SCOM8019 has two delivery modes: in-person and online. Please check that correct class number is chosen for delivery mode when enrolling.
This course will provide students with an introduction to transdisciplinary research methods as they relate to the fields of science communication and engagement. This will include, qualitative and mixed methods approaches to data collection and analysis as well as methods of data presentation and co-design. The course has been structured to provide students with an in-depth theoretical understanding of each research method, in order to gain experience in designing research projects in the fields of science communication and engagement. The course will also introduce students to the critical ethical considerations associated with undertaking scientific research.
The course is particularly suitable for students in the Master of Science Communication program (MSCOM); it may also be suitable for postgraduates in other disciplines who would benefit from the overview of science communication research methods.
This course is co-taught with undergraduate students but assessed separately.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Critically position research within key epistemological and philosophical traditions, and evaluate the relevance of transdisciplinary approaches to contemporary science communication.
- Assess the rigour and suitability of diverse research methodologies and methods used in science communication scholarship.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the challenges (both logistical and ethical) associated with applying a diverse range of research methods to science communication, and strategies for overcoming these challenges.
- Understand aspects of positionality and subjectivity in scholarly research.
- Develop skills to design a detailed research proposal, applying principles of research design, data collection, analysis, and communication of findings.
Indicative Assessment
- Oral quiz 1 (15) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Written critical appraisal of a science communication article, as well as a comparative evaluation of the article’s appraisal generated by ChatGPT. (10) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Research proposal approx. 4000 words. (40) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
- Completion of a human ethics application in relation to the research project proposal, Approx. 1500 words. (20) [LO 3,4,5]
- Oral quiz 2 (15) [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
The expected workload will consist of approximately 130 hours throughout the semester including:
- Face-to face component which may consist of two hours of lecture and two tutorial hours per week throughout the semester.
- Approximately 82 hours of self-directed study which will include preparation for lectures and other assessment tasks, independent student research, reading and writings.
Inherent Requirements
No specific inherent requirements have been identified for 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
There are no prescribed texts for this course, however, for students seeking relevant material to support their learning the following text is suggested:
Bryman A (2012) Social Research Methods. Oxford University Press, Oxford.
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 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3087 | 23 Feb 2026 | 02 Mar 2026 | 31 Mar 2026 | 29 May 2026 | In Person | N/A |
| 3088 | 23 Feb 2026 | 02 Mar 2026 | 31 Mar 2026 | 29 May 2026 | Online | N/A |