Undergraduate Programs

Bachelor of Science (Science Communication)

The Centre offers the unique opportunity to study courses in science communication in conjunction with mainstream science. Undergraduate students can complete a Bachelor of Science (Science Communication) which provides training in science presentation and writing as well as analysis of science and technology issues in the context of the wider community. Units can also be added to existing degree programs, allowing students to add to their science or arts degree the communication skills hotly sought after by employers.

 
   
Electives allow you to learn more about human nature and the philosophy of science, placing science in the context of the everyday lives of people.

Eligible graduates from this program will be able to continue in Honours in mainstream science areas or in science communication. Your newly found skills will not limit your choices but will give you an added advantage over your colleagues who have a conventional BSc.

Program Requirements

Precise details of the program requirements can be found in the Undergraduate Handbook.

Generally, the course consists of mainstream science courses of your choice (enabling you to continue with Honours in any area of science in which you are eligible) and a strand of science communication units. As well, you will need to choose some courses from other discipline areas. These are generally "people" oriented disciplines such as psychology, anthropology, human ecology, geography or theatre arts.

The science communication courses consist of the following:

Science and Public Awareness (SCOM1001)

This first year course provides an introduction to issues in science and technology, and science communication. Students will be encouraged to discuss their own perceptions of science and technology in the context of the broader community and the problems associated with communicating science to the general public.

Scientific Communication (SCOM2001)

This is a second year course which develops skills in the areas of writing and presenting science to the general public. The emphasis is on making science understandable and interesting for a broad audience. It is a skill-based unit to equip students with the necessary qualities to be successful communicators.

Science Journalism (SCOM3002)

This third year course examines the relationship between science and the media and the cultural differences that often make the relationship difficult. This is a skills-based course, the aim of which is to train science students in the production of material suitable for publication or broadcast in the popular media. Students will have direct contact with working science writers and other members of the media to give them the opportunity to have stories printed or broadcast. See some examples of students' work.

Science, Risk and Ethics (SCOM3001)

Uncertainty is everywhere. We casually and unknowingly take risks and accept uncertainty many times everyday. However, in the sciences, we cannot afford to be so blasé. The ramifications of poor risk assessment in science can and do have dramatic and global consequences. Risk is very hard to calculate, and even harder to communicate. This course focuses on the creation of clearer and more effective ways to communicate more controversial, risky, and potential unethical scientific matters to larger audiences. It also considers the way in which prevailing social values influence the types of research that might be considered low risk and ethical.

Have an edge over your competitors! Complement your scientific knowledge with the skills to communicate with a wide audience. A Bachelor of Science (Science Communication) can take you wherever you want to go.

For more information click here or contact: Dr Rod Lamberts