For many people, the media is the only way they interact with any kind of scientific information. However the way science is presented by media outlets can influence the way society perceives issues, and consequently how they respond to them. This course examines the roles and relationships between science, journalists and society and the factors which influence them. Through this course you will learn how to critically appraise how information is presented in news media, as well as how to write for the media. This course will equip you with practical skills to make science relevant and engaging in a range of contexts, far beyond the media. It will also help you to understand why some scientific issues are so polarising, and how to effectively communicate in contested spaces.
This course is co-taught with undergraduate students but assessed separately.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Understand the competing interests and priorities of scientists, professional science communicators, journalists and audiences;
- Identify and apply the values and techniques that journalists use when deciding whether and how to report issues;
- Discuss and critically analyse the role of media influence on the factors which affect public perceptions of scientific issues.
Work Integrated Learning
Other
Course content and activities include some simulation and replication of typical workplace tasks. Activities and assessment integrate theory with practice; are planned and authentic; and the assessment tasks have been specifically designed to purposefully link to the curriculum.
Other Information
The press release and presentation assessment tasks will both be due during the intensive week.
Indicative Assessment
- Science news article (20) [LO 1,2]
- Press release (10) [LO 1,2]
- Presentation (15) [LO 1,2,3]
- Critical review or Portfolio (55) [LO 1,2,3]
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:
- Face-to face component delivered in a one week intensive Mon-Fri (approx 35 hours)
- Approximately 95 hours of self-directed study which will include preparation for classes and other assessment tasks.
Inherent Requirements
No specific inherent requirements have been identified for this course.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
N/A
Preliminary Reading
A range of peer reviewed journal articles and media pieces will be provided on the Learning Management System.
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 |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $4680 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $6720 |
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.
Autumn Session
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5444 | 17 Mar 2025 | 31 Mar 2025 | 04 Apr 2025 | 19 Jun 2025 | In Person | N/A |
| 5445 | 17 Mar 2025 | 31 Mar 2025 | 04 Apr 2025 | 19 Jun 2025 | Online | N/A |