as the National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis (NCEAS) and Coal Oil Point; environmental organizations, such as the Community Environmental Council, Tetra Tech, Green2Gold, Kids in Nature, and the Center for Urban Agriculture; local museums such as The Sea Center; SciComm non-profits, including SciFund and Compass; Professional societies such as IEEE and STC.
Which courses are recommended for the Science Communication track?
Depending on students’ interests, a wide variety of courses are appropriate prerequisites, including:
• 107EP Writing for Environmental Professions
• 109HP Writing for Health Professionals
• 109ST Writing for Science and Technology
• 105SW Science Writing for the Public
• 105M Multimedia Writing
• 105PS Writing for Public Speaking
• 105R Rhetoric and Writing
• 105S Writing about Sustainability
Any 107-series course, but especially:
• 107J Journalistic and News Writing
• 107T Technical Writing
• 107P Writing for Public Relations
• 107WC Writing Web Content
For more information about the Science Communication minor track, please contact Amanda Stansell, astansell@writing.ucsb.edu.