This course provides an introduction to contemporary social and communication issues in science, technology, and society. Topics covered include: the image of science and how science is reported in the media; issues in science in relation to specific examples such as biotechnology; science and technology in cross-cultural contexts; understanding risk and uncertainty; an overview of the many areas of science communication; informal learning settings; and the problems arising at the interface of science, industry and Government.

The course focuses heavily on current events and issues facing scientists, science communicators, policy makers, and the community. Students are encouraged to discuss their own perceptions of science and technology in the context of the broader community, the problems with (and solutions to) communicating science to the non-expert audiences. A strong emphasis is placed on teamwork and students are expected to take an active approach to learning.

Honours Pathway Option (HPO):

Entry to this option requires approval of the course convenor. Students prepare, and participate in, four 2-hour seminars which consider current issues in science communication practice and research in some depth, focusing on the greater context of science and science communication research, practice and policy. Additional reading will be required. The bulk of the HPO assessment is the same as for standard entry SCOM1001. The only assessment difference will be that for students in the HPO stream, half of the class test (12.5% of the course) will be devoted to the issues discussed in the HPO seminars and HPO seminar readings.

On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Work as part of a team in a collaborative environment
2. Understand and describe the key issues and importance of effective scientific and technological communication
3. Recognise how social contexts affect the practice and communication of science
4. Translate and report on scientific writing
5. Evaluate the effectiveness of the presenation of science in the media
6. Synthesise personal interests, values and aspirations with professional development

Assessment will be based on:

• In-prac quizzes: short answer quizzes based on readings (3 x 5%; LO 2)
• Research, reference & review task: individually find references for team project and summarise their contribution to the project (10%; LO 2, 4)
• "Translation" of scientific paper into "plain English" article (15%; LO 4)
• Progress report on team project (10%; LO 1, 5)
• Project presentation team presentation / sales pitch for project (10%; LO 1, 5, 6)
• Class test (20%: LO 2)
• Final project report on team project on science communication issue (20%; LO1, 3, 5, 6)