SCOM6029 has two delivery modes: in-person and online. Please check that correct class number is chosen for delivery mode when enrolling.
The world's challenges appear to be increasingly complex. Environmental, social and economic challenges are now recognised to be highly interdependent, with some commentators describing a state of polycrisis: where many crises - such as climate change, economic inequality, biodiversity loss and food security - all occur at once, and also have highly interconnected and compounding effects. Scientific and other forms of knowledge are critical for effectively addressing these challenges, but doing so is likely to require more than the documentation of disasters, the development of technical solutions, and the setting of deadlines. Science communication in the context of planetary crisis demands meaningful dialogue between science and society to develop more just and sustainable futures.
This course explores challenges and opportunities for science communication in the context of planetary crisis. In doing so, it will provide students with knowledge and skills to think critically about the sustainability challenges confronting societies around the world (especially in relation to the UN Sustainable Development Goals) and helps students to develop a more robust transdisciplinary understanding of science communication in this context.
The course will cover a range of topics, such as understanding the historical context of science communication, planetary crises and environmental expertise, the need to grapple with challenges of complexity and diversity when thinking at global scales, the foundations for recognising and engaging with different knowledge-systems, and the importance and options for dialogical, participatory and inclusive science communication. The course will allow students to develop skills that they can carry forward into further studies and employment, where they may seek to apply science communication concepts and approaches to engage publics, journalists, governments, industry professionals and other scientists in discussions and practices that enable the emergence of desirable futures for both people and the planet.
This course is co-taught with undergraduate students but assessed separately.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Describe key challenges for science communication in the context of planetary crisis
- Critically evaluate past and present examples of science communication in the context of planetary crisis
- Recognise, apply and critically appraise key academic concepts to inform the analysis of science communication in the context of planetary crisis
- Describe, devise and demonstrate practical and/or creative strategies to enhance science communication for planetary crises.
Indicative Assessment
- Written critical reflections (20) [LO 2,3]
- Engagement activity report (30) [LO 1,3,4]
- Strategic report and oral presentation on science communication challenge (40) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Class participation (10) [LO 1,2,3,4]
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
The expected workload will consist of approximately 130 hours throughout the session including:
ยท Face-to face component, which may consist of 1x 3-hour lectorial per week. Students participating online will be able to join activities remotely via Zoom.
Approximately 94 hours of self-directed study which will include complementary readings and assignments.
Inherent Requirements
No specific inherent requirements have been identified for this course
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
No prescribed text required.
Preliminary Reading
Students will be provided readings from a range of sources throughout the course via the Learning Management System.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you 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). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found 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 |
|---|---|
| 2026 | $4920 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2026 | $7020 |
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.
Second Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9078 | 27 Jul 2026 | 03 Aug 2026 | 31 Aug 2026 | 30 Oct 2026 | In Person | N/A |
| 9079 | 27 Jul 2026 | 03 Aug 2026 | 31 Aug 2026 | 30 Oct 2026 | Online | N/A |