Communication and Life Sciences (BCL) / BSc

Introduction

In the BSc study programme Applied Communication Science students learn to apply communication science to current societal issues, problems and challenges in the domains of the life sciences in a scientifically sound and ethical way. They are able to analyse the role of communication in processes of change and to support the design of relevant communicative interventions. The graduates have sufficient knowledge on the scientific approaches and the issues in a life science domain of choice to be able to link this knowledge to communication. The focus on communication in processes of change implies that the BSc study programme pays attention to negotiation processes, expert-lay communication, facilitation of networks and intervening in socio-technological innovation processes.

Learning Outcomes

After successful completion of this BSc programme graduates are expected to be able to:
- apply the basic ideas, concepts and theories of communication science to current societal issues, problems and challenges in the domains of the life sciences;
- use basic ideas and theories from social psychology, sociology, public administration & policy and consumer studies to understand the role of communication in processes of change;
- understand scientific approaches in a domain of choice in the life sciences (for example climate, environment, water, food production, biotechnology or nutrition & health);
- design (under supervision) a communication science research plan related to issues in a domain of choice in the life sciences in which the problem definition, analytical framework, research objectives, questions and methods are embedded in relevant literature;
- apply (under supervision) appropriate research methods and techniques to collect data for and analyse data of literature and empirical research in the area of communication science;
- analyse societal problems in relation to different stakeholder interests and views in different (national and international) social and political settings;
- support the design of relevant communication interventions to deal with societal problems;
- judge (under supervision) the ethical and societal consequences of communication and reflect upon the various roles of the communication professional in processes of change within the domains of the life sciences;
- co-operate in a (multidisciplinary) team to perform project-based work;
- communicate clearly (verbally and in writing) about the results of projects and research and their rational underpinnings with a diversity of publics;
- reflect (under supervision) upon personal knowledge, skills, attitudes and functioning, both individually and in discussions with others, and design and plan their own study path.

Programme Director

Drs M.G.C. Smetsers
Phone: 0317-(4)84737
Email: maria.smetsers@wur.nl

Study Adviser(s)

Ir M. van Maanen-Nooij
Phone: 0317-(4)82772
Email: marleen.nooij@wur.nl

Programme Committee

Chair: Dr B.C. van Mierlo
Secretary: Drs. M.G.C. Smetsers

Internet

http://www.btc.wur.nl

Study Association

Ipso Facto
De Leeuwenborch, Hollandseweg 1, 6706 KN Wageningen
Email: bestuur.ipso-facto@wur.nl

Unconditional Admission to the MSc

MCS Applied Communication Science
MID International Development Studies