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The Australian National Centre for the Public Awareness of Science (CPAS) offers world class undergraduate and postgraduate education in science communication.
Our courses span the gamut of science communication knowledge, skills and theory. We cover key communication media, including news media, the web and social media, live presentations, fiction film and television, science centre exhibits, and more. We also explore diverse communication contexts, including situations of risk and controversy, cross-cultural exchange, policy environments, corporate and organisational communication, communicating with children, and more.
Our assessment tasks are innovative, research-led and practically-oriented, to equip you with the professional communication expertise you need in the workplace. Our students have the opportunity to produce real world science communication materials and events in many of our courses, giving you the edge in the science and communications job markets.
If you want to work as a professional communicator in a science-related field, or want to enhance your communication skills for working in the sciences, medicine or engineering, enrol in a SCOM course today!
During semester
Running weekly through the ANU semesters.
Semester 1
- SCOM1001 Science Communication 1: Science and Public Awareness
- SCOM2031 Science, Risk and Ethics
- SCOM2016 Science in the Media
- SCOM3032 Making Modern Science
Semester 2
- SCOM1002 Science Communication 2: Scientific Evidence and Social Change
- SCOM2015 Speaking of Science (taught in person only; not offered online)
- SCOM3027 Science Politics
- SCOM3033 Health Promotion Principles and Practice
Intensive
An intensive week of classes (2020 dates here in brackets), some with pre-reading, then assessed online over the following months. In Semester 2, 2020, intensives will be available online.
Autumn
- SCOM2003 Science in Popular Fiction (22-26 June 2020)
Winter
- SCOM3012 Science Communication and the Web (29 June - 3 July 2020)
- SCOM3007 Science Communication Project Design and Delivery (7-10 July + session during semester)
- SCOM3501 Strategies in Science Communication (7-11 September 2020)
- SCOM3029 Cross Cultural Perspectives in Science Communication (14-18 September September 2020)
Spring
- Spring: SCOM3030 Science Dialogue Theory and Practice (not offered in 2020)
You choose
Semester 1 or 2, Summer, Autumn, or Spring. Make your SCOM Major or Minor your own, by choosing your internship place and research topic.
- SCOM3003 Science Communication Research Project
- SCOM3004 Science Communication Internship
- SCOM3005 Special Topics in Science Communication
The Science Communication Honours specialisation requires the completion of 48 units, which must consist of:
42 units from completion of:
6 units from completion of:
In person only
Some skills need the interpersonal experience.
Semester 2
In person or online
Choose the delivery mode that suits you best – check the individual course detail for delivery options.
Semester 1
- SCOM6031 Science, Risk and Ethics
- SCOM6032 Making Modern Science
- SCOM8014 Communicating Science with the Public
Semester 2
Intensive
An intensive week of classes (2020 dates here in brackets), some with pre-reading, then assessed online over the following months. In Semester 2, 2020, intensives will be available online.
Summer
- SCOM8088 Engagement for Policy Impact (17-21 February 2020)
Autumn
- POGO8138 Science, Technology and Public Policy (1 May, 8 May, 15 May, 5 June, 12 June, 19 June)
- SCOM6016 Science in the Media (6-9 April 2020)
- SCOM6003 Science in Popular Fiction (22-26 June 2020)
Winter
- SCOM6012 Science Communication and the Web (29 June - 3 July 2020)
- SCOM6007 Science Communication Project Design and Delivery (7-10 July + session during semester)
- SCOM6501 Strategies in Science Communication (7-11 September 2020)
- SCOM6029 Cross Cultural Perspectives in Science Communication (14-18 September 2020)
Spring
- SCOM6030 Science Dialogue Theory and Practice (not offered in 2020)
You choose
Semester 1 or 2, Summer, Autumn, Winter or Spring. Make your Masters your own, by choosing your internship place and research topic.
- SCOM6004 Science Communication Internship
- SCOM6005 Special Topics in Science Communication
- SCOM7000 Science Communication Research Project (Semester 1 or 2, flexible enrolment load)
