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. However very few scientists are trained to communicate effectively with the media, which can make informing the public a difficult process.

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 opportunities to practice the skills of this course in ‘real life settings’ gaining valuable industry experience and contacts.

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

1. Identify and apply the processes involved in getting an issue into the media
2. Apply the basics of print media production
3. Discuss current issues in journalism
4. Explain 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

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

• In-class participation (10%)
• Ongoing analysis of material in the media (10% - LO1, 3, 4, 5, 6)
• Developing, delivering and evaluating a media strategy for a real science communication scenario (40% - LO1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
• Writing news articles based on recently published scientific research (20%* - LO1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8)
• Covering National Science Week (20%* - LO1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8)
• Essay - how controversies in science play out in the media (20%* - LO3, 4, 5, 6)

* Optional assessment items; students choose 2 of 3.

One three hour workshop per week and one x one hour tutorial per fortnight

SCOM1001 and 24 units of Group B courses