Uncertainty is everywhere. We casually, often unknowingly, take risks and accept uncertainty many times a day without a second thought. However, in the sciences, and in science communication, we cannot afford to be blasé. The ramifications of poor risk communication can and do have dramatic, global consequences.
For years, issues around challenges like climate change, enhancing health and wellbeing and gene/ nanotechnologies have regularly highlighted the need for society to meaningfully communicate and debate the myriad risks associated with the appreciation and application of science, even when the various stakeholders involved are doing their best and acting in good faith. But what about when they aren't?
In the early 2020s, the COVID pandemic and its ongoing aftermath provided a vivid, global example of what can happen when accidentally, at times deliberately, false information is promoted and shared. Misinformation and disinformation swiftly became a core feature of the already complex environment of risk communication around the pandemic.
In this course, science communication is analysed from risk communication and ethical perspectives, with particular focus on the phenomenal rise of mis- and dis- information in public discourse. In the course we will examine and critically consider such questions as:
- What is risky, to whom, and why?
- How is risk understood by experts?
- How does it manifest in public domains?
- When does a risk become acceptable?
- Is it possible to speak about “real” or “true” science-based risks?
- How can we analyse and conduct effective science communication work in a world where misinformation and disinformation are ubiquitous?
- What strategies and tactics exist to counter communication environments in which people wilfully aim to misinform, or are at least unconcerned about the veracity of their claims?
- To what extent can ethics help us better critique, and then guide, positive risk communication efforts for science communicators?
Throughout the course, significant attention is devoted to the consideration of clear and effective ways to characterise and communicate controversial, risky, and ethically charged science-based matters in the public sphere, especially when mis- and dis- information are at play.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Analyse, critique and reflect on the manifestations and implications of risk, misinformation and disinformation and their roles in science communication
- Research, synthesise and professionally communicate information about social, cultural and psychological influences that affect people’s perception of risks, misinformation and disinformation associated with science communication
- Critically analyse and comprehensively review risk communication strategies involving the communication of contemporary science-related risk issues and consider their ethical implications
- Undertake desktop research into the theory and practice of risk communication
- Write persuasively for diverse non-specialist audiences about risk and ethics in science, integrating personal opinion, theory and responsible ethical judgement
- Use course reading and lecture materials as a catalyst, and integrate knowledge of published research, to effectively present personal views, and critically respond to those of others, in open forums.
Work Integrated Learning
Projects
Students may engage with WIL partners (internal/external) as a component of the course
Indicative Assessment
- Major project part 1; (30) [LO 1,2,3,4,5,6]
- Major project part 2 – group project report ; (35) [LO 1,2,3,5,6]
- Popular article on misinformation, disinformation and risk communication. (35) [LO 1,2,4,5,6]
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
The expected workload will consist of approximately 130 hours throughout the semester including:
- Face-to face component which may consist of 2 x 2 hour classes per week, comprising lecture and tutorial material
- Approximately 82 hours of self-directed study which will include personal study / assessment work.
Inherent Requirements
No specific inherent requirements have been identified for this course.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
All core reading and audio visual materials for the course will be made available via the course site in the Learning Management system.
Additional, recommended reading will also be posted to the Learning Management system.
Assumed Knowledge
SCOM1001 and SCOM1002Fees
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 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2734 | 23 Feb 2026 | 02 Mar 2026 | 31 Mar 2026 | 29 May 2026 | In Person | N/A |