Bachelor Of Science (honours) In Science For Education And Communication With Specialisation In Biology in University of Malta, Malta

Bachelor Of Science (honours) In Science For Education And Communication With Specialisation In Biology in University of Malta

While science has greatly influenced life as we know it; the changes society has gone through over time, have impacted the way science is perceived and understood. In our society there is a need to develop an awareness of the nature of science and how science works. Developing scientific literacy has become a crucial skill that needs to be carefully planned, implemented and evaluated. The BSc (Hons) in Science for Education and Communication will provide students with: 
• a sound background in scientific knowledge; 
• familiarity with the current debate and discourse in science; 
• an opportunity to experience interdisciplinary approaches to science in the community; 
• experiences of inquiry-based methodologies; 
• communication skills to facilitate community engagement in science; and
• practical experiences in the organisation and evaluation of non-formal and informal science education initiatives.

Learning outcomes

Students following the programme will:

(a) Subject Knowledge & Understanding
• explore various facets of their subject specialization
• demonstrate a sufficient breadth of scientific knowledge outside their area of specialization
• analyse how various historical and social factors influence scientific discovery and innovation

(b) Intellectual development
• integrate basic facts, principles, theories and methods from multiple science disciplines
• identify the interactions of science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics (STEAM) and society
• apply scientific principles to real-life contexts
• distinguish between myth, philosophy and science and discuss the answers to the 'big' questions

(c) Key/transferable skills
• assess the educational potential of community sites
• recognize the various educational needs related to science education and communication of different members of the community
• analyse phenomena using scientific principles and methodologies
• plan communication strategies to engage various audiences in science

(d) Other skills relevant to employability and personal development
• display skills for scientific problem-solving
• support community spaces and institutions in the promotion of science education and communication initiatives
• plan, organise and implement science education and communication initiatives in various community settings

Career opportunites and access to further studies

Graduates of the programme will have the option of pursing the Master in Teaching and Learning (MTL) Science with the Department of Mathematics and Science Education to become science (science and biology/chemistry/ physics) teachers.

The programme specifically focuses on the development of science communicators. There is a range of budding community settings related to science education and communication where these graduates can actively contribute.