New Perspectives in Science Education

Introduction:The new information environment imposes new requirements on the competencies and knowledge of modern young professionals graduating their higher education. Basic knowledge in the field of Intellectual Property (IP) is of particular importance Information and Social Sciences, as they are one of the most dynamically developing. The aim of this paper is to present a conceptual model for IP master's program in the professional field 3.5 Public Communications and Information Sciences for Non-Lawyers, inspired by the work of two scientific projects at the University of Library Studies and Information Technologies (ULSIT). The first one “A Conceptual Educational Model for Enhancing Information Literacy in an University Information Environment” (Contract № KP–06–Н35/10 from 18.12.2019, led by Prof. DSc S. Denchev. The second one “Model for research and increase copyright literacy at the media in the university environment”, financed by the National Science Fund of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Bulgaria (Contract № KP-06-M35/1 from 18.12.2019, led by Evelina Zdravkova, PhD). Presentation:The conceptual model presents a sample curriculum and qualification characteristics, with an emphasis on the leading competencies and skills that students will develop after their studies in the specialized IP master's program. The training in the master's program aims to offer those who wish to develop their culture in terms of IP legal protection and management. The curriculum will include theoretical training in the form of compulsory, elective and optional disciplines within 4 semesters. The training is expected to cover topics related to the basics of law, IP basics, international law, European Union law and national legislation in the IP field, industrial property, copyright and related rights, IP and access to e-content, IP in the media, copyright in the audiovisual arts, graphic communication and digital arts, digital entrepreneurship, business strategies, media law and advertising, etc. Results:The training in the IP master's program will increase the legal culture of students, will stimulate the contact between students and trainers due to the fundamental and practically applied nature. It is envisaged that the training will be accompanied by opportunities to supplement professional skills through participation in seminars and master classes, preparation of scientific publications. Going through such training can later be upgraded to a doctoral program. Conclusion:Thanks to the IP education students will acquire skills that will prepare them for everything that future holds for us. Creating conditions for the development of creative thinking and IP competency will give higher competitiveness of learners in the labour market and to the promotion of an active civil society. The connection of both projects is revealed, as they are both aimed at those new skills, essentials for the university information environment.

Keywords: Intellectual Property, Conceptual Model, Copyright, Industrial Property, Curriculum