How real are aliens, and how does it shape the scientific study of astrobiology? What role did Star Trek's Lt Uhura play in recruiting astronauts to the NASA space program? How might The Day After Tomorrow impact the public understanding of climate change? How did the movie Interstellar make scientific discoveries? Do medical dramas on television due harm for the public perception and interaction with healthcare?
This course provides an introduction to the impact of representations of science and scientists in film, television, fiction, and other media, and their public perceptions of science. It introduces research, theory, and methods as applied to this growing area. Students are encouraged to share their own experiences of science-based film, games, television, literature, and more to pursue their areas of interest through assessment. The major piece of assessment is a research project testing students' hypotheses about the impact that a work of fiction might have on public perceptions of science.
This course is co-taught with undergraduate students but assessed separately.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- describe, question and critique the historical developments in the ways that film and fiction has been discussed in science communication ;
- demonstrate the significance of images of scientists for access and equity in science work and study;
- apply theory and research about science in film and fiction to the practice and field of science communication;
- reflect about the study and application of science in film and fiction and your place within it;
- manage a science communication project that involves both collaboration and independent learning;
- critique professional science views on film and fiction and their impact on society;
- conduct science communication research using social science and data science research methods such as content analysis, focus groups, questionnaires, machine learning, and artificial intelligence;
- critically evaluate strengths and weaknesses of current research methods for investigating their influence on public attitudes, knowledge and beliefs.
Other Information
This is an intensive course delivered during the Summer session. Please refer to https://cpas.anu.edu.au/study/courses for specific dates.
Indicative Assessment
- Two short group presentations (10) [LO 1,2,3,4,6]
- Project proposal - including a literature review, project plan, and evaluation methods (40) [LO 1,2,3,4,5,6,8]
- Final project report - incorporates the proposal and data collection, analysis and formulation of conclusions. (hurdle) (50) [LO 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8]
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:
- The face-to-face component will be delivered in intensive mode over one week, Monday - Friday 9am - 5 pm (total 35 hours). Students participating online will be able to join activities remotely via Zoom.
- Approximately 95 hours of self directed study will include pre-reading before the intensive week and assessments to be submitted after the after the intensive week.
Inherent Requirements
No specific inherent requirements have been identified for this course.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
Krueger RA and Casey MA. (2014) Focus Groups: A Practical Guide for Applied Research. UK: Sage (5th edition).Recommended text: Gilbert J.K. & Stocklmayer S. (eds.) (2013) Communication and Engagement with Science and Technology: Issues and Dilemmas. A reader in science communication. New York and London: Routledge.
Other readings provided online.
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.