Program Overview

SP1541X - Communication Practices in Popular Science

Description

SP1541X aims to enable students to communicate science to the non-specialist audience in a comprehensible and engaging manner through science popularised discourses. Students are introduced to four science communication models which shed light on the evolving assumptions made about the roles of and interactions between scientists, policymakers, and the public. Drawing upon these models, students critically analyse and evaluate how communication strategies are employed in written and spoken sources and apply them through public engagement opportunities during a field trip in a Southeast Asian country, where they interact with the local community and learn about their cultures and local practices.

Objectives

By the end of the course, students should be able to:

1. critically read, synthesise, and analyse features of academic and popular science genres.
2. critically analyse and evaluate how science communication strategies help explain scientific concepts and ideas to a non-specialist audience
3. work effectively in a team to identify and explain scientific concepts using science communication strategies.
4. communicate scientific concepts and ideas in a comprehensible, coherent and engaging manner to a non-specialist audience in both written and oral forms.
5. deepen understanding of Southeast Asian countries through interaction with the local community partners, appreciation of local practices, cultures, economies, sustainability efforts, or science-related explorations/innovations.

Assessment

• SP1541X is a 100% Continuous Assessment course.

Prerequisites

Students who are required to read ES1000 Foundation Academic English and/or ES1103 English for Academic Purposes must pass those courses before they are allowed to read this course.

Preclusions

1. Non-CHS students
2. Students who have read and passed FAS1101, ES2531, ES2631, ES2660, UTW1001% and RVX100%
3. Students in SPS (Special Program in Science) who have read and passed SP2271 are precluded from SP1541 and SP1541X
4. Students who have read and passed SP1541
5. U-town students cannot select SP1541X
6. RVRC students cannot select SP1541X

Units

Four

Workload

0-3-0-3-0-4

FAQ

1. Why should I sign up for this course?

• SP1541X offers a unique opportunity to enhance your ability to communicate scientific knowledge effectively to non-specialists in different cultural settings. You will learn to apply science communication strategies to explain scientific concepts to a non-specialist audience in a Southeast Asian country during a 1-week experiential learning trip.

2. What are the similarities and differences between SP1541 and SP1541X?

• SP1541 and SP1541X share the same learning outcomes where you will learn to:
  • analyse features of academic and popular science genres
  • evaluate how science communication strategies help explain scientific concepts and ideas to a non-specialist audience
  • work effectively in a team to identify and explain scientific concepts using science communication strategies
  • communicate scientific concepts and ideas in a comprehensible, coherent and engaging manner to a non-specialist audience
• There are however differences in the activities in weeks 6, 12 and 13, designed to fulfil the additional learning outcome of SP1541X, which is to deepen students’ understanding of Southeast Asian countries through interaction with the local community partners and development of an appreciation of local practices, cultures, economies, sustainability efforts, or science-related explorations/innovations.

3. Where will we be going in Semester 2 AY2025/2026 and when is the trip scheduled?

• The trip to Manila, Philippines is scheduled on 10-17 May 2026.
• The trip to Bangkok, Thailand is scheduled on 10-17 May 2026.

4. What will I gain from the 1-week experiential learning trip?

• The trip will provide an excellent opportunity to enhance your ability to communicate science to a non-specialist audience, while deepening your understanding of topics such as environmental and sustainability issues, and high-tech agriculture. You will spend one day communicating the scientific knowledge you selected to a non-specialist audience as part of the final assessment. The rest of the week will be dedicated to experiential learning, with opportunities to explore the natural environment and/or visit industries, as well as learn about local scientific, research and/or conservation efforts.

5. What happens if I enrol for SP1541X but I am not able to do the overseas experiential learning component?

• Although it is not encouraged, in the event of an unexpected circumstance where you are unable to join the overseas component, you must inform your tutor by Week 3 or 30th January 2026.

6. How will the trip be funded?

• SP1541X is an NUS Study Trip for Engagement & EnRichment (STEER) programme. Full-time students (excluding exchange students) may apply for the NUS STEER Award with a value of $1,000.

7. If I currently hold a scholarship, am I eligible for the NUS Study Trips for Engagement & EnRichment (STEER) Award?

• Yes. Holding a scholarship does not, by itself, affect your eligibility for the STEER Award. However, you must verify by checking your scholarship’s terms and conditions and obtaining confirmation from your scholarship provider. If concurrent holding is not allowed, your provider may impose penalties.

8. Which scholarships do not allow concurrent holding with the NUS Study Trips for Engagement & EnRichment (STEER) Award?

• The following scholarships do not allow concurrent holding of awards for overseas programmes, including NUS STEER Award.

9. If I currently receive a bursary, am I eligible for the NUS Study Trips for Engagement & EnRichment (STEER) Award?

• Yes. Receiving a bursary does not, by itself, affect your eligibility for the STEER Award. However, you must check with your bursary provider whether you may hold the STEER Award concurrently with your existing bursary. If concurrent holding is not allowed, your provider may impose penalties.

10. Can I use my Post-Secondary Education Account (PSEA) to fund the overseas trip?
    • Yes. You may use your Post-Secondary Education Account (PSEA) to fully or partially fund your trip.
11. Do I need to complete the Travel Preparedness Course (TPC) before applying for the NUS Study Trips for Engagement & EnRichment (STEER) programme?
    • Yes. You must complete the Travel Preparedness Course (TPC) and wait 24 hours before submitting your application.
12. Do I need additional insurance for the overseas trip?
    • Please review the University’s insurance coverage for overseas programmes to decide if it meets your needs. You may purchase additional personal insurance if you require coverage beyond what the University provides.