Learning outcomes

By the end of this learning unit, students will be able to:

  • define science communication and identify their role as science communicators within their field of study;

  • identify their target audience as well as the most appropriate dissemination channels and media;

  • develop a storyboard;

  • adapt their English language use (style, register, sentence structures, and vocabulary) to the message and target audience;

  • create a dynamic video capsule using a smartphone;

  • collaborate with a student from another discipline and another university;

  • edit their video to make it engaging and appropriate for their target audience.

Goals

Students will take on the role of content creators. This course will enable them to put into practice the knowledge acquired in their discipline and gain a better understanding of how they can contribute to society as specialists.

In addition, they will be introduced to innovative, authentic, and creative ways of disseminating knowledge in English, the international language of scientific communication. The course will contribute to their development as engaged and responsible specialists while providing them with an opportunity to share their expertise for the benefit of the wider public.

Content

Theoretical Part

  1. Introduction: getting to know each other and course presentation (live session on Teams).

  2. What is science communication?

  3. Identifying and understanding your target audience.

  4. Using appropriate explanation techniques.

  5. Communicating beyond words.

  6. Project kick-off (live session on Teams).

  7. Developing a storyboard.

  8. Language focus: prosody and pronunciation.

  9. Language focus: building proximity with your audience.

  10. Final check before officially launching the project (live session on Teams).

Practical Part

Students will be guided in designing a storyboard and producing a science communication video on a concept from their discipline related to the central theme of space (e.g., the history of stargazing, the effects of microgravity on astronauts’ bodies, the legal aspects of space exploration, the capabilities of a Mars rover, or cosmic humanism).

Teaching methods

The course is organized in collaboration with AGH University of Kraków (Poland) and the University of Luxembourg (Luxembourg).

Each partner university may enroll a maximum of six students in this course.

The course is structured in two components:

  • a 10-hour MOOC dedicated to theoretical aspects;

  • a series of face-to-face coaching sessions organized during an intensive practical workshop week (BIP - Blended Intensive Programme) held at one of the partner universities. In 2027, this workshop week will take place at AGH University in Kraków, Poland.

The course will be delivered primarily in English, with occasional contributions from French-speaking experts.

Assessment method

To complete the course successfully, participants must first complete the MOOC.

They will then be assessed on:

  • the video they produce;

  • the oral presentation and defence of their video.

The final assessment will therefore be based on the quality of the video production and its oral defence (June 2027).

For the subsequent examination session (September), if the overall course average is below 10/20, students will be required to retake the components for which they did not achieve the minimum mark of 10/20.

Please note: the final course grade will only be validated if the student has participated in all course activities.

Language of instruction

English