Course coordinator
Dr Gurion Ang
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Science Faculty
Science communicators introduce complex scientific information to diverse audiences. This is a project-based course where you will develop, deliver, and evaluate your own science engagement strategy or activity with a community audience of your choosing, underpinned by key principles and frameworks for impactful and influential science communication. You will maintain a detailed project portfolio that you could adapt into an accompaniment to your future CV. SCIE3010 is a compulsory course in the Science Communication minor, but a recommended elective course for any student interested in science communication and education.
SCIE3010 has a weekly 3-hour Team-Based Learning (TBL) contact, split into four distinct components:
- Science engagement toolkit (4 weeks)
- Off-campus excursions (2 weeks) - there is no additional costs for these excursions
- Seminar series for professional interaction and reflection (3 weeks)
- Project showcase and evaluation (2 weeks)
Course requirements
Assumed background
We recommend that you take SCIE3010 after you have completed at least #6 of science courses.
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Tutor
Ms Samantha Wong-Topp
Miss Morgan Gilbert
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
There are two off-campus excursions in SCIE3010 that take place on the day in the week of our usual timetabled TBL (but will occur all-day). We would generally leave from campus on public transport from 9am and return by 3pm, but you can also choose to find your own way to our destination. Specific instructions will be provided in Week 1 of the course. You must attend one or both excursions (noting a 10% assessment associated with them).
Aims and outcomes
This course aims to give students professional development experience in developing, delivering and evaluating an original science communication strategy or learning activity that benefits an audience from their local community.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Characterise audiences based on their demographics, priorities, values, and communication preferences.
LO2.
Develop and refine genre and purpose of engagement strategy based on your audience.
LO3.
Develop and deliver a meaningful engagement strategy or activity that facilitates audience participation with science.
LO4.
Evaluate the impact of an engagement strategy or activity.
LO5.
Demonstrate proficiency in stakeholder engagement specific to science communication.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portfolio |
Project Portfolio
|
80% |
There are three milestones within this assessment task. Further information is provided in-course. 23/08/2024 - 4/11/2024
Some variation of due dates may be appropriate depending on the specific nature of the chosen project. |
| Creative Production/ Exhibition |
Excursion social media post
|
10% |
4/10/2024 2:00 pm |
| Reflection |
Seminar journal
|
10% |
20/09/2024 10:30 pm |
Assessment details
Project Portfolio
- Mode
- Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia
- Category
- Portfolio
- Weight
- 80%
- Due date
There are three milestones within this assessment task. Further information is provided in-course. 23/08/2024 - 4/11/2024
Some variation of due dates may be appropriate depending on the specific nature of the chosen project.
- Other conditions
- Student specific, Work integrated learning.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
You will produce a 10 page portfolio featuring your science engagement project in the community project. There are three milestones in this assessment task (you can think of it as a three part assessment).
Milestone 1 (20% out of 80%)
The first 4 pages of your portfolio should:
· introduce your project idea using a persuasive rationale,
· characterise the audience you intend to work with based on their demographics, priorities, and communication preferences,
· describe the scientific content to be communicated in your project, and
· propose a thoughtful implementation plan.
You are expected to approach the development of your ideas in a scholarly manner, referencing scholarly work or other credible sources of information. You will submit Milestone 1 by Week 5, and should expect to receive feedback within two weeks.
Milestone 2 (30% out of 80%)
The next 2 pages of your portfolio should:
· respond to the feedback provided in Milestone 2 (focussing on the what and the why),
· (where possible) annotate the first 4 pages (Milestone 1) with supplementary information that addresses the feedback provided to you,
· demonstrate further development and refinement of your ideas that results in a clear activity plan, and
· evidence instances where you demonstrated professional stakeholder engagement (e.g. contacting an external audience).
You will submit Milestone 2 by Week 8.
Milestone 3 (30% out of 80%)
The final 4 pages of your portfolio should:
· evidence genuine and authentic project delivery (e.g. photos, videos, creative outputs, testimonials etc.),
· summarise and interpret audience feedback in a meaningful and constructive way, and
· identify limitations and suggestions for improvement on your engagement activity based on your personal reflection and audience feedback.
Optional: you may supplement your project evaluation with any news stories, social media posts, or publications from your project supervisory team, industry partner, or external stakeholder company or organisation. You will submit Milestone 3 after study week (SWOTVAC).
The portfolio is designed to be a creative production that encourages use of mixed media. You could thoughtfully integrate written form, in-text citations, appropriate referencing style, visual art, photos, original short videos etc.
Submission guidelines
Submission instructions will be provided in class.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Some variation of due dates may be appropriate depending on the specific nature of the chosen project.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Excursion social media post
- Mode
- Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia
- Category
- Creative Production/ Exhibition
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
4/10/2024 2:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Student specific, Work integrated learning.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L03
Task description
For one of the excursions, you will produce a social media post that exemplifies effective science engagement. You will choose your preferred social media platform. You are not required to actually make a post on your chosen social media platform. You will be assessed on:
· visual composition and content
· choice of social media platform
· effective and ethical use of chosen social media platform
Submission guidelines
Submission instructions will be provided in class.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Seminar journal
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Reflection
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
20/09/2024 10:30 pm
- Other conditions
- Student specific.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L04
Task description
For two of the three seminars embedded within the course, you will complete a thoughtful reflection of professional practice in science communication/ engagement. A reflection structure will be suggested for you. You may submit three reflections and have the best two used for this assessment. You will be assessed on:
- characterisation of genre, audience, and purpose relevant to one science engagement featured during the seminar
- identification of challenges and successes in science engagement specific to the seminar presenter
- reflection of personal practice as a science communicator, and how you have benefitted from the information presented
Submission guidelines
You will compile your reflections and submit them only once.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 0% |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 30% |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 45% |
| 4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 50% |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 65% |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 75% |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 85% |
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Applications for Extensions
Information on applying for an extension can be found here - my.UQ Applying for an extension
Extension applications must be received by the assessment due date and time.
If you are unable to provide documentation to support your application by the due date and time you must still submit your application on time and attach a Word document outlining why you cannot provide the documentation and upload the documentation to the portal within 24 hours.
Please note: While your extension request is being considered, you should work towards completing and submitting your assessment as soon as possible.
If you have been ill or unable to attend class for more than 4 weeks in a semester, we advise you to carefully consider whether you are capable of successfully completing your courses. You might need to consider applying for removal of course. We strongly recommend you seek advice from the Faculty that administers your program.
Extensions with Student Access Plans (SAP)
For extensions up to 7 days, your SAP is all that is required as documentation to support your application. However, extension requests longer than 7 days (for any one assessment item) will require the submission of additional supporting documentation e.g., a medical certificate. A maximum of two applications may be submitted for any one assessment item, unless exceptional circumstances can be demonstrated. All extension requests must be received by the assessment due date and time.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
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| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 |
Team Based Learning |
Purpose (with Dr Gurion Ang) Science engagement toolkit part 1 of 4 Topics including but not limited to purpose of science engagement, social media, and gathering evidence for community engagement. Includes a course introduction and overview of assessment items. Learning outcomes: L01, L05 |
Week 2 |
Team Based Learning |
Design principles (with Associate Professor Louise Kuchel) Science engagement toolkit part 2 of 4 Topics including but not limited to filling the GAP (genre, audience, purpose), brain science, memory and processing new information, values and beliefs, and framing messages. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 3 |
Team Based Learning |
Building trust (with Dr Angela Dean) Science engagement toolkit part 3 of 4 Topics including but not limited to listening, buy-in, building relationships around diverse audiences, social and behavioural change, conflict prevention and management. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
Week 4 |
Team Based Learning |
Measuring success (with Associate Professor Louise Kuchel and Dr Angela Dean) Science engagement toolkit part 4 of 4 Topics including but not limited to evaluation techniques (qualitative and quantitative), triangulation of data, and survey design. Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04 |
Week 5 |
Excursion |
Excursion to Queensland Museum (with Dr Gurion Ang) We will:
Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 6 |
Seminar |
Building a brand (with Dr Gurion Ang) Seminar series 1 of 3 In the first half of the seminar you will work with Dr Gurion Ang on building a brand. In the second half of the seminar you will interact with a professional involved in science engagement with the community (noting your 10% seminar journal assessment). Guest presenter: Professor Tamara Davis, Laureate Fellow, School of Mathematics and Physics Professor Tamara Davis is an astrophysicist who studies the elusive "dark energy" that's accelerating the universe. Her accolades include the Astronomical Society of Australia's Louise Webster Medal for early career research impact, the L'Oréal Women in Science Fellowship for Australia, the Australian Institute of Physics Women in Physics Lectureship, the Australian Academy of Science's Nancy Millis Medal for outstanding female leadership in science, an Australian Research Council Laureate Fellowship, the Astronomical Society of Australia's Ellery Lectureship, and a Member of the Order of Australia (AM). Learning outcomes: L01, L04, L05 |
Week 7 |
Seminar |
Misinformation (with Associate Professor Louise Kuchel) Seminar series 2 of 3 In the first half of the seminar you will work with Associate Professor Louise Kuchel on misinformation. In the second half of the seminar you will interact with a professional involved in science engagement with the community (noting your 10% seminar journal assessment). Guest presenter: Professor Keith Chappell, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences Keith develops vaccines against medically and environmentally significant viruses, and is one of the inventors of a UQ's molecular clamp platform. Learning outcomes: L01, L04, L05 |
Week 8 |
Seminar |
Behaviour (with Dr Angela Dean) Seminar series 3 of 3 In the first half of the seminar you will work with Dr Angela Dean on behaviour. In the second half of the seminar you will interact with a professional involved in science engagement with the community (noting your 10% seminar journal assessment). Guest presenter: Jaana Dielenberg, Biodiversity Council Jaana is the Communication and Engagement Manager for the Biodiversity Council. She facilitates improved outcomes for biodiversity through the promotion of robust science and Traditional Knowledge, and the engagement of strategically relevant audiences. Jaana is responsible for the development and implementation of communication and engagement strategies and campaigns to meet the objectives of the Biodiversity Council, in areas of public profile, community and private sector engagement, fundraising, policy impact and biodiversity outcomes. She is the Council's media liaison contact, develops the Council's media campaigns and provides communications and media coaching to scientists and Indigenous knowledge holders to increase their effectiveness in prosecuting the case for biodiversity through the media and with policy makers and other stakeholders. Learning outcomes: L01, L04, L05 |
Week 9 |
Excursion |
Excursion to Integrated Pathology Learning Centre (with Dr Gurion Ang) We will:
Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 12 |
Team Based Learning |
Showcase and reflection 1 (with Dr Gurion Ang) A celebration of your achievements in the course! Learning outcomes: L03, L04 |
Week 13 |
Team Based Learning |
Showcase and reflection 2 (with Dr Gurion Ang) A celebration of your achievements in the course! Learning outcomes: L03, L04 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.