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:
- Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the relationship between a strategic foundation and tactics in communication planning.
- Expertly explain the difference between a strategy and a tactic.
- 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.
Work Integrated Learning
Other
All students engage with WIL partners (internal/external) as a major component of the course
Other Information
The intensive week is usually held in the September teaching break each year.
For more information see http://cpas.anu.edu.au/study/short-courses/anu-scom-intensive-course-schedule for exact dates.
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]
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:
- The face-to-face component will be delivered in intensive mode over one week, Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm (total 35 hours). Students participating online will be able to join activities remotely via Zoom or Skype.
- Approximately 95 hours of self directed study which may include short online tutorials or pre-reading before the intensive week and assessments to be submitted after the after the intensive week.
Inherent Requirements
To be determined
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
N/A
Assumed Knowledge
No required skills are required.
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 |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $4440 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $6360 |
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.