Scientific Communication
Scientific communication is about how to convey scientific information, ideas, research findings, and theories to a range of audiences, including scientists, professionals in related fields, and the public in general. The subject is pivotal in the planning and writing process of scientific reports including master thesis.
The course includes developing practical skills in both oral and written presentations, finding relevant literature, ability to refer correctly, and the importance of ethic and plagiarism. The course will also dip into how artificial intelligence (AI) can be used in academic writing
Knowledge - The student:
- Has advanced knowledge about how to design and write theoretical and empirical scientific reports.
- Can find, read, analyse and discuss relevant scientific literature with a critical mind
- Has thorough knowledge about plagiarism and are familiar with ethical issues related to scientific communication.
Skills - The student:
- Has enhanced ability to critically analyse scientific literature, assess the validity of data, and evaluate the strength of arguments.
- Are able to make a correct reference list as well as incorporate references correctly in a written text.
- Master to give oral presentations about a specific scientific area
- Are familiar with the use of End-Note as a reference tool
- Have ideas about how AI can be helpful when writing academic texts.
General competence - The student:
- Master to speak confidently about scientific topics to both expert and non-expert audiences.
- Has a strong commitment to ethical standards in scientific communication, including honesty, transparency, and accountability.
Compulsory:
Master in Biosciences and Nordic Master in Sustainable Production and Utilization of Marine Bioresources
Compound assessment.
- 1) Literature review – Compare and contrast results from searches in three databases of scientific research and summarise search findings for at least 10 relevant papers, book chapters, or books. Topic questions will be provided.
- 2) Scientific poster – Prepare a scientific poster about a recent published paper (selected from a list provided). The poster ought to be suitable for presentation at a research conference.
- 3) Research seminar summary – Write two 1-page (single-spaced) summaries of two seminars given to the Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture over the semester. Each summary must include short critical assessments of the information presented, how it was presented, what was learned, and what might have been changed for the better (this last could include a critique of the slides themselves).
- Assessment: Each student must write a short (7–10 pages) research proposal that outlines the planned master’s thesis. Format will follow (roughly) proposal format of the Research Council of Norway. Grading will be based on a standard rubric modelled after the one Nord University uses to grade the thesis itself. *** 75% of grade (A–F letter grade for assignment).
- Oral exam (group assignment) – Prepare and present a 10-minute scientific talk, with an accompanying slide show, about a recent published paper (selected from a list provided). Students work together to prepare the talk, and each student must present at least two of the slides in the final slide show. *** 25% of grade (pass/fail, but ‘pass’ scaled to A–F grade).
Pen, ruler and up to 2 bilingual dictionaries.
Generating an answer using ChatGPT or similar artificial intelligence and submitting it wholly or partially as one's own answer is considered cheating.
