Is financial aid available?

Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.

Can I take the course for free?

No, you cannot take this course for free. When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. If you cannot afford the fee, you can apply for financial aid.

Will I earn university credit for completing the Specialization?

This Specialization doesn't carry university credit, but some universities may choose to accept Specialization Certificates for credit. Check with your institution to learn more.

Designing Effective Science Communication Specialization

Designing Effective Science Communication Specialization

Learn To Design Effective Science Communication. In this specialization, you will learn how to leverage the science of how people learn to design science communication activities.

Instructor: Melanie Peffer

Included with Coursera Plus

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3 course series

Get in-depth knowledge of a subject

4.3

(9 reviews)

Beginner level

Recommended experience

4 weeks to complete

at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

3 course series

Get in-depth knowledge of a subject

4.3

(9 reviews)

Beginner level

Recommended experience

4 weeks to complete

at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

Describe principles of human learning that are important to consider when designing science outreach activities.
Identify common pitfalls in science communication/outreach.
Compare and contrast modalities for science communication/outreach.
Design a science communication/outreach activity based on principles learned in this course.

Skills you'll gain

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Taught in English

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Advance your subject-matter expertise

Learn in-demand skills from university and industry experts
Master a subject or tool with hands-on projects
Develop a deep understanding of key concepts
Earn a career certificate from University of Colorado Boulder

Specialization - 3 course series

Evidence-based effective science communication is increasingly necessary. In this specialization, learn how to engineer science communication activities using evidence from the learning sciences. We'll also discuss best practices for various science communication modalities.

Applied Learning Project

The major projects for this specialization are designed to be flexible. By the end of this specialization, you will have either a portfolio with different science communication activities, or one large activity that you'll iterate on as you move through the specialization.

The Harder Side of Science Communication

Course 16 hours

What you'll learn

Describe the field of the learning sciences.
Describe and compare different theoretical frameworks for explaining human learning.
Explain the relationship between cognitive biases and why people fall for mis/disinformation.
Describe the process of motivational interviewing and its utility in science communication.

Skills you'll gain

Category: Learning Theory

Category: Communication Strategies

Category: Communication

Category: Science and Research

Category: Scientific Methods

Category: Research

Category: Psychology

Category: Research Methodologies

Category: Human Learning

Category: Decision Making

Category: Behavioral Economics

Category: Motivational Interviewing

Category: Critical Thinking

Category: Teaching

Category: Education and Training

Category: Instructional Design

The Softer Side of Science Communication

Course 29 hours

What you'll learn

Explain the role of emotion in human behavior and how it can come up in science communication.
Explain why authenticity, trust, and empathy will help foster connection and consequently science communication.
Explain how improvisation, storytelling, and nonverbal communication can improve your science communication activities.
Describe how to be an inclusive and trauma informed science communicator.

Skills you'll gain

Category: Conflict Management

Category: Interpersonal Communications

Category: Diversity Awareness

Category: Psychology

Category: De-escalation Techniques

Category: Workplace inclusivity

Category: Ethical Standards And Conduct

Category: Cultural Sensitivity

Category: Rapport Building

Category: Driving engagement

Category: Non-Verbal Communication

Category: Storytelling

Category: Vulnerability

Modes of Science Communication

Course 310 hours

What you'll learn

Explain best practices for oral, written, technological, and artistic forms of science communication.
Apply principles of learning engineering to design effective forms of science communication.

Skills you'll gain

Category: Photo/Video Production and Technology

Category: Content Creation

Category: Education and Training

Category: Instructional Strategies

Category: Writing and Editing

Category: Human Learning

Category: Persuasive Communication

Category: Media and Communications

Category: Science and Research

Category: Technical Communication

Category: Storytelling

Category: Psychology

Category: Education Software and Technology

Category: Oral Expression

Category: Photography

Category: Liberal Arts

Category: Creativity

Category: Driving engagement

Category: Writing

Category: Community Outreach

Earn a career certificate

Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.

Instructor

Melanie Peffer

University of Colorado Boulder

8 Courses35,825 learners

Offered by

University of Colorado Boulder

Why people choose Coursera for their career

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Frequently asked questions

This course is completely online, so there’s no need to show up to a classroom in person. You can access your lectures, readings and assignments anytime and anywhere via the web or your mobile device.

If you subscribed, you get a 7-day free trial during which you can cancel at no penalty. After that, we don’t give refunds, but you can cancel your subscription at any time. See our full refund policy.

Yes! To get started, click the course card that interests you and enroll. You can enroll and complete the course to earn a shareable certificate. When you subscribe to a course that is part of a Specialization, you’re automatically subscribed to the full Specialization. Visit your learner dashboard to track your progress.