Scaffolded curriculum for developing science communication skills in life science undergraduates

Abstract

Strong communication skills are essential for future science professionals, but practical training has not been featured strongly in undergraduate curricula. To better train diverse Life Science majors in communication theory and skills, we created a foundational 200-level and an advanced 400-level science communication course. Here we outline the strategy, including lesson plans, assignments, and grading rubrics, and provide suggestions for placing assignments designed to build upon each other into preexisting courses in a scaffolded manner to promote mastry of science communication skills.