Duration
10h Th, 20h Pr
Number of credits
Lecturer
Language(s) of instruction
French language
Organisation and examination
Teaching in the first semester, review in January
Schedule
Units courses prerequisite and corequisite
Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program
Learning unit contents
The current reality is that communicating science to the general public is an integral part of any research project and the work of every scientist. In our increasingly polarized society, this communication inevitably faces non-objective beliefs that are becoming more prevalent and persistent. This conflict between beliefs and scientific findings is also evident in education. Furthermore, science communication is generally based on a transmissive approach in which the scientist explains their findings in accessible language, but in a one-way manner.
The goal of this course is to provide the keys to an approach based on the concept of science mediation. Based on the idea that the knowledge and skills of scientists (or teachers) must be put at the service of the public to enable them to internalize the findings, this expert thus acts as a bridge between knowledge that has not yet been acquired or a method that has not yet been mastered and the target audience. Outreach efforts are undertaken to enable the public to engage with the scientific paradigm as independently as possible.
Learning outcomes of the learning unit
The course will combine theoretical lectures presenting methods and examples with a practical component in which a science communication tool will be developed on a topic chosen by each student. The Maison de la Science, a museum-based facility, will serve as the primary venue for experimentation in this project.
Prerequisite knowledge and skills
Bachelier en sciences.
Planned learning activities and teaching methods
The theoretical lectures will highlight various methods of science communication and lay the groundwork for science outreach. The connection to cultural outreach in the broadest sense will be explored. Examples and methods drawn from the museum world will be regularly featured.
The project will involve creating a science outreach tool on a topic to be determined based on each student's interests and skills. Particular attention will be paid to selecting the target audience, taking into account the audience's prior knowledge, and defining the objective of the outreach (not only in terms of knowledge, but also in terms of skills and personal fulfillment). The final product will be presented to an audience of professionals from the museum and cultural sectors and may be tested at the Maison de la Science.
Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)
Face-to-face course
Further information:
Presential
Course materials and recommended or required readings
Platform(s) used for course materials:
- MyULiège
Further information:
Notes and documents delivered in person throughout the year.
Exam(s) in session
Any session
- In-person
written exam ( open-ended questions ) AND oral exam
Written work / report
Further information:
An oral and hands-on presentation of the system.
Work placement(s)
Organisational remarks and main changes to the course
Contacts
Hervé CAPS - herve.caps@uliege.be - 04 366 37 23 - 0499 21 23 63