Science and Health Communication Masters Project module (BS53005)
Carry out an independent Masters-level project in science and health communication. Apply your research and communication skills to a real-world challenge
You will undertake a substantial, original project. It will be intended to show what you have achieved throughout your course.
You will work under the guidance of a supervisor with expertise in biological or biomedical sciences, medicine or health. With their guidance, you will investigate a current topic that connects science or health to a real communication need.
There are three project pathways available:
- You will develop, trial and evaluate a science communication resource. This will be done following a literature review of a specific scientific topic
- You can develop a health communication campaign or funding drive. You will reflect on its design and effectiveness
- You can conduct a research project using qualitative and/or quantitative methods. This will be done to investigate a current health or science topic
Whichever pathway you choose, your project will culminate in three things:
- a substantial written thesis
- a poster presentation
- an oral presentation
What you will learn
In this module, you will:
- conduct a detailed literature review in a specific area of science or health communication
- design, execute and evaluate an original communication resource, campaign or research investigation
- develop skills in project management, independent research and professional communication
By the end of this module, you will be able to:
- show critical understanding of a particular area of biological or biomedical science or health. This will be associated with a communication need
- critically appraise published research and your own data, and evaluate its contribution to the field
- design and execute appropriate research approaches to address a communication challenge
- communicate complex scientific concepts and research data effectively in writing and orally
Assignments / assessment
- MSc Project Report/Thesis (75%)
- Project performance (15%)
- This will be assessed by your principal supervisor. They will consider your engagement, achievement and your project notebook
- Oral presentation (5%)
- Poster presentation (5%)
This module does not have a final exam.
Teaching methods / timetable
- Project supervision by a principal supervisor. Your supervisor will have expertise in biological or biomedical sciences, medicine or health
- Regular catch-up and Q&A sessions with the course and module leaders
- Support for oral and poster presentations from the course team
The module is delivered in semester 3 (summer). It can be carried out at City Campus and Ninewells, or the James Hutton Institute.
It can also be carried out in collaboration with an approved external partner organisation.
This could include a University of Dundee spin-out or a company in the health, science or medical communication industries.
There is a significant component of self-directed independent study.
Courses
This module is available on the following courses: