SLE200 - Communicating Science Ideas
Unit details
| Year | 2025 unit information |
|---|---|
| Enrolment modes: | Trimester 1: Online |
| Credit point(s): | 1 |
| EFTSL value: | 0.125 |
| Unit Chair: | Trimester 1: Adam Cardilini |
| Prerequisite: | STP010 |
| Corequisite: | Nil |
| Incompatible with: | EES200 |
| Educator-facilitated (scheduled) learning activities - online unit enrolment: | Online independent and collaborative learning including 1 x 2 hour online seminar per week. |
| Typical study commitment: | Students will on average spend 150 hours over the teaching period undertaking the teaching, learning and assessment activities for this unit. This will include educator guided online learning activities within the unit site. |
Content
The dissemination of scientific information is a critical activity for a range of areas including industry, government, research institutes, museums and public interest groups. This unit will introduce and develop key skills required for science communication through formats including written and visual communications. The course will be delivered in a context highlighting why science communication is important in our society and how best practice science communication can add significant value to scientific research and society. The unit will establish an understanding of practical and theoretical aspects in science communication studies. The unit will bring together an overview of science communication in the public sphere including public attitudes, political engagement and ethical considerations. The unit will enhance critical evaluation of contemporary science in the media and will enable students to develop skills in preparing media content. Additionally, in this Unit students will demonstrate their career development skills (awareness, planning, application) and will create a professional experience plan to help build the opportunities and experiences they require to meet their career goals.
Learning Outcomes
| ULO | These are the Unit Learning Outcomes (ULOs) for this unit. At the completion of this unit, successful students can: | Alignment to Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes (GLOs) |
|---|---|---|
| ULO1 | Distinguish the ethical use of scientific communication by the media and assess the implications of unethical practices. | GLO4: Critical thinking |
| ULO2 | Plan and create scientific communications using formats that are appropriate for the target audience e.g. written, oral, video and visual, and promote these communications through appropriate media platforms. | GLO2: Communication |
| ULO3 | Communicate science using scientific communication conventions and processes. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities |
| ULO4 | Demonstrate career development skills (awareness, planning, application) required to apply for work opportunities, to progress your career. | GLO2: Communication |
Assessment
| Assessment Description | Student output | Grading and weighting (% total mark for unit) | Indicative due week |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment 1 Learning resource quizzes | Learning resource online quizzes | 20% | Weekly quizzes |
| Assessment 2 Job exploration and planning | Job exploration and planning report (Self-exploration, job exploration, professional experience plan) | 20% | Week 9 |
| Assessment 3 | 1,000 word written media communication supported by visuals; create social media options for dissemination of written communication; complete self-assessment of written communication; participate in a peer review process and provide feedback on peers' work | 30% | Week 7 |
| Assessment 4 | Substantial visual communication; Create social media options for dissemination of visual communication; complete self-assessment of written communication; participate in a peer review process and provide feedback on peers' work | 30%
| Week 12 |
The assessment due weeks provided may change. The Unit Chair will clarify the exact assessment requirements, including the due date, at the start of the teaching period.
Learning resource
There is no prescribed text. Unit materials are provided via the unit site. This includes unit topic readings and references to further information.
Unit Fee Information
Fees and charges vary depending on the type of fee place you hold, your course, your commencement year, the units you choose to study and their study discipline, and your study load.
Tuition fees increase at the beginning of each calendar year and all fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD). Tuition fees do not include textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment or costs such as mandatory checks, travel and stationery.
For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current Students website.