Science & Technology Reporting
- Social Sciences
- 400 level
- 2 credit units
- 133 pages
- 21 units
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.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 156 hours
- Maths
- None
- Content
- Theoretical, practical, case study
- Practical work
- Yes
- Assignments
- Tutor marked assignments
- Final examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of MAC414, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
- UNIT 1 MEANING AND PURPOSE OF EDITING IN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY REPORTINGPage 76
- UNIT 2 THE NEWS MAKERS IN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY REPORTINGPage 80
- UNIT 3 IMPORTANT HINTS IN EDITING SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY WRITINGPage 85
- UNIT 4 USING EDITING AND PROOF READING SYMBOLS IN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY REPORTINGPage 88
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
MAC414 · UNIT 1 THE MEANING AND NATURE OF SCIENCE
Science has become so important in our everyday life that there is hardly any aspect of human life that is not affected by it in one way or the other. This unit examines the meaning and nature of science.
What you should be able to do
- Demonstrate the basic skills and principles of science and technology reporting
- Explain where to source and how to write science and technology news/reports
- Familiarize themselves with the peculiar hazards associated with science and technology reporting and how best to minimize them
- Demonstrate knowledge of the pertinent legal and ethical issues involved in science and technology reporting
- Apply journalistic principles in conveying information about science and technology issues
- Identify and explain the obstacles to the development of science and technology in the developing world
What it prepares you for
- Science Journalist
- Technology Correspondent
- Science Communicator
- Media Relations Specialist
- Technical Writer
- Mass Media
- Public Relations
- Government
- Research Institutions
- Corporate Communications
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 4: Editing in Science and Technology Reporting
Unit 3: Important Hints in Editing Science and Technology Writings
Understanding the nuances of scientific terminology and ensuring accuracy in technical details requires a strong grasp of both journalism and scientific principles.
- Module 5: Contemporary Issues in Science and Technology Reporting
Unit 1: Legal Issues in Science and TechnologyReporting
Navigating legal frameworks such as copyright, defamation, and privacy laws requires careful attention to detail and a thorough understanding of media law.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 19.5 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1: Understanding the Concept of Science and Technology
Unit 1: The Meaning and Nature of Science and Technology · 1.5 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 2Module 1: Understanding the Concept of Science and Technology
Unit 2: The Meaning of Technology and the Relationship with Science · 1.5 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 3Module 1: Understanding the Concept of Science and Technology
Unit 3: Science and Technology in Societal Development · 1.5 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 4Module 1: Understanding the Concept of Science and Technology
Unit 4: Obstacles to the Growth of Science and Technology in the Third World · 1.5 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 5Module 2: Reporting Science and Technology
Unit 1: Meaning and Importance of Science and Technology Reporting · 1.5 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 6Module 2: Reporting Science and Technology
Unit 2: The Science and Technology News · 1.5 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 7Module 2: Reporting Science and Technology
Unit 3: Barriers/Blueprints to Effective Science and Technology Reporting · 1.5 hours
Identify barriers to effective science and technology reporting.. Explore practical measures to improve effectiveness.. Understand tips for effective science and technology reporting..
- Week 8Module 2: Reporting Science and Technology
Unit 4: Career Prospects in Science and Technology Reporting · 1.5 hours
Identify career prospects in science and technology reporting.. Explore opportunities in specialized publications.. Understand roles in government and non-government organizations..
- Week 9Module 3: Gathering Science and Technology News
Unit 1: Sources of Science and Technology News/What to Look up for · 1.5 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 10Module 3: Gathering Science and Technology News
Unit 2: Interviewing in Science and Technology Reporting · 1.5 hours
Define an interview and its types.. Arrange and prepare for science and technology interviews.. Conduct effective science and technology interviews..
- Week 11Module 3: Gathering Science and Technology News
Unit 3: The Science and Technology News Beat · 1.5 hours
Explain science and technology news beat.. Understand the importance of the beat system.. Explore the types of science and technology reporters..
- Week 12Module 3: Gathering Science and Technology News
Unit 4: Writing Science and Technology News and other Reports · 1.5 hours
Explain general writing rules.. Understand specific rules for science and technology writing.. Explore how to simplify complex information..
- Week 13Module 3: Gathering Science and Technology News
Unit 5: Styles in Science and Technology Writing · 1.5 hours
Explain the meaning of style in science and technology reporting.. Understand the various types of style.. Explore formal, informal, and individual styles..
Preparing for the exam
- Create a study schedule that allocates specific time slots for each module, focusing on the units identified as peak difficulty periods.
- Develop flashcards for key scientific terms and concepts from Units 1-4 in Module 1 to aid memorization and quick recall.
- Practice writing news reports based on sample science and technology articles, focusing on accuracy, clarity, and brevity as covered in Module 3.
- Review legal and ethical case studies related to science and technology reporting to prepare for scenario-based questions on the final exam.
- 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).
- Summarize the code of ethics for Nigerian journalists and reflect on how each principle applies to science and technology reporting scenarios.
- Analyze sample science and technology news reports (Module 5, Unit 4) to identify effective writing styles and techniques.
Questions students ask about this course
What is MAC414 about?
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.
How many units does MAC414 have?
MAC414, Science & Technology Reporting, has 21 units across 5 modules, over 133 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is MAC414?
MAC414 carries 2 credit units, at 400 level in Social Sciences.
Is MAC414 hard?
MAC414 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical, practical and case study work, and it has a practical component.
How long does MAC414 take to study?
About 156 hours of study, spread across its 21 units.
How is MAC414 assessed?
MAC414 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assignments and final examination.
What can I do with MAC414?
Science Journalist, Technology Correspondent, Science Communicator, Media Relations Specialist and Technical Writer.