Teaching
I will be teaching Science Writing I with UCLA Extension starting Fall 2024.
Course will be online via Zoom, Tuesday evenings (6–9 pm Pacific time).
To inquire or receive a note when registration goes live, email Amber.
Course Description
Science writing tells true stories about scientists and research to a variety of audiences. Learn what it takes to translate scientific concepts and discoveries into prose that readers can understand — and enjoy! You'll practice writing science explainers and news articles according to standard structures and come to understand the job of "science writer" through in-class exercises and discussions, guest speakers, reading, and homework. You'll learn about different career options: freelance or staff, journalism or institutional communications, full time or on the side. By the end of the course, you'll have 1–3 story ideas, 3 polished writing samples, a pitch you can send to a publication, and a plan for your own next steps in science writing. Note: Technical writing, scientific manuscript writing, and science fiction are not part of this course.
Course Objectives
Students will:
Regularly consume science news and learn the basic structure of science news stories.
Practice writing an explainer and two science news stories, with two drafts so they can incorporate instructor feedback and improve.
Learn the ins and outs of identifying and interviewing sources.
Learn how to read a scientific paper and interpret basic statistics.
Discuss what makes for quality science writing.
Understand the importance of fact-checking and how to do it.
Learn the realities of different career options in science writing.
Course Outcomes
By the end of this course, successful students will be able to:
Write a concise, clear explainer of how something works.
Correctly structure a science news story.
Find their own story ideas and draft a timely, well-written story pitch suitable to send to publications.
Chart their next steps toward a career in science writing.