Studying online (if an online offering is shown below)
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
What is scientific knowledge, how does it develop and how can it be more effectively communicated? How do you determine credibility of 'scientific' information and decide what information to use and how to use it appropriately?
Students find, examine and critically analyse information relating to a scientific topic of their choice. They learn to use various mechanisms/techniques to discuss and present scientific ideas in an oral presentation. Students are provided with a scientific dataset, learn how to evaluate the results of this dataset with basic statistical tests, and learn how to incorporate the results in a written scientific report. Students learn about science communication theory and collaborate with others in a team project to design an effective science communication initiative/event on a scientific topic. Throughout the unit students learn how to provide feedback to their peers.
- Credit
- 6 points
- Offering
(see Timetable) Availability Location Mode Semester 1 UWA (Perth) Face to face Semester 1 Online Online timetabled Semester 1 Albany Face to face - Details for undergraduate courses
- Level 1 core unit in the Conservation Biology; Zoology; Botany; Agricultural Science; Geology; Environmental Science; Anatomy and Human Biology; Agricultural Science and Technology; Integrated Earth and Marine Sciences; Environmental Science and Management; Marine Science; Geochemistry; Agricultural Technology; Environmental Management; Environmental Science and Ecology; Biodiversity and Evolution; Plant Biology; Chemistry; Geographical and Spatial Science major sequences
- Level 1 option in the Science and Technology in Society [not available in 2025] major sequence
- Level 1 elective
- Outcomes
Students are able to (1) prepare and deliver an oral presentation on a specific scientific topic, communicating technical ideas succinctly and effectively.; (2) demonstrate scientific literacy skills, identifying elements of good experimental design, analysing and interpreting data, and using this to write a scientific report.; (3) develop an effective science communication event/initiative on a specific scientific topic and then present it; and (4) reflect on working collaboratively with others, and support peer learning by giving feedback..
- Assessment
Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) oral presentation; (2) scientific report; and (3) group project. 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 Pieter Poot and Dr Heather Bray
- Unit rules
- Contact hours
- Lectures: 3 to 5 prerecorded short lectures per week
Workshop/Practical sessions: 2 hours per week (either face to face or on line material) - Texts
Recommended texts (i.e. not compulsory) available in the unit's reading list (Week 1):
Bowater, L. & Yeoman, K. (2012). Science Communication: A Practical Guide for Scientists. New York, USA: Wiley-Blackwell.
Cormick, C. (2019). The Science of Communicating Science: the Ultimate Guide. Collingwood, Australia: CSIRO Publishing.
- 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.