Natural Sciences 191CNS12 - FYS - Research in the Media

We are inundated by 'scientific' claims on a daily basis, telling us what is good for us and what to avoid: Coffee is good for your heart! But wait, drinking coffee may increase cancer risk! Can we readily believe all the information we are confronted with? How can we separate scientifically sound findings from tabloid claims? In this class, you will learn to critically evaluate 'popular press' findings and engage in discussions about how to be an 'active consumer' of media claims.