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Communication for Research Scientists (SCIE90013)

Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

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Semester 1
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As a scientist, it is not only important to be able to experiment, research and discover, it is also vital that you can communicate your research effectively in a variety of ways. Even the most brilliant research is wasted if no one knows it has been done or if your target audience is unable to understand it.

In this subject you will develop your written and oral communication skills to ensure that you communicate your science as effectively as possible. We will cover effective science writing and oral presentations across a number of formats: writing a thesis; preparing, submitting and publishing journal papers; searching for, evaluating and citing appropriate references; peer review, making the most of conferences; applying for grants and jobs; and using social media to publicise your research.

You will have multiple opportunities to practice, receive feedback and improve both your oral and written communication skills.

Please note: students must be undertaking their own research in order to enrol in this subject.

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this subject students should be able to:



  • articulate the range of ways in which research scientists communicate their work;
  • identify the common features of effective communication in written and oral forms;
  • understand the nature of different outputs for scientific research;
  • effectively write (and appropriately format) different types of written documents (e.g. abstract, lay summary, manuscript);
  • locate, critically evaluate and cite relevant references;
  • prepare an oral presentation for a conference;
  • have some insight into the most effective ways for journalists and scientists to work together;
  • 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.
  • Read critically.
  • Use the library, online information and other resources effectively.
  • Plan work, use time effectively and meet deadlines.
  • Reflect on their own communication skills

Last updated: 3 November 2022