84406 - Communication with Scientific World

Learning outcomes

Develop skills in communication of scientific knowledge, as well as competency in scientific presentation and writing

Course contents

• The course aims to provide students with the theoretical and practical tools required for the communication of scientific knowledge and the critical appraisal of scientific literature.

  Topics include:

  1. Principles of scientific communication
     • Characteristics of scientific communication
     • Scientific dissemination and communication with different audiences
     • Ethical aspects and principles of scientific integrity
  2. Literature search and evidence retrieval
     • Use of biomedical databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science)
     • Search strategies, keywords and MeSH terms
     • Selection and management of scientific references
  3. Basic principles of epidemiology and biostatistics
     • Types of study design
     • Descriptive and inferential statistics
     • Interpretation of p-values, confidence intervals, effect sizes and measures of association
     • Basic concepts of survival analysis
  4. Critical appraisal of scientific articles
     • Assessment of methodological quality
     • Identification of bias, confounding factors and limitations
     • Interpretation of statistical analyses and clinical relevance of findings
     • Principles of evidence-based medicine
  5. Preparation of scientific presentations
     • Structure and design of effective oral presentations
     • Preparation of slides and visual materials
     • Communication skills and presentation techniques
  6. Scientific writing
     • Structure of scientific manuscripts (IMRaD format)
     • Preparation of abstracts, introductions, methods, results and discussion sections
     • Principles of scientific authorship and publication ethics
  7. Preparation of figures and tables
     • Principles of graphical data presentation
     • Design of tables and scientific figures
     • Appropriate use of graphical software and reporting standards

  The course also includes practical activities and group work aimed at developing transversal skills in critical thinking, teamwork and scientific communication.

Readings/Bibliography

• References

  • CDC. Principles of Epidemiology in Public Health Practice.
    https://www.cdc.gov/careerpaths/k12teacherroadmap/classroom/principlesofepi.html
  • CDC Field Epidemiology Manual – Analyze and Interpret Data.
    https://www.cdc.gov/eis/field-epi-manual/chapters/analyze-Interpret-Data.html
  • CDC Field Epidemiology Manual – Design and Conduct Studies.
    https://www.cdc.gov/eis/field-epi-manual/chapters/design-conduct-analyze-field-studies.html
  • Global Health Data Methods and Epidemiology resources.
    https://globalhealthdata.org/epidemiology/#header2
  • Statology tutorials for introductory statistics.
    https://www.statology.org/tutorials/
  • GraphPad Survival Analysis Guide.
    https://www.graphpad.com/guides/survival-analysis
  • Additional review article and educational material provided during the course:
    https://rdcu.be/cWWnW

  Additional learning materials

  Slides, scientific articles and supplementary educational materials will be made available through the University e-learning platform (Virtuale).

Teaching methods

Teaching activities include:

• Frontal lectures introducing the theoretical foundations of scientific communication, epidemiology and biostatistics.
• Interactive sessions focused on the critical appraisal of published scientific articles.
• Practical exercises on literature searching and interpretation of statistical analyses.
• Team-based activities aimed at preparing oral presentations and critically discussing scientific papers.
• Guided discussion sessions to foster independent critical thinking and scientific argumentation.

Artificial intelligence tools may be used as support instruments for individual study, literature exploration, summarisation and self-assessment activities. Their use during examination activities is regulated as specified below.

Assessment methods

Assessment consists of an oral examination based on the presentation and critical discussion of an original clinical trial published in a peer-reviewed journal. For the examination, students are required to prepare a presentation using electronic presentation software (e.g., Microsoft PowerPoint or equivalent) and deliver an oral presentation lasting 7 to 10 minutes, discussing the methodological and scientific aspects of the selected article.

The final mark (out of 30) is obtained by summing three components, each scored from 0 to 10 points:

1. Quality of the presentation (0–10 points)
   • Organisation and clarity of slides
   • Quality of oral communication
   • Ability to effectively communicate scientific concepts
   • Timing of the presentation (7 to 10 minutes)
2. Understanding of the scientific article (0–10 points)
   • Understanding of study rationale, methodology and results
   • Correct interpretation of statistical analyses and clinical implications
3. Critical appraisal skills (0–10 points)
   • Ability to identify strengths and limitations of the study
   • Recognition of possible biases and methodological weaknesses
   • Ability to contextualise findings within current scientific evidence

Grading criteria

• 18–19: limited knowledge of course topics and critical abilities requiring substantial guidance.
• 20–24: satisfactory understanding with limited autonomous critical analysis.
• 25–29: good knowledge of course topics, autonomous critical appraisal and appropriate scientific terminology.
• 30–30L: comprehensive understanding, excellent critical reasoning, integration of concepts and highly effective scientific communication skills.

Use of Artificial Intelligence during assessment

The use of AI tools for substantial preparation of examination materials is not permitted. Limited and declared use for support activities (e.g., summarisation or language revision) is allowed, provided that students demonstrate full understanding and autonomous critical appraisal of the presented material (Scenario 3 of the University recommendations).

Teaching tools

Lectures will be delivered using audiovisual presentations. Teaching materials presented during the lectures will be made available to students in electronic format through the internet.

Office hours

See the website of Davide Agnoletti