Introduction to Scientific Journalism Course

Lesson 1 • Core Competencies for Science Journalists

Identifies the technical and editorial skills required for the profession. Sets learning goals for the entire course.

Lesson 2 • History and Evolution of the Field

Traces scientific journalism from early print coverage to digital media. Provides context for current practices and professional norms.

Lesson 3 • Defining Scientific Journalism

Clarifies how scientific journalism differs from general reporting and science communication. Establishes the field's scope and professional identity.

Lesson 1 • How Science Produces Knowledge

Explains the scientific method, peer review, and knowledge accumulation. Gives journalists a framework for evaluating research claims.

Lesson 2 • Evaluating Study Quality

Provides criteria for judging research rigor across study types. Enables journalists to contextualize findings appropriately.

Lesson 3 • Reading a Scientific Paper

Teaches the structure of research articles and how to extract key information efficiently. Directly supports accurate story sourcing.

Lesson 4 • Statistics for Science Journalists

Covers essential statistical concepts needed to report findings without distortion. Prevents common numerical errors in published stories.

Lesson 1 • Using Multiple Sources Effectively

Explains how to triangulate information across sources for balance and accuracy. Reduces single-source bias in reporting.

Lesson 2 • Identifying Credible Expert Sources

Teaches how to locate and vet scientists, institutions, and spokespeople. Ensures stories rest on authoritative expertise.

Lesson 3 • Conducting the Interview

Develops active listening, follow-up questioning, and rapport-building skills. Connects interview technique to story accuracy.

Lesson 1 • Principles of Science Writing

Establishes core writing principles: clarity, precision, and narrative flow. Anchors all subsequent writing instruction in the chapter.

Lesson 2 • Writing Leads and Headlines

Focuses on crafting compelling entry points that are accurate and engaging. Strong leads and headlines drive readership without sensationalism.

Lesson 3 • Translating Jargon for Lay Audiences

Provides strategies for converting technical terminology into accessible language. Prevents both dumbing down and unnecessary complexity.

Lesson 4 • Editing and Self-Revision

Builds systematic self-editing habits for accuracy, style, and concision. Prepares students for professional editorial workflows.

Lesson 1 • Conflicts of Interest and Funding

Examines how financial and institutional ties can compromise reporting integrity. Teaches disclosure practices and independence safeguards.

Lesson 2 • Reporting on Vulnerable Populations

Covers ethical obligations when stories involve patients, marginalized groups, or minors. Connects sensitivity to both accuracy and harm reduction.

Lesson 3 • Embargo and Exclusivity Ethics

Explains the embargo system, its benefits, and its potential for manipulation. Helps students navigate embargo agreements responsibly.

Lesson 4 • Core Ethical Principles

Introduces honesty, independence, minimizing harm, and accountability as foundational values. Provides the ethical framework used throughout the chapter.

Lesson 1 • Identifying Misinformation and Pseudoscience

Teaches recognition of pseudoscientific claims, manipulated data, and misleading press releases. Protects audiences from harmful misinformation.

Lesson 2 • Fact-Checking Scientific Claims

Provides specific techniques for checking numbers, quotes, and study interpretations. Directly reduces errors in published science stories.

Lesson 3 • The Verification Mindset

Instills a skeptical, evidence-based approach to all claims encountered in reporting. Frames verification as a professional obligation, not an optional step.

Lesson 1 • Environmental and Climate Reporting

Covers methods for reporting on climate science, ecology, and environmental policy. Addresses false balance and scientific consensus communication.

Lesson 2 • Health and Medical Reporting

Addresses the unique demands of covering clinical research, public health, and medicine. Builds skills for responsible health journalism.

Lesson 3 • Technology and Emerging Science

Examines reporting on rapidly evolving fields such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and space science. Emphasizes hype detection.

Lesson 4 • Cross-Disciplinary and Convergence Stories

Teaches how to report stories that span multiple scientific fields. Develops integrative thinking for complex, multi-angle coverage.

Lesson 1 • Video and Visual Science Reporting

Introduces video scripting, shooting, and editing for science journalism. Develops visual storytelling skills for broadcast and online platforms.

Lesson 2 • Data Visualization for Science Stories

Teaches how to present scientific data visually with accuracy and clarity. Prevents misleading chart design and supports audience comprehension.

Lesson 3 • Digital Storytelling Fundamentals

Introduces the principles of digital-first science storytelling and platform logic. Establishes the foundation for all multimedia work in the chapter.

Lesson 4 • Social Media and Science Communication

Examines how to distribute and adapt science stories for social platforms responsibly. Addresses virality, misinformation spread, and engagement ethics.