Science Newsroom

Undergraduate / Graduate

Newsrooms are fast-paced environments where stories are pitched, assigned, revised, fact-checked, and published on tight deadlines. This course places students in the role of science reporters, combining instruction in science communication theory with the everyday practices of journalism. In twice-weekly meetings, students will discuss current issues in science and culture and pitch stories to the instructor, who serves as newsroom editor. Instruction will cover core journalistic skills such as interviewing, investigative research, story structure, ensuring scientific accuracy, and navigating the editorial process. Students will also learn to use professional resources, including EurekAlert for accessing science press releases and identifying strong story ideas, and Retraction Watch for tracking corrections and retractions in the scientific record. Assignments will be drawn from campus research as well as local, national, and international news in science, technology, exploration, and medicine, producing work across formats including short "spot news" articles, in-depth features, and audio, video, visual, or social media pieces. They will finish the course with experience working at newsroom pace, a professional-quality portfolio of diverse science journalism products, and insights from guest visits by practicing science journalists.