Bachelor of Science (Science Policy and Communication)
Not offered in 2019
To be read in conjunction with the program of study requirements for the Bachelor of Science (Specialisations).
The Bachelor of Science (Science Policy and Communication) is a 108 unit program comprising coursework offered by the Science21 in collaboration with the College of Science and Engineering.
Admission requirements
The minimum requirements for consideration for entry to all undergraduate courses are specified in detail in the University Entry Requirements.
There are no formal prerequisites for the specialisation in Science Policy and Communication but a knowledge in any one Science area recognised by the SACE Board (particularly Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or Biology) to SACE Stage 2, would be an advantage.
Course aims
This program of study aims to develop a range of transferable research, analytical and communication skills including the capacity to:
- demonstrate awareness of the theory and practice of science policy and communication within science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) environments and within organisations and institutions that develop public or private business policy
- contribute to the development of scientifically sound, ethical and culturally sensitive solutions to complex problems for the economic and social benefit of society
- work effectively within team environments and improve their practice through critical reflection and learning.
Learning outcomes
On completion of the course, graduates will be able to:
- transfer and apply core scientific concepts to propose solutions in policy environments
- work in ways that are informed by knowledge of the legislative, regulative, commercial, scientific and social environment
- synthesise information and communicate effectively, succinctly and sensitively with the scientists, public and private sector professionals and the wider global community
- apply judgement and initiative to propose and prioritise work strategies in consultation with co-workers to achieve timely completion of a project
- work in a multidisciplinary team and incorporate the views of all stakeholders including Indigenous groups
- use self-awareness and consultation to understand their role within a group and how they can best contribute to the group
- articulate a conscious understanding of their own values and demonstrate respect for the values of others and the ability to view an ethical dilemma from multiple view points
- inform society of impending developments and engage in a constructive debate
- incorporate understanding and awareness of Indigenous and other communities' religious beliefs and culture into policy and communication practice.
Program of study
To qualify for the Bachelor of Science (Science Policy and Communication) a student must complete 108 units, with a grade of P or NGP or better in each topic, according to the program of study detailed below.
No more than 45 units of First Year level topics may be included in the 108 units for the degree.
Elective topics to complete 108 units may be selected from any offered within the University or, with approval from the College of Science and Engineering, from outside the University, provided any course and prerequisite requirements are met.
Not all topics are necessarily available in a given year.
Specialisation - Science Policy and Communication - Year 1 topics
36 units comprising:
Core - Year 1 Topics
SPOC1701 The Nature of Science I (4.5 units)
SPOC1702 The Science of Communicating Science (4.5 units)
Option - Year 1 topics
Plus one of
MATH1121 Mathematics 1A (4.5 units)
MATH1701 Mathematics Fundamentals A (4.5 units)
Plus required first year topics from any one of the Majors listed below#
Elective - Year 1 topics
Elective topics from across the University where entry requirements are met to make a total of 36 units.
Specialisation - Science Policy and Communication - Year 2 topics
36 units comprising:
Core - Year 2 Topics
SPOC2701 The Nature of Science II (4.5 units)
SPOC2702 Science and Influence (4.5 units)
Option - Year 2 topics
18 units of required second year topics from any one of the Majors listed below#
Elective - Year 2 topics
9 units of elective topics from across the University where entry requirements are met.
Specialisation - Science Policy and Communication - Year 3 topics
36 units comprising:
Core - Year 3 Topics
SPOC3701 Science and Decisions (4.5 units)
Option - Year 3 topics
Plus one of:
SPOC3702 Science Narratives (4.5 units)
SPOC3711 Science Policy in Industry (4.5 units)
SPOC3712 Engaging and Influencing Non-Scientists (4.5 units)
Plus 18 units of required third year topics from any one of the Majors listed below#
Elective - Year 3 topics
9 units of elective topics from across the University where entry requirements are met*.
*Students are encouraged to enrol in STEM3001 Science Connect (4.5 units) as a third-year elective.
#Note that whichever Major is chosen in first year must be followed at second and third year.
Majors
- Animal Biology
- Aquatic Biology
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Chemistry
- Cognitive Science
- Computer Science
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
- Environmental Geology
- Environmental Hydrology and Water Resources
- Environmental Management
- Geography
- Mathematics
- Microbiology
- Ocean and Climate Sciences
- Physics
- Plant Biology
- Statistics
- Vertebrate Palaeontology
Honours
Admission to an honours program may be offered to a student who meets certain academic criteria and subject to the College being able to provide appropriate resources and staff to supervise the program of study. Refer to Bachelor of Sciences (Honours).