NSED 7750 - Science Communication and Climate Change

Using research and evidence, students will demonstrate understanding of the impact of popular media on public understanding of current issues in science such as vaccines, climate change, and public health. Students will critically evaluate media and other popular information sources to identify: cognitive bias, error, misinformation, and logical fallacies. Students will articulate key factors in effective media campaigns for environmental behavior change. Students will develop their own tools and examples of effective, accurate science communication.

This course introduces students to a variety of media formats and tools used in popular science communication and how they impact public understanding. With a focus specifically on the topic of climate change, we’ll critically analyze media for bias, error, and misinformation. Students will learn more about the psychology of behavior change and the importance of accurate, effective science communication for an informed, engaged public.

Credits: 2