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. 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
Availability Location Mode Not available in 2025 UWA (Perth) Face to face - Outcomes
Students are able to (1) demonstrate understanding of scientific practices, including the scientific method, development of scientific knowledge and communication about that knowledge, to peers and to the wider community; (2) critically analyse information and the credibility of information sources, and cite sources correctly; (3) present information and ideas in an effective written form that is appropriate to the purpose and the reader; (4) demonstrate awareness of basic learning theories and the impact of how people process information on effectiveness of communication; (5) demonstrate effective verbal communication skills through the development and presentation of oral presentations and through teamwork in workshop activities; (6) work both independently and collaboratively by effective participation in individual and team projects; and (7) provide constructive feedback and incorporate peer feedback appropriately.
- Assessment
Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) scholarly skills activities; (2) scientific report; and (3) event. 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)
- TBA
- Unit rules
- Prerequisites
- enrolment ina UWA College course and ATAR Mathematics Applications or equivalent
- Incompatibility
- SCOM1101 Communicating Science
- Texts
Recommended text (i.e. not compulsory):
Illingworth, S. and Allen, G. (2016). Effective Science Communication. A practical guide to surviving as a scientist. Bristol, UK: IOP 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.