University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 15

ECTS credits : 7

Level : SCQF level 11

Semester: 2

Planned timetable: tbc

This core module will focus upon the key communication skills vital in modern animal behaviour research. Students will be trained in communicating science to a variety of different audiences, including peers, journalists and the public. They will be trained in writing scientific articles and in critical analysis of each other's writing. This will provide insight into how the peer review system works. At the end of the course they will compile a volume of the course journal containing their work. They will produce a short video presenting an accessible overview of a research article that will be used in outreach through a display in the Bell-Pettigrew Museum. Students will also critically analyse a piece of popular science writing or journalism and investigating primary scientific literature behind it. This module will be taught through a combination of student-led seminars and discussion groups chaired by staff members and invited speakers from CAPOD and the press and outreach offices.

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 3 seminar (weeks 1 - 11)

Scheduled learning hours: 33

Guided independent study hours: 120

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: Coursework (x4) = 100%

As defined by QAA
Written examinations : 0%
Practical examinations : 0%
Coursework: 100%

Re-assessment: Coursework (x4) = 100%

Personnel

Module coordinator: Dr M M Webster
Module teaching staff: Michael Webster
Module coordinator email mmw1@st-andrews.ac.uk