Communicating Science and Technology (MULT20011)
Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
Overview
| Availability | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
Why is it essential scientists learn to communicate effectively about science and technology to a variety of audiences? What makes for engaging communication when it comes to science and technology? How does the style of communication need to change for different audiences? What types of media can be used with greatest effect for each communication task? What are the nuts and bolts of good science writing? What are the characteristics of effective public speaking?
Weekly seminars will consider the important role science and technology plays in twenty-first century society and explore why it is vital scientists learn to articulate their ideas to a variety of audiences in an effective and engaging manner. Other topics include giving talks about science to non-scientists, writing press releases, communicating about climate change, communicating with politicians, science performance and how science is reported in the media. We will also focus on effective communication in the context of employability: writing a CV and job application, interview skills, interpersonal communication and what communication skills employers are looking for in science graduates.
Students will develop skills in evaluating examples of science and technology communication to identify those that are most effective and engaging. Students will also be given multiple opportunities to receive feedback and improve their own written and oral communication skills.
Students will work in small teams on shared projects in addition to writing a science blog to further the communication skills developed during the seminar program.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject students should be able to:
- Articulate the range of purposes of communicating about science and technology
- Identify the common features of effective communication in written, oral and other forms of communication
- Understand the nature of different audiences for science and technology information
- Communicate science and/or technology effectively to different audiences, using a variety of different techniques and media
- Provide constructive feedback to other students on their communication skills (both written and oral)
Generic skills
On the completion of this subject, students should be able to:
- Communicate effectively in both written and oral forms
- Demonstrate awareness of and ability to use appropriate communication technology
- Provide constructive feedback on other students’ work
- Reflect on their own communication skills
Last updated: 9 April 2025
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
25 points of Level 2 subjects approved as core in the Bachelors of Biomedicine, Engineering or Science, or included in the following Bachelor of Environments majors: Civil Systems, Environmental Science, Geomatics, Landscape Management, Engineering Systems (previously Physical Systems).
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 9 April 2025
Assessment
Additional details
- One written assignment “Writing for different audiences” (1000 words, plus 500 words of peer review). Satisfactory participation in peer review of other students’ written assignments is a hurdle requirement. Initial submission for peer review will occur in week 4, final submission in week 8. (30%)
- Online science blog (minimum of 1500 words during semester). Students must post to the blog at least 3 times during semester and also respond to the posts of other students. (30%)
- Group project (approximately 60 hours of contribution to group work). Students will interview a University of Melbourne researcher and a) write a press release based on the research, b) produce visual material to explain the research to a primary school audience; and c) give a group oral presentation. Due week 12 (40%)
Last updated: 9 April 2025
Dates & times
- Semester 2
Principal coordinator Jen Martin Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours One 2-hour seminar, one 1-hour seminar plus one 1-hour tutorial per week Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 24 July 2017 to 22 October 2017 Last self-enrol date 4 August 2017 Census date 31 August 2017 Last date to withdraw without fail 22 September 2017 Assessment period ends 17 November 2017 Semester 2 contact information
Time commitment details
Estimated total time commitment of 170 hours
Last updated: 9 April 2025
Further information
- Texts
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Graduate Certificate in Professional Skills for Scientists - Breadth options
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
Last updated: 9 April 2025