Modern science reaches way beyond laboratories and scholarly institutions. It is part of an integrated world where scientists routinely explain their work to non-scientists – to secure funding, or drive policy, or build a career. Scientists communicate beyond their scientific colleagues to promote innovations, to improve how we live, or secure justice. By communicating with the public, scientists affect how science is done, how it impacts our lives, and who gets to do it. Communicating creates a feedback loop between science and the world, conveying science to the public and affecting scientific practice. 

This course is about the history of science communication and the ways in which talking to non-scientists about science has contributed to scientific endeavour and its impact on society. It traces developments in science communication from 19th century science showmen whose public demonstrations built scientists’ professional standing, through the use of communication to gain support for ‘big science’, like the space race in the 20th century, through to the need for scientists to communicate with influence to address serious challenges, such as climate change. On the way, the course traverses key questions, theories and critical moments in the global history of science, to explore topics including communicating science in the law and in public health, through pop culture and science fiction, and hijacking science communication, as in the case of the tobacco wars. 

Course assessment emphasises reflection on the integral role of science communication in modern science and its global history, as well as developing research skills.

Note: This course is co-taught with undergraduate students but assessed separately.

Learning Outcomes

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

1. Map and interpret the development of science communication through time, place and culture.
2. Describe and evaluate competing influences shaping science communication.
3. Understand and analyse links between science communication and science practice.
4. Apply a historical view of science communication institutions, ideologies and practices to reflect on scientific activity and create original evaluative research.

Recommended Resources

Whether you are on campus or studying online, 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.

Other Information

Word count policy

For written assignments, the word length must be calculated by the student using a word processing program applied to the text (including headings). In a footnoted reference style (eg. Chicago), the bibliography and footnotes will NOT be counted. If an in-text citation style (eg. APA) is used, citations WILL be included in the word count. Substantive material (ie. anything other than references) in footnotes will not be considered by the marker.

The student must record the word count on the final page of assignments. 

For assignments falling outside the +/- 10% margin on the word count specified for the assessment, a 10% penalty will apply.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Introduction and foundational concepts
2	Roll up, Roll up! Showmen scientists
3	Darwin: Evolving communication
4	Your Body: Owning and operating it
5	Big Science, Big Talk: Space race	Assessment 1 (part 1): Reading reflection 10% each part
6	Science Communication: The Field	Assessment 2: Historical research paper plan 20%
7	Visiting Science: Museums and Science Centres
8	Visions of Science: Gender, ethnicity, participation
9	Bad Science: Stigma, quackery and misinformation	Assessment 1 (part 2): Reading reflection 10% each part
10	Science all Around: Communication via pop culture
11	Science Speaks to Politics: Tobacco and conservation
12	Looking back and looking forward	Assessment 3: Historical research paper requiring original research, analysis and development of an argument 50%Assessment 1 (part 3): Reading reflection 10% each part

Tutorial Registration

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.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Learning Outcomes
Reading reflection and tutorial discussion	30 %	*	1,2,4
Historical research paper plan	20 %	29/08/2025	1,2,3
Historical research paper requiring original research, analysis and development of an argument	50 %	24/10/2025	1,2,3,4

* 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
• Extenuating Circumstances Application
• 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 ‘Canvas’ 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

Reading reflection and tutorial discussion

For each week’s reading, write a paragraph summarising the reading. Use ‘Discussing and analysing readings’ from the course site to help you identify what to consider. Come prepared to tutorials to discuss and reflect on the readings and course content.

The aim of this assessment is to practice summary, analytical and discussion skills being developed in the course. Engaging and participating in tutorial discussions of the readings and course material is a major component of this task.

 

Part 1 (10%): Summaries of readings from weeks 1-4. Due start of Week 5 (Monday 18 August, 5:00pm)

Part 2 (10%): Summaries of readings from weeks 5-8. Due start of Week 9 (Monday 29 August, 5:00pm)

Part 3 (10%): Summaries of readings from weeks 9-12. Due end of Week 12 (Friday 24 October, 5:00pm)

 

Word count: 200 words per reading (+/- 10%) See word count policy on course site

 

Rubric

Grading of the assessment is based on the ANU Grading System descriptors for each grade range. In particular, your work will be considered in terms of the following criteria:

• Demonstrated understanding of the subject matter
• Critical engagement with the readings
• Clarity, coherence and elegance of written expression, including spelling, grammar and punctuation
• Engagement and participation in tutorial discussions

Marks will be returned a fortnight after submission.

Assessment Task 2

Historical research paper plan

In tutorials, we will explore online archives of primary sources. Choose ONE of these archives and identify a primary source or group of primary sources to use as the basis for your historical research paper (assessment 3). SCOM6032 students may wish to find primary sources elsewhere than these online archives.

Your task in this assessment is to write a research plan (or 'research proposal') for your research paper. The aim of preparing a plan before you undertake the research paper is to help structure your research and receive feedback on your concept. 

Your proposal should:

(1)  Summarise the topic you are going to look at and how you will use the primary sources to make your argument. Your topic must involve science communication in history (ie. communication of science to a non-scientific audience.)

(2)  State the research questions you will seek to answer. What are the specific aspects of your topic that you are going to examine and what do you want to find out? Express these as questions, i.e. sentences with a question mark (?) at the end.

(3)  Describe the primary source(s) you will use. What are they? Who created them? When and where?

(4)  Describe the secondary sources you will use. Why are they relevant? How will they help you interpret the primary sources? How do they support your argument?

(5)  Provide an outline of the sections you will divide your paper into

 

For further guidance see the Example historical research plan 

You should also consider the weekly readings as models for your eventual paper.

 

Word count: 750 words (+/- 10%) SCOM3032 See word count policy on course site

Word count: 1000 words (+/- 10%) SCOM6032 See word count policy on course site

 

Rubric

Grading of the assessment is based on the ANU Grading System descriptors for each grade range. In particular, your work will be considered in terms of the following criteria:

• Creative and appropriate choice of topic
• Appropriate and well-reasoned structure and detail of the plan
• Quality and relevance of sources, including
• clear connection between the primary sources and the argument
• use of secondary sources to contextualise and interpret the primary sources
• Clarity and coherence of written expression, including
• spelling, grammar and punctuation
• word count
• Appropriate referencing

Marks will be returned a fortnight after submission.

Assessment Task 3

Historical research paper requiring original research, analysis and development of an argument

Following your research plan (assessment 2) and the comments you have received on it, research and write your historical research paper. Use the readings from this course as models. (Note that the readings are longer than this assessment.)

The aim of this assessment is for you to apply the analytical and interpretive skills we have been learning in this course and to explore your area of interest in your own piece of research.

If you did not complete assessment 2, you may still undertake assessment 3. You can change topic from what you proposed in assessment 2 if you wish.

 

Your paper should:

 

(1)  Evoke the topic and specific question you have chosen

(2)  Lay out the factual evidence drawn from your primary source(s). Then use this evidence to make an argument.

(3)  Draw on secondary sources to connect your argument with wider scholarship

(4)  Reach a conclusion that answers your research question(s). 

 

Word count: SCOM3032 2000 words (+/- 10%) See word count policy on course site

Word count: SCOM6032 2500 words (+/- 10%) See word count policy on course site

 

Rubric

Grading of the assessment is based on the ANU Grading System descriptors for each grade range. In particularly, your work will be considered in terms of the following criteria:

• Demonstrated understanding and description of the chosen topic
• Appropriate structure and detail
• Suitably evidenced and reasoned argument, based on primary source evidence
• Use of secondary literature to place the research in wider context
• Clarity, coherence and elegance of written expression, including
• spelling, grammar and punctuation
• word count
• Appropriate referencing

Marks will be returned a fortnight after submission.

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

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. Any use of artificial intelligence must be properly referenced. Failure to properly cite use of Generative AI will be considered a breach of academic integrity.

Returning Assignments

Assignments will be returned via Turnitin. Students will receive notification via Wattle when assignments are returned.

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.

Resubmission of Assignments

Resubmission of assignments is not permitted.

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 Accessibility 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 supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents all ANU students