Communication for Scientists
Duration
- One semester/teaching period
Contact hours
- 36 hours
On-campus unit delivery combines face-to-face and digital learning.
Prerequisites
100 credit points of study in the Bachelor of Science programs.Corequisites
Nil
Aims and objectives
From 2017 - This unit will be coded as NPS20005
Aims
* Acquire skills, knowledge and resources to help effectively communicate science to a range of non-scientists in the workplace
* Acquire skills, knowledge and resources to help effectively communicate science to a range of non-scientists in the workplace
* Develop a capacity to listen, research and respond clearly about their scientific discipline to a range of different audiences
* Appreciate the role of science in society and the importance of effective communication in helping to integrate science into society
Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit we expect that students will:
1. Understand how science interacts with different disciplines via different forms of communication
2. Identify target audiences and their needs/perspectives for scientific information
3. Identify and apply the process of communicating science with journalists, business, public educators and science researchers
4. Critically analyse scientific communication from a variety of sources, including media, business, public and science researchers
5. Evaluate and justify the choice and effectiveness of scientific communication provided to different target audiences
6. Analyse and synthesise scientific information in order to develop appropriate key messages from scientific information
7. Apply the above techniques using a range of different communication technologies
On successful completion of this unit we expect that students will:
1. Understand how science interacts with different disciplines via different forms of communication
2. Identify target audiences and their needs/perspectives for scientific information
3. Identify and apply the process of communicating science with journalists, business, public educators and science researchers
4. Critically analyse scientific communication from a variety of sources, including media, business, public and science researchers
5. Evaluate and justify the choice and effectiveness of scientific communication provided to different target audiences
6. Analyse and synthesise scientific information in order to develop appropriate key messages from scientific information
7. Apply the above techniques using a range of different communication technologies
Unit information in detail
- Teaching methods, general skills outcomes and content.
Teaching methods
Lectures (1 hours), Comp Labs (2 hours),
General skills outcomes
Key Generic Skills
People Skills
Thinking Skills
Personal Skills
Literacy and Communication contribution
Literacy (including reading and writing)
Communication (including speaking and listening)
Discipline Vocabulary and Expression ü
Course/Major Learning Outcomes
1. Exhibit depth and breadth of scientific knowledge by demonstrating well-developed knowledge in at least one scientific disciplinary area.
2. Demonstrate a coherent understanding of science by articulating the methods of science, explain why current scientific knowledge is both contestable and testable by further inquiry and explain the role and relevance of science in society.
3. Be effective communicators of science by communicating results, information or arguments, to a range of audiences, for a range of purposes using a variety of modes.
4. Critically analyse and solve scientific problems by critically evaluating information from a range of sources, designing and planning an investigation, selecting and applying practical and theoretical techniques in order to conduct an investigation and collecting, recording, interpreting and drawing conclusions from scientific data.
5. Be accountable for their own learning and scientific work by being independent and self-directed learners, working effectively and safely in an individual or team context, demonstrating an understanding of the regulatory framework relevant to the disciplinary area and practicing ethical conduct.
3. Be effective communicators of science by communicating results, information or arguments, to a range of audiences, for a range of purposes using a variety of modes.
4. Critically analyse and solve scientific problems by critically evaluating information from a range of sources, designing and planning an investigation, selecting and applying practical and theoretical techniques in order to conduct an investigation and collecting, recording, interpreting and drawing conclusions from scientific data.
5. Be accountable for their own learning and scientific work by being independent and self-directed learners, working effectively and safely in an individual or team context, demonstrating an understanding of the regulatory framework relevant to the disciplinary area and practicing ethical conduct.
Content
Introduction to Communicating in Science (Lecture)
Communicating Science with other scientists (Case Study)
Communicating Science with the Media (Case Study)
Communicating Science with Politicians (Case Study)
Communicating Science to Business & Industry (Case Study)
Communicating Science for public education (Case Study)
Summarising Communicating in Science (Lecture)
Study resources
- Reading materials and text books.
Reading materials
Lecturer supplied content
Text books
Lecturer supplied content