Communicating Science Effectively (MoE)

This subject is not offered in 2015.

Estimated Total Time Commitment: 144 hours, including self-directed study and research

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

We know that employers value communication above all other skills in their employees. In this subject students will have multiple opportunities to practice, receive feedback and improve both their oral and written communication skills.

We will consider the central role science and technology play in twenty-first century society and explore why it is vital that scientists and those in leadership and management positions learn to articulate their ideas to a variety of audiences in a targeted, effective and engaging manner. These audiences may include industry, agencies that fund research, the media, government, as well as the broader public. In addition to more traditional modes of communication, we will explore social media (including blogging) as vital tools for those wishing to communicate broadly about science.

• Articulate the range of ways and situations in which science is communicated;
• Identify the common features of effective communication in written, oral and other forms of communication;
• Understand the nature of different audiences for scientific information;
• Communicate science effectively to different audiences, using a variety of techniques and media.

• Writing for different audiences – three 500-word written pieces due 4 weeks after end of teaching (25%)
• Blog writing, minimum 1000 words due during 2-week intensive (20%)
• Individual 10-minute oral presentation given in class due during 2-week intensive (20%)
• Group oral presentation and social media strategy given in class due during 2-week intensive (35%)

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

On the completion of this subject, students should be able to:

• Communicate effectively in both written and oral forms;
• Demonstrate awareness of and ability to use a variety of communication technology;
• Reflect on their own communication skills;
• Provide constructive feedback to other students on their communication skills (both written and oral);
• Plan work, use time effectively and meet deadlines.