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Communicating Science: Theory and Practice - SCOM3011
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Campus: Kensington Campus
 
 
Career: Undergraduate
 
 
Units of Credit: 6
 
 
EFTSL: 0.12500 (more info)
 
 
Indicative Contact Hours per Week: 3
 
 
Enrolment Requirements:
 
 
Pre-requisites: 36UOC of credit in Science courses.
 
 
Equivalent: HPSC2730
 
 
Fee Band: 1 (more info)
 
 
Further Information: See Class Timetable
 
  

Description

Communicating science is crucial in modern societies. Scientists need to communicate not only among themselves but with representatives of business, unions, government, the media, and environmental and community interest groups. This course examines how different ideas about the nature of science affect our understanding of how science is communicated. Topics include: the history of science communication; new communication technologies and science; popularisation; distortion; the communication of uncertainty and risk. The course considers the role of communicators and policy advisors and guides students toward the latest on-line tools required to access, evaluate and use current information about science, technology and their social and environmental impacts. The class will simulate issues of communication and the roles of science communicators and produce appropriate outputs, such as journalistic articles, press releases and presentations to be published through an online journal.

Note: This course is only offered in alternate years commencing 2005.

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© The University of New South Wales (CRICOS Provider No.: 00098G), 2004-2011. The information contained in this Handbook is indicative only. While every effort is made to keep this information up-to-date, the University reserves the right to discontinue or vary arrangements, programs and courses at any time without notice and at its discretion. While the University will try to avoid or minimise any inconvenience, changes may also be made to programs, courses and staff after enrolment. The University may also set limits on the number of students in a course.