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.

Note: This course is co-taught with undergraduate students but assessed separately.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Analyse, critique and reflect on the manifestations and implications of risk, misinformation and disinformation and their roles in science communication
2. 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
3. Critically analyse and comprehensively review risk communication strategies involving the communication of contemporary science-related risk issues - and make high level, evidenced-based recommendations for improvements.
4. Undertake expert desktop research into the theory and practice of risk communication
5. Write persuasively for diverse non-specialist audiences about risk and ethics in science, integrating personal opinion, advanced knowledge of risk theory and responsible ethical judgement
6. 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.
7. Analyse critically and reflect on risk/ethical issues pertaining to science in the public sphere, and contextualise these within individuals' own workplace and/or geographical contexts

Research-Led Teaching

The material underpinning SCOM6031 incorporates both classical/ traditional and current research and theory in science communication and related disciplines and is accessed by students via lecture content, texts, readers, journal papers, professional guides and policy documents. Students will also be exposed to, and at times apply, elements of research practice during the course, especially via the course readings and their evidence-based critique and recommendations for improvement of public risk communication campaigns in the course assessment.  

Required Resources

All reading and audio visual materials for the course will be made available via the course WATTLE site

Recommended Resources

Whether you are on campus or studying online, there are a variety of online platforms you will use to participate in your study program. These could include videos for lectures and other instruction, two-way video conferencing for interactive learning, email and other messaging tools for communication, interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities, print and/or photo/scan for handwritten work and drawings, and home-based assessment.

ANU outlines recommended student system requirements to ensure you are able to participate fully in your learning.

Other information is also available about the various Learning Platforms you may use.

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• written comments
• verbal comments
• feedback to whole class, groups, individuals, focus group etc

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Week 1 - Introduction: Recap of key science communication basics, introduction to misinformation, disinformation & risk, outline of the course and assessment
2	Module 1– RiskWeek 2 SCOM Research & theoretical foundations of risk communicationWeek 3 Perceptions of riskWeek 4 Persuasion & InfluenceWeek 5 Communicating risk in an environment of misinformation & disinformation – can ethics help?	Assessment 1 due at the end of Week 4.
3	Module 2 – Misinformation and disinformation  Week 6 Introduction to research and theory of misinformation and disinformation PART 1Week 7 Introduction to research and theory of misinformation and disinformation PART 2Week 8 Intention and correctionWeek 9 Trust & expertise	Assessment 2 due at the end of Week 7
4	Module 3 – Strategies, critiques and moving forwardWeek 10 Communicating risk & countering Mis/Dis – critiques of communication strategiesWeek 11 What should we do? What can we do?Week 12 OK, what now?	Assessment 3 due at the end of Week 11.

Tutorial Registration

There is no centrally timetabled online tutorial for SCOM6031. Instead the course convener will liaise with students studying online to make appropriate arrangements.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Learning Outcomes
Misinformation, Disinformation and Risk (MDR) Major project – Critical review of a risk communication strategy PART A	30 %	14/03/2025	1,2,3,4,5,6,7
Professional advice / opinion article	35 %	17/04/2025	1,2,5,6,7
Misinformation, Disinformation and Risk (MDR) Major project – Critical review of a risk communication strategy PART B	35 %	16/05/2025	1,2,3,4,5,6,7

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines , which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Extenuating Circumstances Application
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using 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. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Skills website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

MASTERS TUTORIALS (SCOMcast)

There is no stand-alone in-class SCOM6031 tutorial, but Masters students are welcome to come the weekly SCOM2031 tutorial on-campus and participate in the discussions and activities there.

IN ADDITION - SCOM6031 students will have an asynchronous, online discussion 'tutorial' just for them.

How it runs

Each week, SCOM6031 students will have assigned material (such as reading, video, and podcast episodes) posted on Wattle which they will be required to digest, critique and question. Students should go to the “Masters tutorial” link for that week and write a post of up to 500 words telling everyone:

• One thing about that week's material they found useful or interesting
• One thing that they didn't like OR didn't agree with OR didn't understand
• One question for the tutor/ the group.

 

The convener will read these and comment, answer or expand on them and record their responses and feedback in a weekly "SCOMcast". Each SCOMcast will run for between 30 and 60 minutes and will be posted under each module by the the beginning of the following week.  

For your post to be eligible for inclusion in the weekly SCOMcast, it must be up by 2:00 pm on the Thursday of that week (Canberra time).

FURTHER DETAILS WILL BE PROVIDED IN WEEK 1 AND ON WATTLE

Assessment Task 1

Misinformation, Disinformation and Risk (MDR) Major project – Critical review of a risk communication strategy PART A

Description of assessment

The main purpose of this project is to apply the suite of theories, tools and ideas addressed throughout the course to analyse, critically review and make recommendations about how to improve a risk communication strategy about a science-based issue. The strategy should be aimed at communicating about a risk topic or issue with audiences beyond technical experts. 

For a strategy topic to be suitable, there must also be relevant, science-based perspectives that feature misinformation and/or disinformation as a part of the broader discourse. To be clear, the effects of mis/disinformation do not have to be a part of the strategy itself, just a part of the greater “public” discourse about the topic or issue in a way that might implications for its success. 

You will be required to analyse, critique and reflect on the implications of the risk communication strategy (including the role of misinformation and disinformation), and makes recommendations on how to improve it.You will be encouraged to use this as an opportunity to focus on matters relevant to your current industry or workplace (where feasible), or to use this as a vehicle to explore MDR discourses that might further your career aspirations.

Students choose their own topic early in the semester in consultation with the course convener. 

There are two assessment items associated with the major project.

Major project Part A – scoping study & progress report

Marking criteria

The scoping study and progress report should at a minimum include:

·      Overview and justification of the strategy to be addressed 

·      Synthesis of the critical features of the discourse pertinent to the issue the strategy addresses, including identification of elements of misinformation and/or disinformation that have a bearing on the public discourse

·      Identification and preliminary summary of relevant theory, data, information and supporting sources that will help inform your analysis and critique.

WORD COUNT - Maximum 2500 words - a one percent penalty will apply for every 200 words (or part thereof) over 2500

FURTHER DETAILS WILL BE PROVIDED AND DISCUSSED VIA WATTLE

For submissions made by the due date, it is intended to return the marked assessment by the end of Week 6. 

Assessment Task 2

Professional advice / opinion article

Description of assessment

• This assessment item requires students to write an explainer / advisory article tailored to a specific industry or profession with the aim of helping them appreciate how specialist risk communication could be of benefit. Where possible, students can choose to target their own industry or profession, or focus on an area that they’re interested in moving into. Students should choose examples that would be of significance to their target audience(s). The style and form of the piece can be tailored to suit specific trade or industry publications. If none exist, the style should be modelled on publications such as The Atlantic, Aeon.co or The Conversation 

Marking criteria

• Suitability of your piece for the style and audience of the publication you are targeting. Include a succinct, 300 word (approx.) justification of how your piece does this
• Appropriate use of English language, spelling and grammatical structure
• Accuracy of the facts you apply
• Appropriate use of relevant theory

WORD COUNT - maximum 2000 words - a one percent penalty will apply for every 200 words (or part thereof) over 2000

FURTHER DETAILS WILL BE PROVIDED AND DISCUSSED VIA WATTLE

It is intended to return marked assessment within four weeks of submission. Please refer to Wattle for any updated information on return of assessment.

Assessment Task 3

Misinformation, Disinformation and Risk (MDR) Major project – Critical review of a risk communication strategy PART B

Major project Part B

Description of assessment

The final project report should provide a full account of the critical review of a risk communication strategy you have worked on throughout the semester. It should incorporate and expand on the scoping study & progress report supported by the course material, your own research, and feedback you received from staff during the semester. 

You have considerable freedom to decide how you would like to present the final project report – part of successful science communication practice is being creative in the way you present information. Just be careful not to get so excited about how you present your Final Report that you shirk on the content! 

Marking criteria

At a minimum, the final project report should broadly include: 

1.        A succinct overview of the strategy you chose to review

2.        A clear, theory-and-evidence-based rationale for why you chose the topic and why it is suitable for this kind of project

3.        A summary of background facts applicable to the issue(s) covered in the strategy you reviewed

4.        A thorough, evidenced-based and theory-guided critique of the strategy

5.        Recommendations for how to improve, expand, evaluate and/or move forward based on your critical review

6.        A brief section reflecting on how your personal values, previous experience and existing knowledge about the issue you critiqued affected the way you approached this task, and if doing the research and critique of the risk strategy changed any of your pre-existing views.

WORD COUNT - Maximum 4000 words - a one percent penalty will apply for every 200 words (or part thereof) over 4000

FURTHER DETAILS WILL BE PROVIDED AND DISCUSSED THROUGHOUT THE SEMESTER ON WATTLE

It is intended to return marked assessment within four weeks of submission. Please refer to Wattle for any updated information on return of assessment.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must use the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Late submission permitted. Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material. Any use of artificial intelligence must be properly referenced. Failure to properly cite use of Generative AI will be considered a breach of academic integrity.

Returning Assignments

All assessment will be returned via Turnitin.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

No

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Accessibility for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents all ANU students