This course allows a special topic of study for individuals or small groups of students who wish to gain particular or additional knowledge in a topic in science communication not covered in other courses taught in CPAS or elsewhere in the University. Permission must be sought from the convener before enrolment.
This course is co-taught with undergraduate students but assessed separately.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Plan and engage in an independent and sustained piece of critical scholarly work on a chosen science communication topic.
- Systematically identify and use relevant theory and concepts, relate these to appropriate methodologies and evidence, and draw appropriate conclusions.
- Keep accurate and detailed records of work undertaken, including literature review, field work or other research.
- Develop interpersonal skills by working constructively with active researchers on real research problems.
- Critically evaluate their own work and results, as well as results reported in the literature.
- Communicate research concepts and contexts clearly and effectively both in writing and orally.
Work Integrated Learning
Projects
Students may engage with WIL partners (internal/external) as a component of the course
Indicative Assessment
- Special topics written report (85) [LO 1,2,3,4,5,6]
- Special topics oral presentation (15) [LO 5,6]
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
Approximately 130 hours (per 6 units of enrolment) of total student learning time made up of independent student research, reading and writing. Students are expected to maintain regular contact with their supervisor and attend all supervisory meetings.
Inherent Requirements
No specific inherent requirements have been identified for this course.
Requisite and Incompatibility
You will need to contact the Centre for the Public Awareness of Science to request a permission code to enrol in this course.
Prescribed Texts
N/A
Assumed Knowledge
Students are expected to have some experience in and knowledge of:- history, theory and principles of science communication.
- the practice of science communication, both written and verbal, as well as experience supporting this communication through props, visual aids, multimedia products, and so on.
- the design of science communication research projects, including framing research questions and choosing appropriate methods.
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.
Summer Session
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1218 | 01 Jan 2025 | 24 Jan 2025 | 24 Jan 2025 | 31 Mar 2025 | In Person | View |
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2815 | 17 Feb 2025 | 24 Feb 2025 | 31 Mar 2025 | 23 May 2025 | In Person | View |
Autumn Session
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5210 | 01 Apr 2025 | 28 Apr 2025 | 02 May 2025 | 30 Jun 2025 | In Person | N/A |
Winter Session
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6224 | 01 Jul 2025 | 18 Jul 2025 | 18 Jul 2025 | 30 Sep 2025 | In Person | N/A |
Second Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7793 | 21 Jul 2025 | 28 Jul 2025 | 31 Aug 2025 | 24 Oct 2025 | In Person | N/A |
Spring Session
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9199 | 01 Oct 2025 | 24 Oct 2025 | 24 Oct 2025 | 31 Dec 2025 | In Person | N/A |