Unit Outline

Science communication has an increasingly vital role to play in a modern, global society. The growing awareness of the threat of climate change, along with the unprecedented impact of COVID-19, has highlighted the importance of the effective communication of science. This unit explores the social, political and ethical implications of science communication in a global society, and will consider: science in the media, science and public policy, science and advocacy, and public engagement with science. You will identify, apply and evaluate science communication strategies for diverse audiences using a range of media and technologies. The unit includes a field trip.

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 assess the social, economic, and political implications of communicating science, technology and the environment at a local and global level.
2.	Critically evaluate the key principles, methods and concepts of science communication in a range of real-world scenarios.
3.	Design and produce media and communication materials.
4.	Communicate scientific ideas persuasively and ethically to an academic and general audience.

Requisites


REQUISITE TYPE	REQUISITES
Anti-requisite (mutual excl)	HEJ415

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:	Practical media production	See the MyLO site for the due date	20 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Assessment Task 2:	Interview and news story	See the MyLO site for the due date	40 %	LO1, LO2, LO3
Assessment Task 3:	Essay	See the MyLO site for the due date	40 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: Practical media production

Task Description:

Drawing from a published peer-reviewed article from a science journal, produce a written communication in one of the following formats:
• Feature article for general news audience
• Ministerial brief
• Social media campaign package

Task Length:

800 words equivalent

Due Date:

See the MyLO site for the due date

Weight:

20 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Produce a piece of practical media which responds to the scenario in a nuanced and meaningful way that will reach your intended audience	LO2, LO3
2	Identify and synthesise the main ideas in the article and communicate to a general audience	LO1, LO3, LO4
3	Use correct spelling, grammar and punctuation in written communication; all forms of communication need to be presented in a clear, concise and audience-friendly way	LO1, LO2, LO3

Assessment Task 2: Interview and news story

Task Description:

As a group, you will conduct a media interview with a scientist organised by the Unit Coordinator.
You will need to conduct research prior to the media conference and formulate questions ahead of the interview. You will be expected to ask at least one question during the media conference. You will also need to film the media conference and related vision on a smart phone. You will then be asked to produce the following content:
1. A news story based on the interview, and;
2. A short video utilising the best 20-30 seconds from the news conference suitable to be posted online.

Task Length:

1500 words equivalent

Due Date:

See the MyLO site for the due date

Weight:

40 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Demonstrate ability to gather information/research and apply this knowledge to a practical media scenario	LO2, LO3
2	Write a news story and produce a short video which responds to the scenario in a nuanced and meaningful way that will reach your intended audience	LO2, LO3
3	Use correct spelling, grammar and punctuation in written communication; all forms of communication need to be presented in a clear, concise and audience-friendly way.	LO1, LO2, LO3

Assessment Task 3: Essay

Task Description:

Drawing on the theory and practice covered in this unit, write an academic essay answering the following question: When does science communication become political communication?

Task Length:

2500 words

Due Date:

See the MyLO site for the due date

Weight:

40 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Synthesise knowledge gained in the unit and through your own research.	LO1, LO2
2	Demonstrate understanding and knowledge of the role of media in contemporary science communication.	LO1, LO2
3	Show ability to present a clear, well-argued analysis at a postgraduate academic standard correctly using the Harvard referencing system.	LO1, LO3, LO4

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.

Academic integrity

Academic integrity is about acting responsibly, honestly, ethically, and collegially when using, producing, and communicating information with other students and staff members.

In written work, you must correctly reference the work of others to maintain academic integrity. To find out the referencing style for this unit, see the assessment information in the MyLO site, or contact your teaching staff. For more detail about Academic Integrity, see Important Guidelines & Support.

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.