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Centre for the Public Awareness of Science · ANU College of Systems and Society
Consent to enrol is required for SCOM8004. See 'Other Information' for application deadline and associated details. Students in this course develop their science communication skills in authentic science engagement settings, creating real-world impact and building networks and pathways to support career development. The course allows students to choose from a range of one-year intensive fieldwork placements at some of Australia’s leading science engagement organisations. Students explore the fundamental theory that underpins science communication in such settings, then apply it to deliver, evaluate and improve existing programs, develop novel programs and work on other suitable priorities of the fieldwork host – including working alongside and learning from their staff. To see current fieldwork placement opportunities see the 'Class' tab. For more details, see all work-integrated learning opportunities the Australian National Centre for the Public Awareness of Science.
Critical reflection on science communication activities
Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Journal Paper - evaluation/research of an existing science communication activity, key audience, or other placement related research
Learning outcomes 1, 3, 4, 5
Creative Project Plan
Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Creative Project Report oral presentation
Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
The expected workload is approximately 130 hours of total student learning time per 6 units of enrolment. Note this course offers flexible load enrolment, either: - 24 units = 12 units Semester 1 + 12 units Semester 2 across two consecutive semesters of the same calendar year. - 18 units = 12 units Semester 1 + 6 units Semester 2 across two consecutive semesters of the same calendar year. Semester 1 (12 units) provides workshops and lectures at ANU to share underlying theory and a placement-based research project to ground students in the placement context, while Semester 2 (6 or 12 units) is primarily student-led focussing on a creative project involving designing and testing new content, programs, etc. with the support of your fieldwork hosts and the ANU Convenor. Students taking 12 units in Semester 2 will complete a more substantial creative project compared to the 6 unit option. Enrolment will consist of approximately 520 hours (24 units) or 390 hours (18 units) over semester 1 and 2 in one calendar year including: - approximately 30 hours of face-to-face meetings, workshops, lectures or other ANU-led teaching during teaching periods - approximately 490 hours (24 units) or 360 hours (18 units) work-integrated learning placement with a fieldwork host and associated self-directed study including assessment tasks. Work Integrated Learning Fieldwork All students engage with WIL partners (internal/external) as a major component of the course Other Information Current fieldwork hosts can be found in the class summary information . Please visit the Centre for the Public Awareness of Science website for further details of what fieldwork placements may involve and the application process. Note to take a placement at Questacon, due to Australian Government security regulations students must be an Australian citizen. If you are a science communication organisation that would like to host ANU students, or a potential applicant with a suggested fieldwork host, please contact the course convenor. As placements are limited and require forward planning, students must apply by September 30 (round 1) or November 30 (round 2 - only run if spaces remain) in the year prior to study by submitting: - a CV including any experience/qualifications relevant to the fieldwork placement (however these are not mandatory), and contact details (phone and email) for two referees - a one A4 page statement noting which fieldwork placement they are applying for, why they would be a valuable and effective person for the preferred fieldwork placement, and any other relevant details. Please email these to graham.walker@anu.edu.au and cpas@anu.edu.au. NOTE for students applying for a degree program at the same time please also attach these documents to your application. Late applications may be considered, please contact the course convenor. Following review of applications, there will be a informal interview process including a short science communication audition activity (e.g. a brief talk or demonstration). Applications and interviews will be assessed on applicant's creativity and originality, motivation for applying, existing skills and knowledge, interpersonal skills, past experience, ambition and adaptability. Note this process is more for students and host staff to meet each other and learn about what the placement involves, rather than a tough interview process. Contact the course convenor for more details. Additional considerations Students are typically expected to contribute to the practical operations of the fieldwork hosts activity by: - assisting to set-up and pack down equipment - for selected hosts, working in outdoor locations with sometimes limited accessibility such as nature reserves and botanic gardens. Students who cannot meet these requirements will need to have an exemption approved by the course convenor. As this cannot be guaranteed in all circumstances, students are strongly encouraged to discuss their circumstances with the course convenor before enrolling in this course.
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