Science Communication
Course in Environment & Sustainability @ William & Mary
ENSP 440/COLL 400: Science Communication
“The universe is made of stories, not atoms.” – Muriel Rukeyser
Science Communication is the communication of science-related topics to non-experts, often in the form of a narrative. This interdisciplinary, COLL 400 capstone course trains students to translate obscure scientific research into compelling science stories that engage a broad public audience. Using a journalistic writing style and applying best practices of effective science communication, students craft creative nonfiction magazine feature stories and podcast episodes. The classroom functions like a newsroom, with the professor as the editor and each student as a science journalist reporting on research being conducted at William & Mary, VIMS, and beyond. The class is interactive and hands-on, integrating class discussion, peer work, and workshops on interviewing, sound design, and podcast production and editing. Final assignments will serve as polished additions to student professional portfolios.
