SC5055 - Research and Communication Skills in the Natural Sciences
| Credit points: | 03 |
| Year: | 2014 |
| Student Contribution Band: | Band 2 |
| Administered by: | School of Marine & Tropical Biology (pre 2015) |
Available to Bachelor of Science (Advanced) and Postgraduate students.
Effective communication is a critical skill for a successful career in research oriented science, environmental management, public policy and/or education. This subject provides postgraduate students the opportunity to develop and practice advanced oral and written skills necessary for relaying research findings in the biological and environmental sciences to stakeholders in research (ie other scientists, managers, policy makers, industry and the general public). These skills will be complemented by an in-depth understanding of the role of science in society. Students will: (1) refine their critical thinking, reading and writing techniques in order to present and publish peer reviewed science; and (2) explore the relationships between science, management and policy makers, reviewing the roles and priorities of each agent, and communication between them. The ethical and legal requirements for best practice science will also be covered. Students will complete written and oral assessment tasks encompassing a range of communication styles and tools. Students will attend weekly discussion-orientated workshops on the above topics and research seminars in their field of interest. The subject is co-taught by the School of Marine and Tropical Biology and the School of Earth and Environmental Science.
Learning Outcomes
- critical analysis skills as applied to scientific literature;
- understand the need for openness, transparency and accountability in commjunicating science;
- appreciate the role of science within society and the corresponding responsibilities of scientists;
- ability to communicate past, current and planned research to a range of audiences, using various genres and media.
| Assumed Knowledge: | This subject will target students with a general knowledge in biology and/or ecology. However an in-depth knowledge in these areas is not essential. |
| Prerequisites: | Undergraduate degree in Science |
Availabilities | |
| Townsville, Internal, Study Period 2 | |
| Census Date 28-Aug-2014 | |
| Coordinator: | Dr Naomi Gardiner |
| Lecturers: | Assoc. Professor Emma Gyuris, Dr Naomi Gardiner, Dr Laura Castell. |
| Contact hours: |
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| Assessment: | tutorial attendance and participation (20%); assignments (80%). |
| Special Assessment Requirements: | Tutorial attendance is compulsory and contributes to final grade. |
| Cairns, Internal, Study Period 2 | |
| Census Date 28-Aug-2014 | |
| Coordinator: | Dr Naomi Gardiner |
| Lecturers: | Assoc. Professor Emma Gyuris, Dr Naomi Gardiner, Dr Laura Castell. |
| Contact hours: |
|
| Assessment: | tutorial attendance and participation (20%); assignments (80%). |
| Special Assessment Requirements: | Tutorial attendance is compulsory and contributes to final grade. |
Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.