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MAC414Social Sciences2 Unitsintermediate

Science & Technology Reporting

This course introduces students to the principles and skills of science and technology reporting. It explores the concept and philosophy of science and technology reporting, emphasizing its importance in contemporary society. The course addresses challenges in the field and provides blueprints for effective reporting. Topics include sources of science and technology news, career prospects, legal and ethical considerations, associated hazards, and examples of science and technology writings. The course aims to equip students with the skills to report on this specialized area of journalism.

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156h

Study Time

13

Weeks

12h

Per Week

none

Math Level

Course Keywords

Science ReportingTechnology ReportingJournalismNews WritingEthics

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level

Builds on foundational knowledge

65%

intermediate

📚

Math Level

No Math

🔬

Learning Type

Hands-on Practice

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Science Reporting

2

Technology Reporting

3

News Writing

4

Interviewing Techniques

5

Editing

6

Media Law

Total Topics6 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

tutor-marked assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

final examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Science Journalist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Technology Correspondent

Apply your skills in this growing field

Science Communicator

Apply your skills in this growing field

Media Relations Specialist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Technical Writer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

Mass MediaPublic RelationsGovernmentResearch InstitutionsCorporate Communications

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week

1

Module 1: Understanding the Concept of Science and Technology

1.5h

Unit 1: The Meaning and Nature of Science and Technology

1.5 study hours

•Read the introduction to science and technology.
•Understand the etymology of 'science' and its meaning.
•Identify the primary aim and ultimate purpose of science.

Week

2

Module 1: Understanding the Concept of Science and Technology

1.5h

Unit 2: The Meaning of Technology and the Relationship with Science

1.5 study hours

•Examine the meaning of 'technology' and its Greek origins.
•Understand technology as a collection of techniques.
•Explore the impact of technology on society and the environment.

Week

3

Module 1: Understanding the Concept of Science and Technology

1.5h

Unit 3: Science and Technology in Societal Development

1.5 study hours

•Identify the roles of science and technology in modern society.
•Understand how science improves our understanding of life.
•Explore technological developments that improve global communication.

Week

4

Module 1: Understanding the Concept of Science and Technology

1.5h

Unit 4: Obstacles to the Growth of Science and Technology in the Third World

1.5 study hours

•Examine internal and external obstacles to science and technology development.
•Understand the impact of technology transfer and brain drain.
•Explore how corruption and political instability hinder development.

Week

5

Module 2: Reporting Science and Technology

1.5h

Unit 1: Meaning and Importance of Science and Technology Reporting

1.5 study hours

•Understand the meaning of science and technology reporting.
•Explore the role of science and technology reporting in the society.
•Identify the importance of specialized reporting in journalism.

Week

6

Module 2: Reporting Science and Technology

1.5h

Unit 2: The Science and Technology News

1.5 study hours

•Define science and technology news.
•Explore the qualities of a good science and technology news story.
•Understand the determinants of a good science and technology news story.

Week

7

Module 2: Reporting Science and Technology

1.5h

Unit 3: Barriers/Blueprints to Effective Science and Technology Reporting

1.5 study hours

•Identify barriers to effective science and technology reporting.
•Explore practical measures to improve effectiveness.
•Understand tips for effective science and technology reporting.

Week

8

Module 2: Reporting Science and Technology

1.5h

Unit 4: Career Prospects in Science and Technology Reporting

1.5 study hours

•Identify career prospects in science and technology reporting.
•Explore opportunities in specialized publications.
•Understand roles in government and non-government organizations.

Week

9

Module 3: Gathering Science and Technology News

1.5h

Unit 1: Sources of Science and Technology News/What to Look up for

1.5 study hours

•Identify sources of science and technology news.
•Understand what to look for when sourcing news.
•Explore areas such as scientific predictions and unusual feats.

Week

10

Module 3: Gathering Science and Technology News

1.5h

Unit 2: Interviewing in Science and Technology Reporting

1.5 study hours

•Define an interview and its types.
•Arrange and prepare for science and technology interviews.
•Conduct effective science and technology interviews.

Week

11

Module 3: Gathering Science and Technology News

1.5h

Unit 3: The Science and Technology News Beat

1.5 study hours

•Explain science and technology news beat.
•Understand the importance of the beat system.
•Explore the types of science and technology reporters.

Week

12

Module 3: Gathering Science and Technology News

1.5h

Unit 4: Writing Science and Technology News and other Reports

1.5 study hours

•Explain general writing rules.
•Understand specific rules for science and technology writing.
•Explore how to simplify complex information.

Week

13

Module 3: Gathering Science and Technology News

1.5h

Unit 5: Styles in Science and Technology Writing

1.5 study hours

•Explain the meaning of style in science and technology reporting.
•Understand the various types of style.
•Explore formal, informal, and individual styles.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create a study schedule that allocates specific time slots for each module, focusing on the units identified as peak difficulty periods.

2

Develop flashcards for key scientific terms and concepts from Units 1-4 in Module 1 to aid memorization and quick recall.

3

Practice writing news reports based on sample science and technology articles, focusing on accuracy, clarity, and brevity as covered in Module 3.

4

Review legal and ethical case studies related to science and technology reporting to prepare for scenario-based questions on the final exam.

5

Form a study group to discuss and clarify complex topics, such as the obstacles to science and technology development in the Third World (Module 1, Unit 4).

6

Summarize the code of ethics for Nigerian journalists and reflect on how each principle applies to science and technology reporting scenarios.

7

Analyze sample science and technology news reports (Module 5, Unit 4) to identify effective writing styles and techniques.

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