Unit Overview

Description

Strong writing skills are a great asset for future academic or commercial success. In this unit, students develop skills in communicating effectively with non-scientific audiences through a series of writing tasks. Students will produce a number of written pieces, in both short and long form, in different formats and for diverse audiences.

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Semester 1UWA (Perth)On-campus

The timetable for this teaching period is not currently available. Please see the Important Dates page for the timetable release date and other key date information.

Details for undergraduate courses
  • Level 2 elective
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) write clearly about complex scientific information in language that is appropriate for a non-specialist audience; (2) identify key elements in science writing used in professional practice; (3) use evidence to create written work with a specific purpose, audience, and message; and (4) demonstrate ethical behaviour in the processes of science writing, including the use of generative AI.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) critique; (2) checkouts; and (3) portfolio. 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 Heather Bray
Unit rules
Prerequisites
Successful completion of
36 points in your chosen degree
or Enrolment in
51580 Master of Science Communication
Advisable prior study
SCOM1101 Communicating Science (ID 1553)
Contact hours
lectures: 3 x 20 minute online lectures per week
workshops: 1 x 2 hours per week
  • 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.