Science & Society

Are you interested in exploring the relationship between science & society at both the personal and institutional level? Meeting scientists whose careers navigate the interface of science & society? Putting your science training to work in a teaching or research project with a local community group? If so, the 3-credit, Z620 course "Science & Society" may be for you!

Course activities include discussions of readings, written reflections, invited speakers, and teaching or research service-learning with community partners in order to:
(1) Foster conceptual and practical bridges between scientists and the local community
(2) Reinforce skills needed to achieve a graduate degree in the biological/environmental sciences while placing these skills in a broader context
(3) Further develop one's own identity as a scientist

This course provides lively discussions on readings across a wide range of issues dealing with scientists and society, including alternative careers, NSF Broader Impacts, ethics, science literacy, and more. Speakers include practicing scientists and professionals that have taken their science PhD training into alternative career paths (e.g. law, conservation, science writing, teaching, grant administration). Projects with community partners span a wide gamut, including science writing, science curriculum development, science and environmental outreach, prairie restoration and other applied research, and the development of educational/interpretive activities and materials for parks.