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

During this unit, students not only learn the principles of effective exhibitions and interpretation from current literature, but also get out of the classroom and visit real exhibits in museums, parks and education centres. There is an opportunity to go behind the scenes or meet a curator to gain an appreciation of the process of designing and developing robust exhibits. From the principles learned, students evaluate an existing exhibit and deliver a guided walk. Students also have an opportunity to use their creativity and pitch their own exhibition idea on a topic of their choice and then create the introductory panel for that exhibition.

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Semester 1UWA (Perth)Face to face
Details for undergraduate courses
  • Level 3 core unit in the Science and Technology in Society [not available in 2025] major sequence
  • Level 3 elective
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) demonstrate an understanding of key concepts in interpretation and exhibition design (such as narrative/storytelling, framing, visitor experience, visitor motivation, evaluation); (2) demonstrate an understanding of ethical issues in the sector such as inequality, inclusion, and accessibility; (3) evaluate scholarly and grey literature related to interpretation and exhibition design; (4) critique exhibition design; and (5) design experiences for diverse audiences that create connections between people, places and things that align with organisational purposes.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) guided walk; (2) written work related to curation and exhibition evaluation; and (3) exhibition design. 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
Enrolment in
Minor(s) MNR-SCCOM Science Communication
or Enrolment in
51580 Master of Science Communication
or Successful completion of
48 points Unit(s)
Contact hours
lectures: 3 x 20 mins of online lectures per week
workshops: 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.