Program Overview

Course Overview

The course "Communicating Science: audiences, purposes and conventions" is offered at the doctoral degree level. It provides research-based introduction to, and practical training in, effective communication of own research to important audiences in academic and non-academic contexts.

Course Details

• Course Code: HFEL8000
• Credits: 3
• Level: Doctoral degree level
• Course Start: Spring 2026
• Duration: 1 semester
• Language of Instruction: English and Norwegian
• Location: Trondheim
• Examination Arrangement: Assignment

Course Content

The course focuses on the communication of own research, providing students with advanced knowledge of required conventions in scientific abstracts, articles, and grant applications. It also covers principles of Open Access publishing at NTNU and effective techniques in science journalism and outreach.

Learning Outcomes

• Knowledge: The student has advanced knowledge of required conventions in scientific abstracts, articles, and grant applications, is aware of principles of Open Access publishing at NTNU, and has knowledge of effective techniques in science journalism and outreach.
• Skills: The student can reflect critically on the significance of science communication in contemporary society, describe his/her own research in few sentences to both experts and non-experts, write a scientific abstract, write a blog for a user group, and write a piece for the general public that effectively communicates his/her own research.

Learning Methods and Activities

The course consists of 7 sessions, each 3 hours long, including short lectures, group work, and writing tasks.

Compulsory Assignments

• 1 oral assignment
• 1 written assignment

Evaluation

The examination assignment consists of a written assignment. All compulsory activities must be approved before the student may take the exam.

Recommended and Required Previous Knowledge

• Recommended: This course is intended for PhD students in their 2nd or 3rd year, who have in-depth knowledge about their own project and research field.
• Required: Enrollment in a PhD-programme.

Course Materials

The curriculum/reading list will be announced at the beginning of the semester.

Credit Reductions

The course has academic overlap with several other courses. If a student takes overlapping courses, they will receive a credit reduction in the course where they have the lowest grade.

Subject Areas

• Applied Linguistics

Examination Details

• Examination Arrangement: Assignment
• Grade: Passed / Not Passed
• Re-sit Examination: Available in Autumn 2025
• Ordinary Examination: Spring 2026