If you want an exciting career that stimulates you, challenges you, and rewards you, then a postgraduate degree in science sets you on the right path.

Completing further study beyond a Bachelor degree will enhance your chances of employment as well as advancement, as you will increase your knowledge in specific areas that interest you.

Course outline

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.

Students learn principles of effective science communication, develop practical skills necessary for effective science communication, and design strategies that address communication needs of groups such as government organisations, informal museums, science centres and research centres. Students select from options such as science communication for change in industry and community, science performance, workplace project, science in the media, learning technologies and displays and exhibits.

Core units

• COMM7403 Science Communication - Community Presentations (6 points)
• COMM7701 Science Communication Writing (6 points)
• COMM7402 Science Communication Specialist Research Topics (6 points)
• COMM8801 Science Communication Dissertation (Part 1) (18 points)
• COMM8802 Science Communication Dissertation (Part 2) (18 points)

Options

A minimum of 12 points from the following list:

• COMM3317  Science Communication Practicum Part 1 (3 points)
• COMM3318  Science Communication Practicum Part 2 (3 points)
• COMM3322 Science Performance (6 points)
• COMM7702 Science Communication - Displays and Exhibits (6 points)
• COMM7703 Science and the Media (6 points)
• COMM7704 Science Communication - Learning Technologies (6 points)
• COMM8303 Science Communication for Change in Industry and Community (6 points)
• EDUC8465 Science Curriculum I (6 points)
• EDUC8485 Teaching and Learning Perspectives (6 points)

Note: COMM3317 and COMM3318 must be completed to fulfil the requirements of the unit.

Plus additional units to the value of 12 points form the list above, or the list below:

• ANTH2239 Anthropology of Media (6 points)
• ASIA2212 Chinese Media and Society (6 points)
• EBUS2207 Electronic Communication Strategies (6 points)
• EDUC8411 Understanding Contemporary Education (6 points)
• EDUC8451 Teaching and Learning with Information and Communication Technology (6 points)
• EDUC8462 Mathematics Curriculum I (6 points)
• EDUC8464 Information and Communication Technology Curriculum I (6 points)
• EDUC8475 Science Curriculum II (6 points)
• EDUC8635 Contemporary Issues in Science Education (6 points)
• EDUC8636 Assessment and Measurement (6 points)
• ENGL2216 Ecotexts: Nature/Writing/Technology (6 points)
• EURO2212 Communication and CultureSurvey (6 points)
• HMES8492 Health Promotion in the Schools (6 points)
• INMT2234 Information Systems Management (6 points)
• MKTG2203 Marketing Management (6 points)
• MKTG2204 Consumer Behaviour (6 points)
• MKTG2238 Advertising and Promotion (6 points)
• PHIL2270 Philosophy of Science (6 points)
• POLS2231 Politics of the Mass Media (6 points)
• VISA2214 Aesthetic Crossovers of Art and Science (6 points)
• VISA2249 Art and Life Manipulation (6 points)

Plus one unit of 6 points from the following list:

• ANHB8503 Research Methods in Anatomy and Human Biology (12 points)
• ANTH2237 Ethnographic Research Methods (6 points)
• EDUC8631 Approaches to Research (6 points)
• HMES7602 Research Methods (6 points)
• MGMT8792 Qualitative Methods in Business Research (6 points)
• MGMT8793 Quantitative Methods in Business Research (6 points)
• MKTG3305 Marketing Research (6 points)
• POLS2230 Introduction to Social Research Methods (6 points)
• POLS3330 Introduction to Social Research Methods (12 points)
• PSYC2203 Psychological Research Methods (6 points)
• PSYC8510 Evaluation and Research Methodology I (6 points)
• PUBH2205 Health Research Design (6 points)
• PUBH8766 Health Survey Research Methods (6 points)

Note: Some units in the above list have prerequisites or require special permission.

Plus two units to a value of 12 points chosen in consultation with the course co-ordinator from units available within the University.

Admission requirements

A Bachelor of Science degree of this University, or equivalent as recognised by the Faculty.

English Language Competence

All applicants for UWA coursework programs must demonstrate a minimum level of English Language Competence.

Course enquiries

Dr Nancy Longnecker, Co-ordinator, Science Communication Program
Phone: (+61 8) 6488 3926