Unit Outline

Never before has science communication been so important to public understanding and policy. This unit will establish an understanding of the practical and theoretical aspects in science communication studies. It brings together an overview of professional public science communication, including how it can inform public attitudes, political engagement. The intent of this unit is to enhance students' capacity to critically evaluate contemporary science communication and develop their skills in planning and producing media content in an effective and ethical way. Additionally, it aims to build work-ready graduates adept at communicating identified pathways to solve challenges and capitalise on opportunities within industry and society.

Intended Learning Outcomes

As per the Assessment and Results Policy 1.3, your results will reflect your achievement against specified learning outcomes.

On completion of this unit, you will be able to:


1.	Evaluate and apply the key principles, methods and concepts of science communication in a range of real-world scenarios
2.	Describe the relationship between science communication, public opinion and policy formation
3.	Analyse and describe how the translation of science informs and impacts industry, the public sector and broader society
4.	Create scientific communication output to inform industry and government about scientific research findings or developments

Requisites


REQUISITE TYPE	REQUISITES
Pre-requisite	50 credit points at Introductory level or higher

Alterations as a result of student feedback

How will I be Assessed?

For more detailed assessment information please see MyLO.

Assessment schedule


ASSESSMENT TASK #	ASSESSMENT TASK NAME	DATE DUE	WEIGHT	LINKS TO INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Assessment Task 1:	Media Article	Week 4	15 %	LO1, LO4
Assessment Task 2:	Professional Report	Week 8	25 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Assessment Task 3:	Scientific Communication Strategy	Week 13	35 %	LO4
Assessment Task 4:	Reflective Essay	Week 14	25 %	LO1, LO2, LO3

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: Media Article

Task Description:

Description: Choose one (1) article from an approved designated journal publication and write a 500-word article for a general audience, such as a newspaper or website

Task Length:

500 words

Due Date:

Week 4

Weight:

15 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Identify key information in a compelling introduction	LO1, LO4
2	Communicate scientific output in an engaging and informative format using ‘plain’ English	LO4
3	Compose an original piece of media writing following the conventions of selected publication including paraphrasing descriptions and using direct and indirect speech	LO4

Assessment Task 2: Professional Report

Task Description:

Drawing upon one (1) of the provided case studies write a professional report (using a template) to a selected stakeholder that: a) analyses the media around the case; b) describes how the translation and mediatisation of scientific information is informing public understanding of the issue; and c) identifies possible impacts or consequences of media on industry and policy making

Task Length:

1500 words

Due Date:

Week 8

Weight:

25 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Critically analyse media to identify how the selection of language, information sources and quotations translates science for general audiences	LO1
2	Explain how the translation and mediatisation of scientific information informs public understanding of the role of science in our daily lives	LO2
3	Identify how mediatised science communication can influence consumer and government decision-making and impact private sector and industry	LO3
4	Write a professional communication using ‘plain English’ that clearly identifies and describes the key issues for stakeholders	LO4

Assessment Task 3: Scientific Communication Strategy

Task Description:

In groups, you will be matched with a scientist and/or industry partner seeking to communicate their work to wider audiences.
Each group will plan and implement a communication strategy to promote the work, which may include: a) interviews with the parties involved; b) media releases and/or a written article; c) a media conference with talking points; d) a social media strategy with supporting video and other media content; and/or, e) a public engagement event such as a local field trip.

Task Length:

2500 words or equivalent as negotiated with the Unit Coordinator

Due Date:

Week 13

Weight:

35 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Plan a communication strategy to promote the scientific research or activity	LO4
2	Undertake interviewing and video production to support strategy	LO4
3	Plan a media event, such as a press conference or field day, to promote your campaign	LO4

Assessment Task 4: Reflective Essay

Task Description:

Drawing on the challenges and opportunities encountered in Assessment 3, reflect on and describe how scientific research can be communicated in ways that engage public interest and participation to promote this work. The response should identify how shifting the practice and politics of public engagement with science, may enable improved understanding and public engagement. The essay should draw on and synthesise the concepts and theories in this unit, with the practical experience of producing scientific communication that informs and impacts industry and society

Task Length:

1500 words

Due Date:

Week 14

Weight:

25 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Reflect on how scientific research can be communicated to engage public interest and participation	LO1
2	Describe how shifting the practice and politics of public engagement with science may enable better understanding and public engagement	LO2
3	Synthesise key concepts and theories related to practical experience of producing scientific communication	LO3

How your final result is determined

To pass this unit, you need to demonstrate your attainment of each of the Intended Learning Outcomes, achieve a final unit grade of 50% or greater, and pass any hurdle tasks.

Submission of assignments

Where practicable, assignments should be submitted to an assignment submission folder in MYLO. You must submit assignments by the due date or receive a penalty (unless an extension of time has been approved by the Unit Coordinator). Students submitting any assignment in hard copy, or because of a practicum finalisation, must attach a student cover sheet and signed declaration for the submission to be accepted for marking.

Requests for extensions

If you are unable to submit an assessment task by the due date, you should apply for an extension.

A request for an extension should first be discussed with your Unit Coordinator or teaching support team where possible. A request for an extension must be submitted by the assessment due date, except where you can provide evidence it was not possible to do so. Typically, an application for an extension will be supported by documentary evidence: however, where it is not possible for you to provide evidence please contact your Unit Coordinator.

The Unit Coordinator must notify you of the outcome of an extension request within 3 working days of receiving the request.

Late penalties

Assignments submitted after the deadline will receive a late penalty of 5% of the original available mark for each calendar day (or part day) that the assignment is late. Late submissions will not be accepted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, or after assignments have been returned to other students on a scheduled date, whichever occurs first. Further information on Late Penalties can be found on the Assessments and Results Procedure.

Review of results and appeals

You are entitled to ask for a review of the marking and grading of your assessment task if there is an irregularity in the marking standards or an error in the process for determining the outcome of an assessment. Details on how to request a review of a mark for an assignment are outlined in the Review and Appeal of Academic Decisions Procedure.