University of the
West of England
MODULE SPECIFICATION
Code: USSJC4 - 30-M Title: Broadcasting Science Version:
Level: UWE credit rating: ECTS credit rating:
Owning Faculty: Health and Life Sciences Field:
Faculty Committee approval: Q&S Committee (School of Life Sciences) Date: September 2009
Valid from: September 2010 Discontinued from:
Pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Entry Requirements:
N/A
Excluded Combinations:
Learning Outcomes:
The student will be able to:
- demonstrate a working knowledge of radio equipment, such as use of microphones, recording equipment, editing and studio facilities;
- prepare for and conduct a radio interview;
- write radio scripts and running orders.
TV:
- demonstrate a working knowledge of TV equipment, such as use of cameras, sound equipment, lighting and editing facilities;
- critical editorial appraisal of radio and TV material;
- critical evaluation of the potential role of TV and radio as science communication media.
Syllabus Outline:
In this practically-oriented module, students explore the potential of broadcast media as a vehicle for science communication. Students will study different types of programming relevant to Radio and TV, such as magazine programmes and documentaries, specifically examining the strengths and weaknesses of these formats as well as the opportunities and specific constraints they impose. The implications for science communication practice will be discussed. Practical skills developed in this module include: developing ideas for science programmes, the level of detail required, researching an idea and approaches to selling these ideas to editors.
The module also develops practical skills related to radio and TV production. Radio is introduced by exploring the radio world and the scope of this medium. Students will learn about the different roles needed to produce a radio programme and what studios can do, as well as learning how to use up to date radio equipment and techniques such as directing, writing, interviewing and being interviewed.
In relation to science television programmes, students will have the opportunity to experience a ‘live’ broadcast, exploring the interdependency of roles as well as the relationship between studio and gallery. Students will also have the opportunity to work with camera, sound and lighting equipment and explore the importance of filming with editing mind.
Teaching and Learning Methods:
Students attend block teaching sessions. All sessions use a mix of seminar, workshop and hands-on experience of broadcast equipment. Production of both radio and TV programmes requires a team effort; to simulate the real-life experience in these industries, this unit focuses heavily on working as a team with students expected to undertake a variety of different roles throughout the teaching sessions. Between sessions, students undertake directed and independent learning.
Nb: Because both radio and TV production require a team effort, the assessment for this module involves group work.
Reading Strategy:
All students will be encouraged to make full use of the print and electronic resources available to them through membership of the University. These include a range of electronic journals and a wide variety of resources available through web sites and information gateways. The University Library’s web pages provide access to subject relevant resources and services, and to the library catalogue. Many resources can be accessed remotely. Students will be presented with opportunities within the curriculum to develop their information retrieval and evaluation skills in order to identify such resources effectively.
Any essential reading will be indicated clearly, along with the method for accessing it, e.g. students may be expected to purchase a set text, be given or sold a print study pack or be referred to texts that are available electronically, etc. This guidance will be available either in the module handbook, via the module information on Blackboard or through any other vehicle deemed appropriate by the module/programme leaders.
If further reading is expected, this will be indicated clearly. If specific texts are listed, a clear indication will be given regarding how to access them and, if appropriate, students will be given guidance on how to identify relevant sources for themselves, e.g. through use of bibliographical databases.
Indicative Reading List:
Chantler, P. and Stewart, P. (2003), Basic Radio Journalism. Focal Press: Oxford
Cury, I (2001) Directing and Producing for TV: a Format Approach, Focal Press: Oxford
Emm, A. (2002) Researching for Television and Radio, Routledge: London
Hollingworth, M. (2003) How to get into Television, Radio and New Media, Continuum
McLeish, R. (2005) Radio Production (5th Ed), Focal Press: Oxford
Marr, A.(2004), My Trade: A Short History of Journalism. MacMillan: Basingstoke
Stewart, P. (2006) Essential Radio Skils,, A & C Black: London
Thompson, R. (1993), Grammar of the Edit, Focal Press: Oxford
Trewin, J. (2003), Presenting on TV and Radio, An Insider’s Guide. Focal Press: Oxford
Journals
Science Communication, Elsevier
Public Understanding of Science, Institute of Physics Publishing
Assessment:
Weighting between components A and B (standard modules only) A: 100% B: 0%
FIRST ATTEMPT
First Assessment Opportunity
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Component B Element Wt (Ratio)
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Second Assessment Opportunity (further attendance at taught classes )
Component A (controlled) Element Wt (Ratio)
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Component B Element Wt (Ratio)
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SECOND (OR SUBSEQUENT) ATTEMPT Attendance at taught classes .
Specification confirmed by …………………………………………………Date ……………………………
(Associate Dean/Programme Director)