Looking back on the course

I have thoroughly enjoyed this course, and have taken a lot from it. I never realised before how important, or complex, science communication could be. However, whilst the course has demonstrated to me the importance of outreach, it has made me realise that it is a part of science communication that is potentially not for me.

Science communication, at least as I think of it, is split into two parts: Outreach - to inspire people into science, and Explanation - to explain and pass on an understanding of how Science works. The latter has always come naturally to me, and I take joy in being able to explain complex science to someone in a way that helps them to truly understand it. The former, Outreach, is not something I am as adept at - as for me my inspiration for studying Physics is very personal and specific, and therefore somewhat incommunicable. This course has made me aware of these two types of science communication, and my strengths and weaknesses in them respectively.

However, these two ‘types’ are intrinsically linked, and any roles that involve explaining Physics (lecturing, teaching), will inevitably involve doing outreach work too. If I ever end up in such a role, which is something I am now considering more, I’m certain that what this course has taught me will come as an immense help.