As the very first course in science communication at ANU, Science and Public Awareness (SCOM1001) offers a smorgasbord of ideas, information and approaches to all things science communication. It’s designed to help you taste a little bit of everything and see what flavours of science communication most appeal to you!
SCOM1001 provides an introduction to contemporary social and communication issues in science, technology, and society. In the course, we will ask a whole range of questions, like:
- Why communicate science with the public, the media or the government?
- What are the best ways to go about it and what are the potential pitfalls?
- How do we make sense of science as it flies between, and well beyond, the lab?
- What kinds of factors affect public attitudes to science?
- Is it OK to be a scientist and have influence beyond your scientific expertise?
- Just what is “the public” anyway?
Topics include: the history of science communication; competing theories of what science communication is for; different models of effective science communication; obstacles facing scientists wanting to communicate their work; practical skills for communicating science via multiple platforms and venues; the different languages of science; cross-cultural considerations when communicating science; and the influence of popular media, science centres, politics, history, and cultural values on the public context of science communication.
Focusing on current events and issues facing scientists, science communicators, policy makers, and the community, SCOM1001 students are encouraged to discuss their own perceptions of science and technology in the context of society, and the problems with (and solutions to) communicating science with non-expert audiences. A strong emphasis is placed on collaboration with other students, and students are expected to take an active approach to learning.
SCOM1001 is also a solid foundation for a Major or Minor in science communication, and for working towards a science communication career. Science communication is a growing area of employment, as science organisations continue to realise the importance of communicating about their work with the public, the media, governments, business, clients, patients, community groups and other stakeholders.
Science communication graduates have built careers as health promoters, environmental lobbyists or activists, science journalists, science presenters, communications officers for science organisations, science policy analysts working in government, and more. Of course, the skills, ideas, and approaches offered by studying some introductory science communication will also help you if you want to be a research scientist!
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Work as part of a team in a collaborative environment (LO1)
- Understand and describe the key issues and importance of effective science communication (LO2)
- Recognise how social contexts affect the practice and communication of science (LO3)
- Translate and report on scientific writing (LO4)
- Evaluate the effectiveness of the presentation of science in various media (LO5)
- Understand and practice modes of scientific communication appropriate for peers, funding bodies, and publics (LO6)
- Synthesise personal interests, values and aspirations with professional development (LO7)
- Respond quickly to set deadlines (LO8)
Work Integrated Learning
Placements
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Indicative Assessment
- Engaging with science communication theory, history and research techniques: (null) [LO null]
- Interview with a scientist about their public communication and analysis of interview (20%, LO 2,3,6,7) (20) [LO null]
- Short exam on lecture, tutorial and reading material (25%, LO 2,3) (25) [LO null]
- Communicating current science via news articles, blog posts, short public lectures and grant applications: (null) [LO null]
- Summary of scientific journal paper & referenced reflection on its communication context (10%, LO 3,4,7) (10) [LO null]
- Translation of scientific journal paper for specific aim, audience and medium (20%, LO 2,3,4,6,7) (20) [LO null]
- Practice translation homework assignments and workshop participation (15%, 1,3,4,5,6,8) (15) [LO null]
- Questions for guest expert (5%, LO 6,7,8) (5) [LO null]
- Applying knowledge to science communication activities: (null) [LO null]
- Feedback to SCOM2001 student organisers of science communication public event (5% LO 1,5,8) (5) [LO null]
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
One 2 hour lecture, one 1 hour lecture and one 2 hour tutorial or workshop per week. Lectures and tutorials are not held every week of semester. Average 4 contact hours per week, plus 6 hours study time.Inherent Requirements
Not applicable
Prescribed Texts
Gilbert J.K. & Stocklmayer S. (eds.) (2013) Communication and Engagement with Science and Technology: Issues and Dilemmas. A reader in science communication. New York and London: Routledge.
Other readings supplied online.
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 |
|---|---|
| 2023 | $4320 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2023 | $6180 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3939 | 20 Feb 2023 | 27 Feb 2023 | 31 Mar 2023 | 26 May 2023 | In Person | View |