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| Graduate Certificate in Science Communication |
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(Program code 6656)
The Graduate Certificate program involves one year of full-time
study which can also be taken part-time. It is a HECS course so no
upfront fees are payable for Australian residents. It is suitable
for students who have graduated with a Science degree who want to
extend their studies into the communication field. An Honours degree is
not required: entry to the Graduate Certificate program is available to
those who hold a Bachelors degree. Admission will be considered on the
basis of academic performance, referees' reports and if necessary, an
interview with staff from the Centre. There is no research component in
this program but students may apply to change to a Masters by
coursework program at the end of the year. The program consists of four courses that combine theoretical and
practical aspects of science communication. Students complete the
following core two courses:
Communicating Science with the Public (SCOM8014) (Semester 1, 6 units)
The aim of this course is to highlight the problems commonly
encountered by those of the public who have not 'succeeded' in science
or suffered from poor early experiences. The course content includes aspects of gender and multiculturalism;
language in science and misconceptions; the use of analogies; gender
inclusive science - what does it look like? Assessment is by portfolio,
with a strong emphasis on a design component which will exemplify
students' understanding of various aspects of communication.
Public Speaking and Acting Techniques (SCOM8015) (Semester 2, 6 units)
This is a practical course given by a leading Australian science
presenter which aims to develop public speaking skills. The emphasis is
on presenting science to a general audience. A one day workshop on
acting and personal presentation skills is also part of the course.
In addition, students choose two from the following four electives:
Design and Process for the World Wide Web (SCOM8012) (Semester 1, 6 units)
Throughout this course, students will develop an understanding of best practice principles with
regard to visual communication methods and media. Through a series of theory sessions and hands-on tutorials, students will develop basic skills in visual design using industry standard tools and
software. Students will also gain a sound understanding of the information needed to effectively
communicate with professional suppliers of services within the graphic design industry, including
web and print designers, and commercial printers.
Science in the media (SCOM8016) (Semester 2, 6 units)
This course covers a variety of aspects of science in the media.
Topics covered include an analysis of what types of science issues get
attention in the media, how to research and write articles, how
broadcast media works, formats for written articles, and science-media
relations from both the scientists' and journalists' perspectives.
Guest lecturers include scientists, media managers, journalists,
editors and commentators to provide a range of perspectives on science
in the media. The aim of this course is to train students to produce science-based
material suitable for publication or broadcast in the popular media and
to provide an understanding of how the media works. 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. Graduate Certificate students also have a radio component in
their assessment which enables them to gain experience in live
broadcasting.
Strategies in science communication (SCOM6501) (Semester 1, 6 units)
This course focuses on the creation of clearer and more effective
ways to communicate scientific matters to larger audiences. It provides
participants with a thorough and practical understanding of the process
used in developing a communication plan including the development of a
strategic framework and accompanying action plan that allocates
resources, responsibilities and timeframes. It has a strong emphasis on
relating theory to current industry best practice in implementing a
strategic approach to planning communication activities. The major
project component is based around field work and science-based (trade)
show design.
Science and public policy (SCOM8027) (Semester 2, 6 units)
The successful creation and implementation of public policy about and for science is unavoidably context bound. Generic methods and theories of public policy and governance that are not systematically embedded in social, economic and cultural contexts will be of limited relevance and effect. In this course, science policy and governance in the Australia-Pacific region are examined from a broad range of perspectives, underpinned by relevant theory and practice from the emerging discipline of science communication. Guest lecturers who are leaders in the field of science policy and governance feature significantly throughout the course, as befits the critical and ever-changing nature of the subject matter.
Find out more about Graduate Study
For more information, please email: scicomm.gradprog@anu.edu.au
Application forms for postgraduate coursework programs can be obtained from: http://www.anu.edu.au/sas/forms
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