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Unit of study_
SCIE4001: Science Communication
2025 unit information
"If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough". This quote is widely attributed to Albert Einstein, but regardless of its provenance, it suggests that one measure of an expert's knowledge can be found in their ability to translate complex ideas so that they are accessible to anyone. The communication of science to the public is essential for science and society. In order to increase public understanding and appreciation of science, researchers must be able to explain their results, and the wider context of their research, to non-experts. This unit will explore some theoretical foundations of science communications, identify outstanding practitioners and empower students to produce effective science communication in different media. In this unit you will learn the necessary skills and techniques to tell engaging and informative science stories in order to bring complex ideas to life, for non-expert audiences. By undertaking this unit you will develop a greater understanding of the wider context of your honours unit, advance your communication skills and be able to explain your honours research to non-expert audiences such as friends, family or future employers. These transferable skills will equip you for future research - where emphasis is increasingly placed on public communication and/or outreach - or professional pathways - where effective communication of complex ideas is highly valued.
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
Science
| Study level | Undergraduate |
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| Academic unit | Chemistry Academic Operations |
| Credit points | 6 |
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Prerequisites:
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144 credit points of units of study and including a minimum of 24 credit points at the 3000 or 4000-level and 18 credit points of 3000 or 4000-level units from Science Table A or Medicine and Health Table A |
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Corequisites:
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None |
| Prohibitions:
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None |
| Assumed knowledge:
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Completion of a major in a science discipline. Basic knowledge of other sciences is beneficial. Experience in communication such as delivering oral presentations and producing written reports. An awareness of science in a societal context, e.g., of disciplinary applications |
At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- LO1. Identify science communication modes, audiences and purposes using digital and other sources of information.
- LO2. Explain the importance of science communication, both within science and for society.
- LO3. Translate complex scientific topics, concepts and issues into language appropriate for non-experts using media that is appropriate to different audiences.
- LO4. Appraise and evaluate science communication exemplars and assess their appropriateness for purpose.
- LO5. Produce examples of effective science communication that demonstrate depth of disciplinary expertise, inventiveness and influence.
- LO6. Work in a responsible, professional, culturally competent and ethical manner both independently and collaboratively in teams.
Unit availability
This section lists the session, attendance modes and locations the unit is available in. There is a unit outline for each of the unit availabilities, which gives you information about the unit including assessment details and a schedule of weekly activities.
The outline is published 2 weeks before the first day of teaching. You can look at previous outlines for a guide to the details of a unit.
| Session | MoA ? | Location | Outline ? |
|---|---|---|---|
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Semester 1 2025
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Normal day | Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney |
Outline unavailable
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Modes of attendance (MoA)
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Important enrolment information
Additional advice
Mid-year honours students would take this unit of study in S1 (their second semester of study).
