Science presentation and visualization

This course focuses on a visually attractive presentation on a scientific subject to a public of scientists. Professionals from in- and outside Radboudumc teach the students techniques to visualise science and to develop an attractive and interesting poster and presentation on a scientific subject. The module 'Science Presentation and Visualisation' deals with communicating science to colleagues in a surprising, convincing and inspiring manner.

In the first half of the module students learn about the use of visualisation techniques and -software to design a poster and support a lecture. In the second part of the course the students apply the acquired skills to their own subject. This subject is preferably related to a Radboudumc research theme. The students make a first and second, improved version, of their final poster and presentation. Directed by the teachers, the students develop a program for a group of scientists, based on their individual products. This program is presented the last day of the module on location, and so are the posters. This live-presentations offer the students an instructive experience and direct feedback of the target group.

Main learning goals
After completion of the course, students are able to
1. define (knowledge) the techniques of visualising and presenting science and constructing an attractive story about a scientific subject.
2. explain (comprehension) different presentation and visualisation methods and the effect of these methods on the public.
3. apply / perform (application) the laws of effective presentation and visualisation, to produce an interesting scientific presentation and design an attractive poster.
4. distinguish (analysis) visual quality, lucidity and attractiveness of scientific presentations and posters.
5. design (synthesis) a well constructed scientific story, based on self gathered information about a scientific topic.
6. evaluate (evaluation) their own visualisation techniques and performance, including the live performance to the public, in a process of constant analysis and criticism within a group of fellow students.

Coordinators: Gert Jan van der Wilt, Professor, PhD (Department for Health Evidence); Paul van Laere, MSc (Department for Health Evidence)

Study Points: 3 EC 
Period: January, Thursday/Friday
Literature: Assignments and literature references will be provided on Blackboard. The lecturers will provide supplementary information and readers during the module.