BIOS 450: Storytelling in Science: Grants, Papers, and the Public

Course Description

In papers, grants, and public discourse, most researchers aim to remove all traces of the human scientist, believing that the facts should speak for themselves. In practice, however, science is a social process, and necessitates telling a convincing, compelling story. In this course, aimed at early-stage bioscience graduate students, we will explore the philosophy and practice of science communication, for peers (in grants and papers) and for the public (on social media). Through readings, discussions, lectures and workshops, students will learn how facts are constructed, and gain strategies for effectively contributing their piece to the ever-growing scientific story. Students will explore the value of primary human experience in scientific enquiry, and interrogate the maxim that there is no ¿view from nowhere.¿