SCOM3002 Science in the Media

Later Year Course

Offered By	Centre for Public Awareness of Science
Academic Career	Undergraduate
Course Subject	Scientific Communication
Offered in	Second Semester, 2009 and Second Semester, 2010
Unit Value	6 units
Course Description	Public surveys have shown that more Australians prefer to read about science in the newspapers than sport. However, very few scientists are trained in the skills of writing for the general public and many also avoid any contact with the media. For the public to be able to make informed decisions about important scientific issues, they need to have access to accurate yet understandable information. The best vehicle for this is through the print and electronic media. This course examines the relationship between science and the media and the cultural differences that often make the relationship difficult. Topics to be covered include an analysis of science-media relations from both the scientists' and journalists' perspective; the style in which science is reported in the media; and how best to present science in the media. This is a skills-based course, the aim of which is to train science students in the production of material suitable for publication or broadcast in the popular media. Students will have direct contact with working science writers and other members of the media to give them the opportunity to have stories printed or broadcast.
Learning Outcomes	On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to: 1. Understand the processes involved in getting an issue into the media 2. Understand the basics of radio, television and print media production 3. Understand current issues in journalism 4. Understand statistical pitfalls in reporting 5. Differentiate the communication needs of various audiences 6. Evaluate the suitability of topics for different media, and examine and select appropriate background material for a story 7. Develop a press release 8. Create an article with structure suitable for a newspaper or magazine
Indicative Assessment	Assessment for the course will be continuous throughout the semester and involve preparation of material suitable for publication or broadcast. Re-write of a published scientific paper in a style suitable for publication in New Scientist or Cosmos (10%; LO 5, 6, 8) Contribution to National Science Week: covering National Science Week event by attending, taking photos and writing story (15%; LO 1, 5, 6, 8) Short article suitable for publication in CSIRO's Helix magazine (10%; LO 5, 6, 8) Writing news and feature articles based on journal article or interview with ANU scientist (25%; LO 1, 5, 6, 8) Press release (10%; LO 1, 3, 5, 6, 7) Take home exam (20%; LO 2, 3, 4, 5) Attendance and participation in practical classes (10%; LO 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
Workload	Two lectures and three hours of practical/tutorial per week
Areas of Interest	Science Communication
Requisite Statement	SCOM1001 and 24 units of Group B courses
Science Group	C
Academic Contact	Dr Will J Grant

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