Science and technology (S&T) affect—and insights rooted in understanding of S&T therefore are germane to formulating policy about—practically every issue on the agenda of governments: the economy, public health, education, energy, agriculture, environment, defence, diplomacy, and more (Professor John Holdren, former Assistant to President Obama for Science & Technology and Director, White House Office of Science & Technology Policy). Australia is no less in need of understanding the interactions of science and technology with policy. This understanding includes the evidence S&T can provide to underpin policy, and the areas where science and technology could influence the directions of Australia in the absence of effective policy.

This course provides a comprehensive approach to exploring the interactions between science, technology and public policy across a suite of policy areas. It is built on a teaching collaboration between two ANU Colleges (Asia and the Pacific; and Science), bringing together expertise from the Crawford School of Public Policy and the Australian National Centre for Public Awareness of Science (CPAS).

It will be interactive, and every session will use policy experts along with academic staff to ensure relevance and depth in the analyses. The course will be flexible, and arranged to maximise access by students who may be either full or part-time. It will consist of two 6-unit components; the first will be a prerequisite for the second. The first 6 units will be split between sessions exploring theoretical and practical underpinnings of how science, technology and public policy are undertaken and case studies exploring how these underpinnings play out, and might need to be revised, in real-world public policy situations. The second 6 units will consist entirely of case studies of increasing complexity as students hone their skills in extracting lessons and developing deeper understanding from examples presented by experienced academics and practitioners of public policy.

Students will be allowed to take its first 6 units or the full 12 units as contributions towards a postgraduate qualification, the 12 unit option contributing to a Science, Technology and Public Policy specialization.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Understand major themes in studies of the relationship between scientific/technical evidence and other inputs into policy-making
2. Develop robust ways of assessing diverse sources and forms of evidence for policy analysis and policy-making
3. Understand key challenges in governing scientific and technological research and innovation, and the salient frameworks put forward for coping with these issues
4. Critically reflect on lessons from a series of case studies at the interface of science, technology and public policy

Research-Led Teaching

Content for this course draws from research conducted by the course convener and others in science and technology studies, responsible innovation and technology assessment, science and public policy studies

Recommended Resources

Whether you are on campus or studying remotely, there are a variety of online platforms you will use to participate in your study program. These could include videos for lectures and other instruction, two-way video conferencing for interactive learning, email and other messaging tools for communication, interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities, print and/or photo/scan for handwritten work and drawings, and home-based assessment.

ANU outlines recommended student system requirements to ensure you are able to participate fully in your learning. Other information is also available about the various Learning Platforms you may use.

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• written comments
• verbal comments
• feedback to whole class, groups, individuals, focus group etc

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	29.4.2022 Policy Judgment in the Public Interest: the Role of Science and Expertise Introducing course aims and frameworks to develop policy analysis and policy advice skills in light of uncertainty, complexity of scientific evidence, expectations of public engagement, and the need to make reasoned judgments in the public interest. Common Core (for students to complete prior to Workshop): 1.) Readings + Pre-recorded Lecture materials (available on Wattle 1 week in advance) 2.) Completion of assigned task Live Interaction: 1.) 1-hour Panel discussion on the topic with experts in science and public policy: 12.30-13.30 (on Zoom) 2.) 2-hour Interactive workshop with ANU Convener & APS co-facilitator: 10.00-12.00 Face-to-Face OR 14.00-16.00 online via Zoom Students are expected to participate in one of the two workshops depending on their enrolment for either in-person or online format.
2	6.5.2022 Policy Judgment in the Public Interest: Governing Emerging Technologies Introducing frameworks and concepts of responsible innovation and public interest technology to inform policy thinking on emerging technologies. Common Core (for students to complete prior to Workshop): 1.) Readings + Pre-recorded Lecture materials (available on Wattle 1 week in advance) 2.) Completion of assigned task Live Interaction: 1.) 1-hour Panel discussion on the topic with experts in science and public policy: 12.30-13.30 (on Zoom) 2.) 2-hour Interactive workshop with ANU Convener & APS co-facilitator: 10.00-12.00 Face-to-Face OR 14.00-16.00 online via Zoom Students are expected to participate in one of the two workshops depending on their enrolment for either in-person or online format.	Online Engagement: Students to complete assigned task of 200-300 words by 5 pm, the day before the live workshop (i.e., 5 pm, 5.5.2022)
3	13.5.2022 Policy Judgment in the Public Interest: Data and Data Governance Indicative case study applying concepts and themes from Weeks 1 and 2. Common Core (for students to complete prior to Workshop): 1.) Readings + Pre-recorded Lecture materials (available on Wattle 1 week in advance) 2.) Completion of assigned task Live Interaction: 1.) 1-hour Panel discussion on the topic with experts in science and public policy: 12.30-13.30 (on Zoom) 2.) 2-hour Interactive workshop with ANU Convener & APS co-facilitator: 10.00-12.00 Face-to-Face OR 14.00-16.00 online via Zoom Students are expected to participate in one of the two workshops depending on their enrolment for either in-person or online format.	Online Engagement: Students to complete assigned task of 200-300 words by 5 pm, the day before the live workshop (i.e., 5 pm, 12.5.2022)
4	20.5.2022 Policy Judgment in the Public Interest: Climate and Energy Transitions Indicative case study applying concepts and themes from Weeks 1 and 2 Common Core (for students to complete prior to Workshop): 1.) Readings + Pre-recorded Lecture materials (available on Wattle 1 week in advance) 2.) Completion of assigned task Live Interaction: 1.) 1-hour Panel discussion on the topic with experts in science and public policy: 12.30-13.30 (on Zoom) 2.) 2-hour Interactive workshop with ANU Convener & APS co-facilitator: 10.00-12.00 Face-to-Face OR 14.00-16.00 online via Zoom Students are expected to participate in one of the two workshops depending on their enrolment for either in-person or online format.	Online Engagement: Students to complete assigned task of 200-300 words by 5 pm, the day before the live workshop (i.e., 5 pm, 19.5.2022)
5	27.5.2022 Policy Judgment in the Public Interest: Health and Biomedical technology Indicative case study applying concepts and themes from Weeks 1 and 2 Common Core (for students to complete prior to Workshop): 1.) Readings + Pre-recorded Lecture materials (available on Wattle 1 week in advance) 2.) Completion of assigned task Live Interaction: 1.) 1-hour Panel discussion on the topic with experts in science and public policy: 12.30-13.30 (on Zoom) 2.) 2-hour Interactive workshop with ANU Convener & APS co-facilitator: 10.00-12.00 Face-to-Face OR 14.00-16.00 online via Zoom Students are expected to participate in one of the two workshops depending on their enrolment for either in-person or online format.	Online Engagement: Students to complete assigned task of 200-300 words by 5 pm, the day before the live workshop (i.e., 5 pm, 26.5.2022)
6	3.6.2022 Policy Judgment in the Public Interest: Gene-Editing for Environmental Biosecurity Indicative case study applying concepts and themes from Weeks 1 and 2 Common Core (for students to complete prior to Workshop): 1.) Readings + Pre-recorded Lecture materials (available on Wattle 1 week in advance) 2.) Completion of assigned task Live Interaction: 1.) 1-hour Panel discussion on the topic with experts in science and public policy: 12.30-13.30 (on Zoom) 2.) 2-hour Interactive workshop with ANU Convener & APS co-facilitator: 10.00-12.00 Face-to-Face OR 14.00-16.00 online via Zoom Students are expected to participate in one of the two workshops depending on their enrolment for either in-person or online format.	Online Engagement: Students to complete assigned task of 200-300 words by 5 pm, the day before the live workshop (i.e., 5 pm, 2.6.2022)

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Online Engagement	20 %	*	*	1, 2, 3
Key Concepts in STPP	30 %	15/05/2022	25/05/2022	1, 2, 3
STPP Case study Analysis	50 %	10/06/2022	30/06/2022	1,2,3,4,5

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines , which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Guideline and General Information 
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using 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. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Skills website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Assessment Task 1

Online Engagement

Weekly written responses of 200-300 words to questions set by the convener, to be completed after doing the readings and pre-recorded lectures. Required from Week 2 to Week 6. Due dates: 5 pm on 2022-05-05; 2022-05-12; 2022-05-19; 2022-05-26; 2022-06-02

Assessment Task 2

Key Concepts in STPP

1500-word analysis of a key conceptual theme (or themes) introduced in Weeks 1 and 2, exploring the contribution to making STPP policy judgments in the public interest

Assessment Task 3

STPP Case study Analysis

3000-word analysis of policy judgment in the public interest, focusing on one or more case study in STPP. The piece must apply/engage with concepts introduced in Weeks 1 and 2, and case study materials provided

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Policy regarding late submission is detailed below:

• Late submission permitted. Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material.

Returning Assignments

Feedback within 2 weeks after submission

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Access and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
• PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students