Science Communication Major
| Offered By | ANU College of Arts and Social Sciences, ANU College of Asia and the Pacific, ANU College of Medicine, Biology and Environment, ANU College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, ANU College of Business and Economics, ANU College of Law, and ANU College of Engineering and Computer Science |
|---|---|
| Academic Contact | Dr Rod Lamberts |
| Areas of Interest | Science Communication |
The Science Communication Major aims to complement studies in the traditional science disciplines.
The core courses provide training in the presentation and writing of science for a general audience, analysis of science and technology issues in the context of the wider community, and research methods for investigating public perceptions of science.
This major is a valuable adjunct for students wishing to enter scientific careers, because it enhances the communication skills and social awareness that are increasingly desired by science employers. These skills will strengthen your ability to
- successfully apply for funding for your research,
- communicate controversial aspects of your research with members of the public and your peers, particularly in the context of ethics and risk,
- apply scientific knowledge to practical situations in socially appropriate ways,
- speak confidently at science conferences,
- talk to the media about your work, and
- advise governments on science policy issues such as biotechnology, healthy living and environmental sustainability.
This major is also an excellent foundation for students interested in pursuing careers as professional science communicators. If you have ever dreamt of
making science exhibitions for Questacon,
- presenting television or radio shows about science,
- becoming a science journalist,
- rethinking the way science is taught in schools,
- researching the ways that movies, novels and comics have shaped public attitudes to science, or
- campaigning for change on science-related issues such as climate change, nuclear power and animal ethics,
then this major is for you.
Requirements
The major consists of 42 units.
All of:
SCOM1001 Science and Public Awareness
ENVS1003 Environment and Society Research Methods
SCOM2001 Practical Skills for Communicating Science
SCOM2003 Science in Popular Fiction
SCOM3001 Science, Risk and Ethics
SCOM3002 Science in the Media
Students must also choose one of the following 5 courses:
BIOL3191 Biotechnology in Context
ENVS3007 Participatory Resource Management: Addressing Environmental Conflict
ENVS3028 Environmental Policy
SCNC3200 Science & Mathematics Teaching in Secondary Schools
SCOM3003 Special Topics in Science Communication (can be taken as 6 units or 12 units)
Alternatively, with the permission of the science communication undergraduate coordinator, you may select another Group C course taught in the College of Physical Sciences or the College of Medicine, Biology and Environment..
The information published on the Study at ANU 2011 website applies to the 2011 academic year only. All information provided on this website replaces the information contained in the Study at ANU 2010 website.
