The University of Ottawa is privileged to be in the heart of the nation’s capital, where science policy is made.  The Science Policy option is a nine-unit (three course) option that can be incorporated into your Honours BSc program.  It provides an introduction to public administration and public policy analysis.  The  fourth year capstone course deals with the importance of science in evidence-based decision making and sound policy making.

Microprogram in Science Policy program requirements

A new microprogram in Science Communication consisting of five courses (15 units) will offer undergraduate students the opportunity to develop and refine their written, oral, and visual science communication skills.

Scientists are increasingly expected to engage directly with the public to disseminate scientific information of value to society and to inform citizens, allowing them to make evidence-based decisions. However, skills in specialized scientific communication do not translate well during engagements with the public about science (termed science communication). Given that most of our undergraduate science students do not continue to undertake higher graduate studies upon completion of their BSc degrees, these future scientists in society will need skills in generalized science communication in order to effectively engage their public peers in meaningful communications about science during their future careers. For those students destined for careers in academia, this early exposure to science communication will allow them to have an extended reach for their research results, as well as a strong voice in the democratic process of societal discourse.

Microprogram in Science Communication program requirements

If you are interested in a career related to teaching or the design and delivery of educational programming, this microprogram will offer you the opportunity to acquire a strong foundation in Science Education. The courses can be counted as your elective courses at the 3000 and 4000 level in your undergraduate program. The combination of these courses is intended to develop your understanding and application of the scholarship of teaching and learning to your own scientific discipline.

Microprogram in Science Education program overview