This course examines the roles and relationships between science, the media and society. Topics covered include:
- The style in which science is reported in the media, and how this is influenced by external, contextual factors
- How to effectively communicate science using the media
- An in–depth research project on a chosen topic of interest that analyses the coverage and treatment of science in the media and society.
This is a skills-based course, the aim of which is to train students in the production of material suitable for publication or broadcast in the popular media. Students will have opportunities to practice the skills of this course in ‘real life settings’ gaining valuable industry experience and contacts. The major research project is a combination of individual and group work, with the option of submitting the final work to a professional, peer reviewed journal for consideration for publication.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Identify and apply the processes involved in getting an issue into the media
- Apply the basics of print media production
- Discuss current issues in journalism
- Explain statistical pitfalls in reporting
- Differentiate the communication needs of various audiences
- Evaluate the suitability of topics for different media, and examine and select appropriate background material for a story
- Develop a press release
- Create an article with structure suitable for a newspaper or magazine
Other Information
Students enrolling in this course as part of a degree other than the Master of Science Communication or Master of Science Communication Outreach should contact the course convener first to discuss the course requirements.
Indicative Assessment
Assessment for the course will be continuous throughout the semester and involve preparation of material suitable for publication or broadcast.
- Ongoing analysis of material in the media (10% - LO1, 3, 4, 5, 6)
- Conducting individual and/or group research on an agreed topic analyzing an aspect of science, the media and public perception (50% - LO1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
- Writing news articles based on recently published scientific research (20% - LO1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8)
- Event promotion (20% - LO1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8)
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
One three hour workshop per week and one x one hour tutorial per fortnight
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
If you are a domestic graduate coursework or international student you will be required to pay tuition fees. Tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are an undergraduate student and have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). You can find your student contribution amount for each course at Fees. Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2016 | $3480 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2016 | $4638 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
Autumn Session
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5485 | 01 Apr 2016 | 01 Apr 2016 | 22 Apr 2016 | 30 Jun 2016 | In Person | N/A |
Second Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7798 | 18 Jul 2016 | 29 Jul 2016 | 31 Aug 2016 | 28 Oct 2016 | In Person | N/A |
