COM3065 - Communicating science

Leader(s): Prof. Homer Le Grand and Prof. Patricia Vickers-Rich

Offered

Clayton Second semester 2009 (Day)

Synopsis

Students will acquire through lectures and readings frameworks for analysing the communication of scientific work to different audiences ranging from specialists to the general public. Tutorials discuss readings and apply frameworks to historical and contemporary examples including formal journal articles, popular science books and columns, and print and electronic news media. These components are augmented by presentations and workshops conducted by professional science communicators and educators ranging from videotaped presentations and critiques, mock interviews with and by students, the preparation of a scientific poster to the composition of sample news releases and newspaper articles.

Assessment

Group presentation on assigned case study: 15%
Individual analysis of selected case study (1000 words): 25%
Oral presentation of selected case study: 5%
Role-playing as interviewer (equivalent of 250 words): 5%
Role-playing as interviewee (equivalent of 500 words): 10%
Group presentations of posters (equivalent of 500 words): 10%
Examination (1.5-hour, 1500 words equivalent): 30%

Contact hours

3 hours (1 x 1 hour lecture and 1 x 2 hour workshop) per week

Prerequisites

Completion of 12 points in Communications and Media Studies (or Journalism) or 24 points in Science