This course focuses on the creation of clearer and more effective ways to communicate scientific matters to larger audiences. It provides participants with a thorough and practical understanding of the process used in developing a communication plan including the development of a strategic framework and accompanying action plan that allocates resources, responsibilities and timeframes. It has a strong emphasis on relating theory to current industry best practice in implementing a strategic approach to planning communication activities. The major project component is based around field work and evaluation of real life science communication strategies.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:- Expertly explain the difference between a strategy and a tactic
- Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the relationship between a strategic foundation and tactics in communication planning
- Synthesise and apply research-based and experience-based knowledge to strategic planning
- Analyse critically and reflect on the approach taken by current science communication strategies
- Use current theory to develop communication strategies and tactical plans
- Craft a professional standard verbal presentation to interpret and communicate strategies and tactical plans to organisation managers and executives
Indicative Assessment
- Expert review and critical redevelopment of a science organisation’s communication strategy (35%; LO 1, 2, 3, 4)
- Critical analysis and revision of tactical planning aspects of a communication strategy (35%; LO 1, 2, 5)
- Professional standard presentation of results of expert review to a simulated high level executive or project steering committee (30%; LO 6)
In response to COVID-19: Please note that Semester 2 Class Summary information (available under the classes tab) is as up to date as possible. Changes to Class Summaries not captured by this publication will be available to enrolled students via Wattle.
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 requires students to attend a week
intensive course (35 hrs) in person. The other coursework requirements can be
completed online. The intensive week is held in the September teaching break
each year. There may be some short online tutorials or pre-reading before the
intensive week, and students will complete the assessment in the weeks or
months after the intensive week. See http://cpas.anu.edu.au/study/short-courses/anu-scom-intensive-course-schedule
for exact dates.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
If you are a domestic graduate coursework or international student you will be required to pay tuition fees. Tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are an undergraduate student and 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). You can find your student contribution amount for each course 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 |
|---|---|
| 2020 | $4050 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2020 | $5760 |
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.
Winter Session
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6426 | 07 Sep 2020 | 08 Sep 2020 | 18 Sep 2020 | 13 Oct 2020 | In Person | View |