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.