Scientific thought has been enormously successful in offering explanations of the world and universe in which we live. Together with its technological applications, science has set humans on the moon, eradicated diseases like smallpox and enabled people to communicate across distances previously thought impossible. Indeed, science now influences the way most of us think about almost every aspect of our lives.
Yet while science has become ever more integral to our lives, many people have become less trusting of scientists and other authorities. Scientists now operate in an environment in which they must always strive for credibility – explaining to donors why their research should be funded; talking with the public to ensure that their research both benefits and is embraced by society.
All this means that good science communication skills are becoming ever more valued in the workplace. The aim of Practical Skills for Communicating Science (SCOM2001) is to help equip you with these skills.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
On successful completion of the course students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Understand and describe good science communication principles
- Employ good organisational techniques to work together on a large project
- Employ critical thinking to design and guide own learning
- Appraise and critique the work of others
- Design visual aids based on appropriate Science Communication techniques
- Discuss and critique Science Communication principles in a written form
- Develop and deliver appropriate verbal presentations
Indicative Assessment
Assessment will be based on:
- Attendance and participation (10%; LO2)
- Conference organisational role (10%; LO2, 3)
- Preliminary conference organisation reports (2 x 5%; LO2, 4)
- Post conference report (10%; LO2, 4)
- Paper on a science communication topic (20%; LO1, 6)
- Poster / PowerPoint on a science communication topic (10%; LO1, 5)
- Peer assessment of Poster / Powerpoint on a science communication topic (10%, LO1, 4)
- Conference presentation (20%, LO1, 7)
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
3 hours of workshop per week, plus additional tutorials as necessary.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Majors
Minors
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. Students continuing in their current program of study will have their tuition fees indexed annually from the year in which you commenced your program. 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 | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1994-2003 | $1650 | |
| 2014 | $2946 | |
| 2013 | $2946 | |
| 2012 | $2946 | |
| 2011 | $2946 | |
| 2010 | $2916 | |
| 2009 | $2916 | |
| 2008 | $2916 | |
| 2007 | $2520 | |
| 2006 | $2520 | |
| 2005 | $2298 | |
| 2004 | $1926 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 1994-2003 | $3390 |
| 2014 | $3762 |
| 2013 | $3756 |
| 2012 | $3756 |
| 2011 | $3756 |
| 2010 | $3750 |
| 2009 | $3618 |
| 2008 | $3618 |
| 2007 | $3618 |
| 2006 | $3618 |
| 2005 | $3450 |
| 2004 | $3450 |
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.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3427 | 17 Feb 2014 | 07 Mar 2014 | 31 Mar 2014 | 30 May 2014 | In Person | N/A |