This course provides an introduction to contemporary social and communication issues in science, technology, and society. Why communicate science with the public, the media or the government? What are the best ways to go about it and what are the potential pitfalls? And what kinds of factors affect public attitudes to science?
Topics include the history of science communication; competing theories of what science communication is for; different models of effective science communication; obstacles facing scientists wanting to communicate their work; practical skills for communicating science through news outlets, the web, and live presentations; the different languages of science; cross-cultural considerations when communicating science; and the influence of popular media, science centres, politics, history, and cultural values on the public context of science communication.
The course focuses on current events and issues facing scientists, science communicators, policy makers, and the community. Students are encouraged to discuss their own perceptions of science and technology in the context of the broader community, and the problems with (and solutions to) communicating science with non-expert audiences. A strong emphasis is placed on collaboration with other students, and students are expected to take an active approach to learning.
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:
- Work as part of a team in a collaborative environment (LO1)
- Understand and describe the key issues and importance of effective science communication (LO2)
- Recognise how social contexts affect the practice and communication of science (LO3)
- Translate and report on scientific writing (LO4)
- Evaluate the effectiveness of the presentation of science in various media (LO5)
- Understand and practice modes of scientific communication appropriate for peers, funding bodies, and publics (LO6)
- Synthesise personal interests, values and aspirations with professional development (LO7)
Indicative Assessment
Researching real scientists' involvement in public communication:
- Interview a real scientist about their attitudes to and experience with communicating their science (15%; LO 3, 6, 7)
- Learn and apply academic research skills in a research and reference task relevant to this (10%; LO 2, 3, 7)
- Prepare a group report analysing interviews to understand science communication trends (25%; LO 1, 2, 3, 5)
Communicating current science:
- Summarise a scientific paper in "plain English" and reflect on its social communication contexts (15%; LO 3, 4)
- "Translate" a scientific paper into a format for two different audiences and mediums (30% (15% x 2); LO 2, 3, 4, 6)
- Formats to choose from are a news article, a public lecture, a blog post, an information leaflet, and a grant application to fund a research project.
Applying knowledge to science communication activities:
- Feedback for speakers in SCOM2001 conference (5%; LO 1, 5)
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 2 hour lecture plus one 1 hour lecture per week, plus one 2 hour tutorial per week. Lectures and tutorials are not held every week of semester. (Average 4 contact hours per week)
Prescribed Texts
Gilbert J.K. & Stocklmayer S. (eds.) (2013) Communication and Engagement with Science and Technology: Issues and Dilemmas. A reader in science communication. New York and London: Routledge.
Other readings supplied online.
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. 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 | $3276 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2016 | $4368 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2503 | 15 Feb 2016 | 26 Feb 2016 | 31 Mar 2016 | 27 May 2016 | In Person | N/A |
