This course focuses on the creation of clearer and more effective ways to communicate scientific matters to larger audiences. It provides participants with a thorough and practical understanding of the process used in developing a communication plan including the development of a strategic framework and accompanying action plan that allocates resources, responsibilities and timeframes. It has a strong emphasis on relating theory to current industry best practice in implementing a strategic approach to planning communication activities. The major project component is based around field work and evaluation of real life science communication strategies.
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:
1. Explain the basics of communication and the difference between a strategy and a tactic
2. Understand the need to establish a strategic foundation (including definition of desired relationships) before planning communication tactics
3. Apply the knowledge provided by experiencing real life examples of how this approach to strategic planning has been used
4. Analyse the use of this approach to communication strategies by reviewing current science communication strategies
5. Evaluate the applicability of this approach by undertaking a detailed review of an existing Science Communication Strategy (review of both the strategic direction and also the tactics deployed)
6. Create a revised Communication Strategy and Tactical Plan on the strategy being reviewed and present this new plan to a "Board of Directors" in a role play
Indicative Assessment
Assessment will be based on:
- Desktop review of a science-related communication strategy (35%; LO 1, 2, 3, 4)
- Identification and analysis of tactical planning aspects of a communication strategy (35%; LO 1, 2, 5)
- Presentation of desktop assessment of findings of both previous assessment items, simulating a real life experience of presenting to a high level Executive or Project Steering Committee (30%; LO 6)
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
Offered as a week intensive course (30 hrs) after three online tutorials. The intensive week will be held in September holidays each year, check with the Convener for final exact dates.
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.
Winter Session
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6690 | 12 Sep 2016 | 09 Sep 2016 | 23 Sep 2016 | 17 Oct 2016 | In Person | N/A |
