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.

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

Assessment for the course will be continuous throughout the semester and involve preparation of material suitable for publication or broadcast.

• Attendance and participation (10%)
• Ongoing analysis of material in the media (10%)
• Writing the same science up as a news story and a feature (20%*)
• Covering National Science Week (20%*)
• Compiling a media strategy for a real science communication scenario (20%*)
• Essay - how controversies in science play out in the media (20%*)
• Develop a portfolio in preparation for work (20%*)

* Optional assessment items; students choose 4 of 5.

SCOM1001 and 24 units of Group B courses