The interface between science and public policy - between our key modern sources of knowledge and action - is of fundamental importance to modern society.  Yet while our technologies and techniques of scientific enquiry have allowed us to learn ever more about the world, and our collective ability to enact change has become ever more powerful, the relationship between scientific knowledge and public policy action has never been entirely smooth. This course traces the dynamics, contours and fractures of this interface.

Topics covered include: policy for doing science and for implementing its outputs; appropriate science and technology policy and practice; the relationship between science priorities and government priorities; the implications of funding arrangements; science in the community; the differing languages and time frames of scientists and policy makers; practical techniques for community involvement; the tensions between what stakeholders want and what they need; and risk perception, analysis and communication.

It is our goal in this course to generate a mindset that can help to produce better policy for science, and better engage scientific enquiry with policy action.

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

Assessment will comprise:

• Ongoing participation: discussion online and face-to-face showing systematic application of science communication theory to evaluate science policy initiatives (20%; LO 2)
• Fortnightly quiz: short answer questions to show ability to evaluate science policy initiatives and understand key issues guiding science/policy interaction (20%; LO 1, 2)
• Development of questions for specialist speakers, using course concepts to question/critique presentations by specialists (10%; LO 4)
• Presentation facilitation, guiding class discussion with specialist presenters (10%; LO 5)
• Essay / Report,  providing systematic written evaluation of science policy initiatives and policy design in socio-economic and cultural context (40%; LO 2, 3)

Bachelor degree