Bi1151en Effective Science Communication: Written and Graphic Skills

Faculty of Science
Spring 2025
Extent and Intensity
2/0/0. 2 credit(s) (plus 1 for the colloquium). Type of Completion: k (colloquium).
Taught in person.
Teacher(s)
Mgr. Jakub Harnoš, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Guaranteed by
Mgr. Jakub Harnoš, Ph.D.
Department of Experimental Biology – Biology Section – Faculty of Science
Contact Person: Mgr. Jakub Harnoš, Ph.D.
Supplier department: Department of Experimental Biology – Biology Section – Faculty of Science
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is offered to students of any study field.
Course objectives
This course explores the vital role of written and graphic communication in science, addressing a gap in Czech higher education. Tailored for Master and Ph.D. students at MUNI's Faculty of Science, it emphasizes both written and graphical communication. Students will learn to craft scientific articles, research reviews, conference posters, and proposals for scholarships or grants. With a focus on practical application, the course also introduces essential English editing tools and advanced graphic software. By encouraging students to apply these skills to their ongoing studies, the course aims to foster proficiency in expressing scientific ideas effectively. The evaluation process includes assessments of students’ abstracts, scientific article introductions, research outlines, conference posters, and proposals, with the overarching goal of enhancing students' abilities in both written and graphical communication.
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of the course, students will:
• Demonstrate proficiency in writing scientific articles, research reviews, and grant proposals.
• Utilize grammar and graphic editing tools effectively.
• Develop impactful graphic posters.
• Enhance their ability to express scientific ideas through written and graphical mediums.
Syllabus
  • 1.-3. Writing quality scientific articles (abstract, introduction, results, discussion)
  • 4.-6. Crafting scientific research reviews (abstract, introduction, main text)
  • 7. Grammar and graphic editing tools
  • 8.-9. Creating impactful graphic posters
  • 10.-12. Developing scientific proposals for scholarships or grants (e.g., MSCA fellowships, EMBO fellowships, and GACR grants)
Literature
  • Weingart P, Joubert M, Connoway K. Public engagement with science-Origins, motives and impact in academic literature and science policy. PLoS One. 2021 Jul 7;16(7):e0254201. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0254201. PMID: 34234382; PMCID: PMC8263305.
Teaching methods
Teaching methods will include interactive lectures and online resources. The course will be delivered through in-person lectures as well as online sessions.
Assessment methods
Assessment will encompass written assignments, graphic poster evaluations, and oral presentations to evaluate students' proficiency and understanding of course content. Attendance at 80% of sessions is strongly encouraged to ensure optimal engagement and learning outcomes.
Language of instruction
English
Further Comments
The course is taught annually.
The course is taught: every week.
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