Learning Outcomes

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

1. Implement, analyse and critique common activities of science communication organisations such as program design, delivery and evaluation.
2. Design, implement and critically evaluate novel science communication activities in real-world settings.
3. Demonstrate high-level proficiency and theoretical understanding of science communication techniques including presentation, facilitation, online and in-person engagement, and creation of equipment/resources.
4. Effectively and inclusively communicate science to audiences of varied ages and backgrounds, including youth, families, culturally and linguistically diverse communities and minoritised groups.
5. Identify, utilise and formulate bidirectional relationships between the theory and practice of science communication.

Other Information

Current fieldwork hosts can be found in the class scheduling information. Please visit the Centre for the Public Awareness of Science website for further details of what fieldwork placements may involve and the application process. If you are a science communication organisation that would like to host ANU students, or a potential applicant with a suggested fieldwork host, please contact the course convenor.

As placements are limited, students must apply by August 31 (round 1) or October 31 (round 2 - only run if spaces remain) in the year prior to study by submitting:

• a CV including (1) experience/qualifications relevant to the fieldwork placement, and (2) contact details (phone and email) for two referees, preferably relevant to the placement.
• a 1-2 page statement noting which fieldwork placement they are applying for, why they would be a valuable and effective person for the preferred fieldwork placement, and anything else they think the panel should know.

Please email to graham.walker@anu.edu.au and cpas@anu.edu.au; NOTE for students applying for a degree program at the same time please also upload these documents via the Application Portal.

Late applications may be considered, please contact the course convenor.

Following review of applications, there will be an interview process including a short science communication audition activity (e.g. a brief talk or demonstration). Applications and interviews will be assessed on applicant's creativity and originality, motivation for applying, existing skills and knowledge, qualifications, interpersonal skills, past experience, ambition and adaptability. Contact the course convenor for more details.

Indicative Assessment

1. Delivery of science communication activities (video recordings, reports, oral presentations, etc.) (30) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
2. Journal Paper - evaluation/research and refinement of an existing science communication activity (35) [LO 1,3,4,5]
3. Creative Project Plan (design a novel science communication project) (10) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
4. Creative Project Report and Artifact (deliver and evaluate a novel science communication project) (25) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]

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

This course is to be enrolled in as 12 units + 12 units across two consecutive Semesters, commencing in Semester 1 and concluding in Semester 2 of the same year, in one fieldwork placement.

The expected workload will consist of approximately 260 hours per semester of which approximately 10% consists of lectures and other ANU-led teaching, with the rest split between team/location-based activity with the fieldwork host and independent self-study, assignments, fieldwork specific lectures and workshops, and individual/team fieldwork – the exact split of this will depend on the nature of fieldwork tasks.

Inherent Requirements

During this course, students learn skills associated with science engagement activities. This includes: 

• Presenting programs to schools and the public (e.g. interactive science shows, exhibitions, nature tours/walks, and hands-on workshops).
• Safely demonstrating and facilitating hands-on and/or or location-based science experiments, activities and experiences.
• Monitoring activities for potential hazards and responding dynamically to audience needs.

Students who cannot meet these requirements will not be able to pass compulsory assessment tasks and therefore will not be able to pass the course.

During this course, students must participate in work-integrated learning which may include science outreach tours, events and other activities organised by our fieldwork hosts. In order to participate in these activities, students are required to:

• Obtain ACT Working with Vulnerable People registration and passing additional checks for other States and Territories as deemed appropriate by the course convenor and/or fieldwork host.
• Be available for activities after hours and on weekends.
• Questacon Science Circus only - Travel to, and stay in, regional and remote locations for outreach trips supported by fieldwork host staff, each approximately 3-4 weeks in duration.

Students who cannot complete these requirements will not be able to participate in the work-integrated learning and therefore cannot pass the course.

Students are also typically expected to contribute to the practical operations of the fieldwork hosts activity by: 

• Assisting to set-up and pack down equipment.
• Driving vehicles, which requires a current full or P2 driver's license.

Students who cannot meet these requirements will need to have an exemption approved by the course convenor. As this cannot be guaranteed in all circumstances, students are strongly encouraged to discuss their circumstances with the course convenor before enrolling in this course.

Requisite and Incompatibility

You will need to contact the Centre for the Public Awareness of Science to request a permission code to enrol in this course.

Prescribed Texts

None

Assumed Knowledge

Experience in real-world science communication activities as a volunteer or professionally is helpful but by no means essential - thorough tuition and training will be provided.

Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links