Communication for Research Scientists (SCIE90013)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
Contact information
Semester 1
Semester 2
Overview
| Availability | Semester 1 Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
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;
- describe 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;
- outline the most effective ways for journalists and scientists to work together; and
- 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; and
- reflect on their own communication skills.
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
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: 4 March 2025
Assessment
Semester 1
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
Attendance and participation in class discussions. Students must attend 80% of classes and participate in all class activities including discussions, speaking to the class, and giving feedback to classmates.
| Throughout the teaching period | 10% |
First written task: 100 word lay summary of your research, due week 3
| Week 3 | 10% |
Second written task: 300 word abstract of your research, due week 5
| Week 5 | 10% |
Third written task: 1000 word Nature/Science news article. As part of the task, students will peer review each others' work. Initial submission for peer review due week 7 (hurdle requirement), final submission due week 10
| Peer review due week 7; Final submission due week 10 | 20% |
8 minute conference-style spoken presentation, due week 11 or 12
| Due week 11 or 12 | 30% |
Fourth written task: 1000 word short communication for a discipline-specific journal due week 12
| Week 12 | 20% |
Semester 2
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
Attendance and participation in class discussions. Students must attend 80% of classes and participate in all class activities including discussions, speaking to the class, and giving feedback to classmates.
| Throughout the teaching period | 10% |
First written task: 100 word lay summary of your research, due week 3
| Week 3 | 10% |
Second written task: 300 word abstract of your research, due week 5
| Week 5 | 10% |
Third written task: 1000 word Nature/Science news article. As part of the task, students will peer review each others' work. Initial submission for peer review due week 7 (hurdle requirement), final submission due week 10
| Peer review due week 7; Final submission due week 10 | 20% |
8 minute conference-style spoken presentation, due week 11 or 12
| Due week 11 or 12 | 30% |
Fourth written task: 1000 word short communication for a discipline-specific journal due week 12
| Week 12 | 20% |
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Principal coordinator Jen Martin Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 36-hours (2x 1-hour seminars plus 1x 1-hour tutorial per week) Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 3 March 2025 to 1 June 2025 Last self-enrol date 14 March 2025 Census date 31 March 2025 Last date to withdraw without fail 9 May 2025 Assessment period ends 27 June 2025 Semester 1 contact information
- Semester 2
Coordinators Jen Martin and Linden Ashcroft Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 36-hours (2x 1-hour seminars plus 1x 1-hour tutorial per week) Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 28 July 2025 to 26 October 2025 Last self-enrol date 8 August 2025 Census date 1 September 2025 Last date to withdraw without fail 26 September 2025 Assessment period ends 21 November 2025 Semester 2 contact information
What do these dates mean
Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:
- Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
- And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
- Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Further information
- Texts
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
- Links to additional information
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
Last updated: 4 March 2025