Course - Communication in Science and Engineering - GEOL1008
Communication in Science and Engineering
About
About the course
Course content
The course covers scientific and technical communication - oral, written, visual, and digital - including the use of social media. Students learn to analyze, structure, and communicate complex scientific and technical information in a clear, precise, and targeted way to diverse audiences, both expert and non-expert.The course emphasizes the ethical and critical use of digital tools and artificial intelligence (AI) in scientific and technical communication. Students will also develop interdisciplinary collaboration skills and reflective awareness of their role as communicators in society and professional contexts.
Learning outcome
After completing the course, the student will have the following learning outcomes:
Knowledge:
The student understands principles for clear and targeted communication of scientific and technical material. The student has knowledge of oral, written, visual, and digital communication, including the ethical use of AI. The student is familiar with scientific publishing, referencing, and copyright, and understands how communication supports collaboration and social responsibility.
Skills:
The student can analyze and adapt communication to audience and purpose. The student can produce precise and structured texts, figures, and presentations using digital and AI-based tools. The student can search, assess, and synthesize information from relevant sources and present complex topics effectively. The student can collaborate in teams and provide constructive feedback.
General competence:
The student reflects on their role as a communicator and can assess ethical and societal aspects of scientific communication. The student can communicate scientific content to both experts and the general public, and contribute to interdisciplinary projects. The student demonstrates responsible use of digital tools and AI in academic work.
Learning methods and activities
Teaching consists of colloquia, workshops, and guided group work with a high level of student engagement. Learning is based on practical exercises, reflection, and feedback from peers and instructors. The main topics include:
- technical and scientific writing
- design of figures and visual materials
- oral and visual presentation (including posters and videos)
- communication through digital and social media
- ethical and effective use of digital tools and AI in professional communication
The work combines individual and group activities to develop both disciplinary and communicative competence.
The student must have minimum 80% attendance at classes.
Compulsory assignments
- Information literacy (literature search) and written report
- Oral presentation of the report
- Visual presentation with poster/manual/pamphlet
- Compulsory attendance
Further on evaluation
Assessment is based on a portfolio consisting of four parts:
- Library literacy and literature search with a written report (20%)
- Oral presentation of the report (20%)
- Visual presentation (poster, manual, brochure, etc.) (20%)
- Independent communication work on a new topic, presented in a format of choice - text, oral, visual, sound (podcast), photo, video, or social media (40%)
In addition, at least 50% of the exercises must be approved in order to receive a grade in the course.
The course emphasizes assessment for learning through formative feedback, guidance, and peer evaluation. Information about deadlines, weighting, and formal requirements will be published in Canvas at the start of the semester.
For course re-take, all parts of the portfolio must be re-submitted.
Specific conditions
Admission to a programme of study is required:
Geology (BGEOL)
Course materials
Given at the beginning of the semester.
Subject areas
- Geology