Examples range from visiting a museum, or indulging in a science-related hobby, to reading a newspaper article about a breakthrough in the techniques of therapeutic cloning. Many of these interactions could be said to be 'passive'. This free course, Achieving public dialogue, explores the practicalities of the public becoming more 'active' in the direction of science practice by 'two-way' interactions, with dialogue taking place between science and some part of 'the public'.

Course learning outcomes

After studying this course, you should be able to:

• Demonstrate a greater awareness of science-based issues of public importance
• Demonstrate a greater insight into the phrase ‘the public understanding of science’
• Demonstrate a raised awareness of the ways in which the public can be consulted in relation to science policy issues
• Think of ways in which the public might in future become more engaged in decision-making about science that has social impact.