Uncertainty is everywhere. However, in the sciences, the ramifications of poor risk assessment in science can have dramatic and global consequences. Risk is very hard to calculate, and even harder to communicate. What is risky, to whom, and why? How is risk understood by experts? How is it translated into the public domain? When does a risk become acceptable? Is it possible to speak about "real" or "true" risks in science? How do the concepts of risk and ethics relate?

In recent years, issues such as global warming, environmental degradation and gene technologies have highlighted a critical need for society to question the risks and ethics of science and the way related matters are presented within societies. In this course, the practice and application of science is analysed from risk-communication and ethical perspectives. Consideration is given to how the history of scientific research might inform contemporary debates about risk. The concept of ethical research is analysed and challenged and the communication of risk and uncertainty among Western and non-Western publics is examined in detail. This course focuses on the creation of clearer and more effective ways to communicate more controversial, risky, and potential unethical scientific matters to larger audiences. It also considers the way in which prevailing social values influence the types of research that might be considered low risk and ethical.

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. Identify and respond to a selection of the myriad social, cultural and psychological influences that affect people's perception of risks associated with science
3. Recognise and evaluate risk/ethical issues pertaining to science in the public sphere
4. Assemble a risk communication strategy involving the communication of science-related risk issues in contemporary Australia
5. Synthesise personal interests, values and aspirations with professional development in the communication of risk
6. Actively engage with fundamental research processes

• Ethics opinion pieces discussing role of ethics in scientific research (35%; LO 2, 3)
• Individual report, feeding into team project (15%; LO 1, 3, 4, 6)
• Group presentation of findings and outline of team project (10%; LO1, 4, 5)
• Project final report, describing team project designing risk communications strategy (30%; LO 1, 3, 4, 6)
• Reflective pieces about science, risk and ethics (2 x 5%; LO 2, 3, 5)

2 x 2 hour classes per week comprising lecture and tute material

SCOM1001 plus at least 24 units of Group B courses