212-105 Science and Communication

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Objectives:

On successful completion of this subject students should be aware of the scientific process and its place in environmental studies and management. They will gain an appreciation of, and experience in, the application of information technology to searching, retrieval and manipulation of literature databases and communication between environmental, research and industry groups using the Internet. They will have practical experience in preparation of scientific literature reviews, popular press articles, world wide web pages, digital video clips, CD-ROMs and delivery of multimedia-assisted presentations.

Understand: 1. the process of observation, construction and testing of hypotheses and the literature both print and electronic; 2. how to search for, retrieve and manipulate literature citations using electronic methods; 3. the role of multimedia, digital video clips, CD-ROMs and the Internet to enhance communication between research, industry and environmental managers.

Develop: 1. skills in searching the literature, retrieving citations, drafting a scientific literature review and constructing a personal literature database; 2. Proficiency in preparation and delivery of multimedia-assisted face-to-face presentations; 3. ability to produce short articles for the popular press, CD-ROM and the World Wide Web.

Appreciate: 1. the impact of information technology and the Internet on communications, especially in rural areas; 2. trends in technology development and the necessity for ongoing professional development to take advantage of them; 3. the importance of the scientific process in solving problems in environmental science and management.

Content:

Philosophy of science; Conflicts and paradigm shifts; The scientific process; The role of the peer-reviewed publication; Preparation of scientific papers; Electronic scholarly journals and publications; Review of the literature; Library facilities including OPACs and ERLs; Using DBMS for personal bibliographies; Automated generation of bibliographies with different formats; Searching the Internet; Publishing on the WWW and CD-ROM; Public speaking; Preparation and use of multimedia resources to enhance presentations; Production of simple digital video clips; Electronic networks for communication; Writing for the popular media including WWW, CD-ROM, radio and television, including interactive television; Future trends.

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