In this course, academics at the Centre for the Public Awareness of Science can offer supervision for an original research project to motivated third year students. Students will devise their own science communication research project in collaboration with the supervisor, or can pursue a topic already offered by the supervisor.

If the work produced is of a sufficient standard, students may be offered the opportunity to co-publish it with their supervisor.

On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
1. Plan and engage in a critical investigation and evaluation of a chosen research topic
2. Identify and engage with relevant theory and concepts, relate these to the agreed upon methodologies and evidence, and draw appropriate conclusions
3. Engage in systematic discovery and critical review of appropriate and relevant information sources
4. Appropriately apply statistical or other evaluation processes to original data
5. Understand and apply ethical standards of conduct in the collection and evaluation of data and other resources
6. Communicate research concepts and contexts clearly and effectively both in writing and orally

The main piece of assessment is a report on an original research project, in the style of a journal paper. The report will be about 8000 words long, depending on the project. This will be worth between 70% and 100% of the mark.

The exact assessment requirements will be negotiated each semester or session between students and course convenor, and may include a seminar presentation, project proposal, research log book or other piece of assessment, as appropriate to the project.

Contact hours to be negotiated. Students are expected to work on the project for 10 hours per week (6 unit enrolment) or 20 hours per week (12 unit enrolment).

Available to third year students undertaking the Bachelor of Science (Science Communication) or a Science Communication Major who are deemed by the course convenor or undergraduate convenor to have achieved a sufficient academic standard in science communication courses. A supervisor must also be available to take the project on: students are advised to speak to potential supervisors early to ensure this is possible.

Students are expected to have some experience in and knowledge of:

• social science research skills including content analysis, survey design, interview techniques and focus group management.

• history, theory and principles of science communication.

• the practice of science communication, both written and verbal, as well as experience supporting this communication through props, visual aids, multimedia products, and so on.

• the design of science communication research projects, including framing research questions and choosing appropriate methods.

Prerequisites: 96 units towards a degree including SCOM1001, ENVS1003, SCOM2001 and SCOM2003; plus completion of or concurrent enrolment in SCOM3001 and/or SCOM3002; or the permission of the course convenor.

Students are expected to have completed most or all of SCOM1001, ENVS1003, SCOM2001, SCOM2003, SCOM3001 and SCOM3002 at the time of enrolment (see requisite statement).