Faculty of Life and Physical Sciences
Science communication studies at UWA aim to enable scientists to raise public awareness and understanding of important current issues in science.
On offer are the BSc (Science Communication), Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma (Science Communication), coursework MSc and research degrees. These courses of study provide opportunities to develop important skills in science communication, IT literacy, electronic publishing and related areas as well as communication research.
Sharing the excitement of science
Being able to transform scientific information into accessible, understandable knowledge for the public is the key business of a science communicator. Tasks include researching, writing and overseeing the production of publications, posters or brochures; preparing publicity material or media releases; designing exhibitions and displays; communicating with the media and delivering talks and presentations to the public.
Science communicators combine skills in written and verbal communication with their scientific knowledge, so they can bridge the gap between the scientific community and the public.
Careers in science communication
Science communication is a relatively new discipline and there is increasing recognition of the importance of engaging with the community. Many jobs are advertised around Australia and internationally.
Science communicators present information about issues in science to audiences ranging from school children to senior citizens.
Employment opportunities for science communication graduates exist in
- journalism (including popular science writing, print media, TV and radio)
- science interpretation (esuch as ecotourism, museums, exploratoria, zoos and other venues of informal science learning)
- research institutes
- government-funded research organisations
- science and technology industries (such as mining companies, pharmaceutical companies)
- education and government departments (such as Environment and Conserbation, CSIRO)
- community health
Why is science communication important?
Having a greater understanding of what science is about and what it can do for you encourages more effective decision making in our personal, professional and community lives. Science makes a huge contribution to the quality of our life. In a democratic society, all citizens should be able to share in the knowledge.
For the science community, effective communication can add substantial value to their research enabling a quicker transition from research knowledge to positive outcomes. But effective communication is a two-way process rather than a one-way operation of merely informing the public about scientific facts. Effective communication relies on engagement in dialogue where responses, views and feedback are encouraged.
A knowledge-based economy cannot afford to have too many decisions left in the hands of "technical experts". All community members should have the opportunity to participate in the debate.
