Studying online
There are now 2 possible online modes for units:
Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.
Click on an offering mode for more details.
Unit Overview
- Description
The development and advancement of science relies heavily on effective written and spoken communication. Strong communication skills allow scientists to acquire new information, convey research results, mount convincing arguments, make decisive and evidence-based decisions, form effective and worthwhile collaborations, and become leaders who can influence the perception of science in their discipline and in wider society.
This unit is built around a series of modules to help students develop the skills needed to communicate effectively to scientific audiences. Students will learn to find, examine and critically analyse information relating to a scientific topic. They learn different ways to discuss and present scientific ideas, write their own scientific paper or report, and give oral presentations.
Modules will cover searching and evaluating literature, presentation of research data, ethical considerations in research conduct and publication, and exploring the various conduits for disseminating research findings. This unit is of interest to postgraduate coursework students, who will become more employable through the acquisition of research ethics and communication skills.
- Credit
- 6 points
- Offering
(see Timetable) Availability Location Mode Semester 1 UWA (Perth) Face to face Semester 1 Online Online timetabled Semester 2 UWA (Perth) Face to face Semester 2 Online Online timetabled - Outcomes
Students are able to (1) demonstrate an understanding of the theory and technical skills that are needed to communicate science effectively to various audiences; (2) conduct ethical research, which includes acquiring, managing, and sharing of data in a way that respects the personal and intellectual property of the owner, avoiding plagiarism, and fostering inclusive authorship; (3) demonstrate scientific literacy skills, and using this to write an appropriately structured scientific article to a high professional standard; and (4) present advanced-level knowledge and/or results to a non-specialist audience through talks or seminar presentations.
- Assessment
Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) oral presentations; (2) online quizzes; and (3) written reports. Further information is available in the unit outline.
Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.
- Unit Coordinator(s)
- Dr Claire Doll (Sem 1 and 2) and Dr Jennifer Carson (Sem 2)
- Unit rules
- Contact hours
- Weekly face-to-face OR online workshops. This unit runs in Semester 1 and Semester 2, and can be taken in either semester.
- The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
- All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
- Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
- Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.
Face to face
Predominantly face-to-face. On campus attendance required to complete this unit. May have accompanying resources online.
Online flexible
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit is asynchronous delivery, with NO requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online timetabled
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit includes some synchronous components, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online Restricted
Not available for self-enrolment. Students access this mode by contacting their student office through AskUWA. 100% Online Unit.
NO campus face-to-face attendance. All study and assessment requirements are online only. Unit includes some timetabled activities, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times. In exceptional cases (noted in the Handbook) students may be required to participate in face-to-face laboratory classes when a return to UWA’s Crawley campus becomes possible in order to be awarded a final grade.
External
No attendance or regular contact is required, and all study requirements are completed either via correspondence and/or online submission.
Off-campus
Regular attendance is not required, but student attends the institution face to face on an agreed schedule for purposes of supervision and/or instruction.
Multi-mode
Multiple modes of delivery. Unit includes a mix of online and on-campus study requirements. On campus attendance for some activities is required to complete this unit.