This course will provide students with an introduction to both quantitative and qualitative research methods as they relate to the fields of science communication and engagement. This will include, but not be limited to, surveys, interviews, content analysis, focus groups and social network analysis. The course has been structured to (i) provide students with an in-depth theoretical understanding of each research method, (ii) gain experience in designing actual research projects in the fields of science communication and engagement, and (iii) develop practical skills in data collection, analysis and interpretation. The course will also introduce students to the critical ethical considerations associated with undertaking scientific research.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Demonstrate an applied understanding of the role and importance of quantitative and qualitative scientific research methods within the context of science communication.
- Identify and critically evaluate quantitative and qualitative research methods within the scientific literature.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the challenges (both logistical and ethical) associated with applying quantitative and qualitative research methods to science communication, and strategies for overcoming these challenges.
- Develop and articulate research hypothesis, and design quantitative and qualitative research projects to address these hypothesis, in relation to science communication.
- Undertake exploratory data analysis for a range of quantitative and qualitative research methods, and report research results both in writing and visually.
Indicative Assessment
- In-class quiz (20) [LO 1,2,3]
- Designing and writing a research project proposal for a science communication and engagement topic of the students choosing, Approx. 2000 words. (35) [LO 3,4]
- Completion of a human ethics application in relation to the research project proposal described in point 2, Approx. 1500 words. (20) [LO 3,4]
- Short research report based on actual data that the students will collect in relation to the research project proposal described in point 2, Approx. 1500 words and a summary figure/graphic. (25) [LO 5]
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Workload
The expected workload will consist of approximately 130 hours throughout the semester including:
- Face-to face component which may consist of two hours of lecture and two tutorial hours per week throughout the semester.
- Approximately 82 hours of self-directed study which will include preparation for lectures and other assessment tasks, independent student research, reading and writings.
Inherent Requirements
No specific inherent requirements have been identified for this course.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
There are no prescribed texts for this course, however, for students seeking relevant material to support their learning the following text is suggested:
Bryman A (2012) Social Research Methods. Oxford University Press, Oxford.
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 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3087 | 23 Feb 2026 | 02 Mar 2026 | 31 Mar 2026 | 29 May 2026 | In Person | N/A |
| 3088 | 23 Feb 2026 | 02 Mar 2026 | 31 Mar 2026 | 29 May 2026 | Online | N/A |