Integrating science communication into undergraduate and graduate curricula

Effective science communication (“SciComm”) to both a technical and non-technical audience is considered a key skill for contemporary scientists. Unfortunately, most of the SciComm education occurs after individuals receive their degree, and few science students receive formal training in communication. In this presentation I will describe a course that teaches SciComm to first-year undergraduate science students and can be easily modified for graduate curricula. This course consists of a series of modules specific to various communication methods (oral presentations, formal writing, informal writing, and television/radio) and audiences. Students are exposed to SciComm through group assignments, written assignments, community experiences, and virtual lectures. I will describe these modules and give example assignments and assessment. By integrating SciComm early into science education, students can develop both the technical and communication skills necessary to be effective researchers and communicators.