Science Communication major
If you are creative, love science and want to work with people, Science Communication is for you. Science communicators use their knowledge of science to help raise the level of understanding about important issues in science—bridging the gap between the scientific community and the public. This major will teach you to communicate effectively with audiences ranging from children to scientists. Science Communication provides you with experience in new media, written, oral and visual presentations, and science performance. Throughout the major you will be working with industry experts to enhance your networking and employment opportunities, including an opportunity for a work placement. This major must be taken in conjunction with another science major, giving you both sound scientific knowledge and highly marketable communication skills.
Outcomes
Students are able to (1) demonstrate the ability to identify and align key message, audience and medium, by (a) identifying specific audiences and framing messages to be relevant, and (b) articulating specific objectives for communication activities; (2) create effective communication resources, by (a) applying principles of engagement and participation, and (b) developing a portfolio of work in a variety of media for different audiences; (3) evaluate the effectiveness of science communication, by (a) applying best practice findings from the research literature, (b) formulating explicit feedback and useful recommendations, and (c) accepting and implementing feedback on own work; (4) critically analyse and practice enquiry in science communication by reviewing and synthesising the science communication literature; and (5) act accountably for own learning, by (a) being independent and self-directed learners, (b) applying project management skills to work collaboratively with clients and colleagues, and (c) acting ethically with regards to research, communication and intellectual property.
Second major
Science Communication can only be taken as a second major in conjunction with a degree-specific Science major in the following degree courses:
Overview of unit sequence
The Science Communication second major is a single major comprising:
- two Level 1 units
- three Level 2 units
- three Level 3 units
| Key to availability of units: |
|---|
| S1 = Semester 1; S2 = Semester 2; NS = non-standard teaching period |
Level 1
Take all units (12 points):
| Availability | Unit code | Unit name | unit requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| S2 | PSYC1102 | Psychology: Behaviour in Context | |
| S1 | SCOM1101 | Communicating Science |
|
Level 2
Take all units (12 points):
| Availability | Unit code | Unit name | unit requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| S2 | SCOM2205 | Science Presentations | |
| S1 | SCOM2208 | Science Writing |
|
Take unit(s) to the value of 6 points:
| Availability | Unit code | Unit name | unit requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| S1, S2 | SCIE2205 | Science Work Placement |
|
| S1, S2 | SCIE2206 | Science Consultancy Project |
|
Level 3
Take all units (18 points):
| Availability | Unit code | Unit name | unit requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| S1, NS | COMM3004 | Journalism in Practice | |
| S1 | SCOM3319 | Exhibitions and Interpretation |
|
| S2 | SCOM3321 | Science and the Media |
|
Choosing a second major
The flexible structure of an undergraduate course allows you the option of including a second major. You have the choice to either nominate your second major when you first enrol in the course or delay it until your second year. For a major to be recorded on your academic record it must be nominated before the requirements of the course are completed.
To fully understand the structure of an undergraduate course read the course structure information and the Undergraduate Degree Course Rules.
The following example illustrates how Science Communication can be included as second major in an undergraduate degree course.
For more examples of combinations of majors, search the study plans .