307554 (v.1) Science Communications 101

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Area:	Faculty of Science
Credits:	12.5
Contact Hours:	2.0
Lecture:	1 x 2 Hours Weekly
Syllabus:	Covers key aspects of research and written communication in academic and professional contexts, as well as working to develop students' skills in oral communication. Emphasis will be placed on students' ability to work collaboratively in research and oral work. Students learn to locate, understand and critically evaluate information from books, journals, the internet and primary sources in order to research relevant scientific topics. Using these sources of information, students then produce an extended piece of analytical writing and an oral presentation to their peers. Skills in accessing information, synthesising and paraphrasing information, argument development, the Harvard referencing system, principles of effective communication, and the professional presentation of documents are all covered during the development of the key assignments.
Unit Outcomes:	On completion of this unit students will have - Accessed information for research purposes, using electronic media, such as library databases, electronic databases and the internet. Read and critically evaluated texts appropriate to university study. Referenced written work using the Harvard system (unless other system has been stipulated). Developed sound, logical arguments in both written and oral work and made formal written and oral presentations in clear, concise English. Used the conventions of written essays and/or reports and presented written documents in an appropriate professional format. Worked collaboratively with others and articulated practices that lead to successful teamwork.
Text and references listed above are for your information only and current as of September 30, 2003. Please check with the unit coordinator for up-to-date information.
Unit References:	Bate, D. and Sharpe, P. (1996). Writers' Handbook for University Students. Sydney, Harcourt Brace. Jaffe, C. (1998), Public Speaking: Concepts and Skills for a Diverse Society, 2nd ed. Belmont, California, Wadsworth. Kirkman, J. (1992), Good Style: Writing for Science and Technology. London, Spon. Marshall, L. and Rowland, F. (1998). A Guide to Learning Independently, 3rd ed. Melbourne, Addison Wesley Longman. Style Manual for Authors, Editors and Printers, 6th ed. Milton, Queensland, John Wiley andSon. Windschuttle, K. and Elliot, E. (1999). Writing, Researching, Communicating, 3rd ed., Sydney, McGraw Hill.
Unit Texts:	Summers, J. and Smith, B. (2002). Communication Skills Handbook: How to Succeed in Written and Oral Communication. Milton, Queensland, Wiley and Sons.
Unit Assessment Breakdown:	Research assignment 20%, Analytical written assignment 20%, Collaborative oral presentation 20%, Library assignment 10%, Participation and preparation 5%, Final examination 25%.This is a grade/mark assessment.
Year Location Period Internal Area External Central External 2004 Bentley Campus Semester 1 Y     2004 Bentley Campus Semester 2 Y