Communicating Neuroscience

Catalog description

The main objective of this course is to learn and practice effective communication methods for translating the significance of neuroscience research to a broad audience. The class will closely examine the relationship between neural science research, popular media, and government policy. Students will analyze scientific research papers and discuss the dissemination of results to the general public. Students will also hone their writing skills and practice communicating to a scientific audience. Students will be assigned a scientific article in the field of neuroscience to present to the class. Presentations will be followed by a discussion of popular press articles corresponding to the neuroscience research article previously discussed in class. Students will critique both scientific journal articles and corresponding popular press articles and will discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each article. Students will also discuss the impact of neuroscience research on shaping government policy.