ALS 360: Business/Science Communications
Course Number: ALS 360
Course Name: Business/Science Communications
Year: First-year MBS (optional for PPC and PPM)
Semester: Fall
No. Units: 0.5
Faculty/Instructor(s): Craig Adams, Yvonne Klaue
Description
This course is designed around four broad themes: effective writing, oral communication, teamwork and leadership. Classes will be a blend of interactive lectures from faculty and industry executives, and workshops. Oral and written exercises will be coordinated with individual and team projects in ALS 320 and ALS 359, and students will participate in faculty and peer reviews to help each other improve professional skills.
Topics Covered
•· Finding and citing information - Pubmed and database searching, reference software, patent searches
•· Working with different personalities - Myers-Briggs personality analysis, interpersonal communication styles
•· Strategies for project success and adapting to reality - elements of team and project management
•· Interview Techniques - interview styles in different job areas
•· Writing skills workshop - elements of individual writing and plagiarism
•· Diversity, Harassment - awareness, skills, and tools in professional settings
•· Corporate communication - professional report writing, email etiquette
•· Teamwork and Conflict Resolution
•· Critical Thinking and Analysis
•· Professional Presentation Skills - organizing and presenting information in front of different stakeholders
Learning Objectives
After completion of this course students should:
1) Effectively communicate technical concepts to executives, peers, employees and lay audiences.
2) Understand team dynamics and be able to deal with conflicts and issues that arise during projects.
3) Understand the different roles and responsibilities required for effective project management.
4) Understand business etiquette and ethical practices necessary for a successful career in industry
5) Understand the personal and professional skills that need to be further developed to be an effective leader and team player.
Required Texts