This course was designed to train effective science communicators, and used the unique environment of Techniquest as a practice ground.

The course as it was when I took it comprised of 8 modules and a dissertation. The modules were as follows:

The public understanding of science

Key aspects of the understanding of science by the public, initiatives to improve public understanding and the extent, history and philosophy of the 'hands-on' movement.

Understanding the client group

The range of different client groups (local families, youth organisations, school groups, Women's Institutes, etc), the diversity between and within such groups and the different opportunities and challenges that they present.

How do people learn?

An introduction to the theories of learning by children and adults, affective and cognitive domains, active and passive styles, and the theoretical underpinning of public education in science through the 'hands-on' experience.

Demonstration methods

The purposes, planning, preparation and evaluation of demonstrations in formal lectures and in a range of other contexts.

Interactive exhibits

Design, development and evaluation of exhibits in 'hands-on' settings, the factors which make for successful exhibits and the sources of collected examples.

New learning environments: Technology and Communication

The use of a wide variety of communication technologies, ranging from television and radio to CD-ROMs, and from distance-learning software packages to e-mail and the Internet.

Research methods

Quantitative and qualitative research methods associated with the exploration and analysis of educational ideas and processes in order to evaluate their effectiveness of exhibits, demonstrations, lectures and shows.

Interactive science practice

Practical experience in interactive science in informal settings, both inside Techniquest and outside, ranging from camp-ins to science clubs, from BAYS days and road shows to star parties.

Assessment was through a mixture of essays, presentations, course journals and practical assessments.