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Overview | Summary of Courses

Offered By:	Faculty of Asian Studies, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Economics and Commerce, School of Art, Faculty of Law, ANU College of Medicine, Biology & Environment, and ANU College of Pysical Sciences
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 4 courses:

BIOL3191          Biotechnology in Context

ENVS3007        Participatory Resource Management: Addressing Environmental Conflict

ENVS3028        Environmental Policy & Planning

SCNC3200        Science & Mathematics Teaching in Secondary Schools

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..