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
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. They learn to use various mechanisms to discuss and present scientific ideas. They discuss their findings, write a scientific article and give an oral presentation. Students provide feedback to their peers. Students work with their workshop as a team to organise an event about a science topic of their choice.
- 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; Mathematics and Statistics; 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 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 a strategy for a science communication event 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.
- Unit readings, including any essential textbooks, are listed in the unit outline for each unit, one week prior the commencement of study. The unit outline will be available via the LMS and the UWA Handbook one week prior the commencement of study. Reading lists and essential textbooks are subject to change each semester. Information on essential textbooks will also be made available on the Essential Textbooks. This website is updated regularly in the lead up to semester so content may change. It is recommended that students purchase essential textbooks for convenience due to the frequency with which they will be required during the unit. A limited number of textbooks will be made available from the Library in print and will also be made available online wherever possible. Essential textbooks can be purchased from the commercial vendors to secure the best deal. The Student Guild can provide assistance on where to purchase books if required. Books can be purchased second hand at the Guild Secondhand bookshop (second floor, Guild Village), which is located on campus.
- 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.