We have a strong array of science communication offerings next semester.
FW 595-006 Special Topics: Citizen Science
W 8:30-11:15am
Caren Cooper (cbcoope3@ncsu.edu)
Students will learn the fundamentals of citizen science, the many ways that members of the public collaborate with scientists for making discoveries. Course activities involve readings, reflections, discussions, and group work. Each student will be involved in a semester-long project to design a citizen science project for actual implementation. The students will work in collaboration with the NCSU Library in adapting an existing citizen science project or tool for the spring Wolfpack Citizen Science Challenge (an annual campaign in which students participate in a featured citizen science project on campus). Alternatively, a graduate student developing a citizen science project as part of their thesis or dissertation can use the course activities as a guide to design their citizen science project with the assistance of other students. As a result, students will be able to (1) understand and critically evaluate the variety of approaches to citizen science, (2) work in interdisciplinary teams to design rigorous and ethical citizen science activities, and (3) develop leadership skills in citizen science.
AEC 592 Sec 008 Science Writing for Scientists
Tu/Th 10:15-11:30am
Rob Dunn (rrdunn@ncsu.edu)
In this course graduate students will learn how to write scientific articles for the public. The class will include a mix of guest speakers (authors), critical reading of example texts (books and articles) and lessons on writing. The format will be discussion based.
ENG 520 Science Writing for the Media
T/TH 3:00-4:15 pm
Cat Warren (cat_warren@ncsu.edu)
This course is designed to do three things: teach you how to write a variety of science articles for a variety of mass media; teach you how to think critically about how the mass media covers science; and teach you how to think critically about science. There are no prerequisites for this course.
EMS 375/595 Environmental Education Teaching Methods
T 4:15-6:50
Gail Jones (mgjones3@ncsu.edu )
Students will learn how to teach environmental education to youth and adults in a variety of indoor and outdoor settings. Starting with Project Learning Tree training, students will develop the skills to plan, deliver, and evaluate environmental education programs. Students will sharpen their teaching and communication skills while learning how to educate others about important environmental concepts.
FW 730 Ethics in Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences
W 3:00-4:50pm (2 credits)
Caren Cooper (cbcoope3@ncsu.edu)
Students will explore historical and current thinking concerning the search for truth about natural systems, and the complex ethics scientists and practitioners who operate in the public sector must consider. Standards of professional and ethical behavior specific to Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences will be addressed. Faculty will introduce topics and guide discussions; students will give seminars and lead some discussions. Required for doctoral students in Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences.
PRT 550 – Human Behavior in Outdoor Settings
Th 1:30-4:15pm
Lincoln Larson (LRLarson@ncsu.edu)
This course helps students understand the variety of cognitive, social and environmental factors that influence human behavior in natural resource contexts, with an emphasis on nature-based recreation experiences and conservation behavior. Students will explore behavioral models from different disciplines, examine pathways to promote behavior change, and assess implications for park management, environmental stewardship, and natural resource conservation.
COM 498/STS 490: Governing Risky Technologies
T/Th 10:15-11:30 AM
William Kinsella (wjkinsel@ncsu.edu)
The 2010 Gulf oil spill, the 2011 Fukushima nuclear meltdowns, the 2014 Dan River coal ash spill, and the current controversy over chemical contamination in the Cape Fear River are reminders of the risks that accompany contemporary technologies. Emerging technologies such as hydraulic fracking and synthetic biology raise concerns about potential future problems. Airline, automobile, and rail transportation pose ongoing risks requiring constant attention. Managing these and other risky technologies requires a combination of technical knowledge, effective organizational and institutional systems, and public engagement to decide what risks are acceptable and how to avoid unacceptable failures. This course looks at theories of risk and safety, case studies of technological successes and failures, and broader questions of regulation and governance in a world of risky technologies.
BSC 495: Multicultural Research and Outreach in the Biological Sciences
Time TBD
Terry Gates (tagates@ncsu.edu), Raya Boyd (riboyd@ncsu.edu), and Mike Lewis (mdlewis4@ncsu.edu)
The purpose of this class is to first learn the basics of shark tooth paleontology and then go out to underrepresented high schools and teach them what you have learned. The class is accepting anyone from any major. The only requirement is having an interest. There is currently no time slot for the class; that will be decided next semester. If you have any questions, feel free to email any of us.