Teaching

I teach Science Writing I with UCLA Extension.

Course are online via Zoom, in the evenings, Pacific time.

To inquire or receive a note about the next course, 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.