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.

View all online units

Unit Overview

Description

In this unit students improve their ability to communicate effectively through their writing via a variety of media. They look at science writing in print media, online, in fact sheets and books. They develop skills at sharing scientific information with non-specialists. Students interview a UWA researcher and write a news article about their work, write an opinion piece about a controversial scientific issue, a feature article about a scientific topic, maintain a blog, write a book review about a popular science book and reflect on their learning. Strong writing skills are a great asset for future academic or commercial success.

Credit
6 points
Outcomes

Students (1) understand the importance of targeting audiences and are familiar with methods to do so; (2) are able to write clearly about complex scientific information in language that the general public can comprehend; (3) have an awareness and understanding of key factors in effective written communication; (4) have an awareness and understanding of the role of images in conveying or strengthening messages; (5) are able to access information via the Web, a face-to-face interview and the scholarly literature; (6) are able to assess credibility of information and are familiar with acceptable methods of citing sources; (7) are able to create a balanced, informative opinion piece; (8) understand the role of objectivity in presenting a balanced view of a controversial topic; (9) are able to peer review and contribute constructive peer feedback on assignments; and (10) reflect on their learning process.

Assessment

There is no written examination in this unit. Assessment is based on participation and assignments including a blog, news article, opinion piece, book review and feature article.



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Dr Kristyn Bates
Unit rules
Prerequisites
enrolment in
the Graduate Certificate in Science Communication (51240), Graduate Diploma in Science Communication (51340), Master of Science Communication (51580)
or the Master of Science Communication and Education (52580).
It is also a recommended elective for the Master of Science and Technology and the Master of Infectious Diseases.
Contact hours
lectures: 2 hours per week
tutorials/practicals: 2 hours per week
Note
This is a core unit for students enrolled in the Graduate Certificate in Science Communication, Graduate Diploma in Science Communication, Master of Science Communication or the Master of Science Communication and Education. It is also a recommended elective for the Master of Science and Technology and the Master of Infectious Diseases.
  • 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.