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Monday, 29 October 2007

Some scientists are clever communicators, who share their fascination about their work with the wider community. Many others stare a good story in the face every day and just don't recognise it.

Enter the science communicator, who takes an intriguing story, strips away the science jargon, and presents it to the wider community.

Science students interested in sharing their excitement about science can enrol in the BSc (Science Communication) degree, introduced by the Faculty's Centre for Learning Technology three years ago and the only such program in WA.

It is a mix of a degree with a solid science foundation – a science major plus five units that give students a good understanding of science communication strategies, including working with the media.

Research in science communication and a Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma in Science Communication are also on offer. Lecturer Dr Jan Dook says science communication is a relatively new discipline that helps bridge the gap between scientists and the public.

The work is varied and includes placements as communication officers for research organisations such as CSIRO, science and technology industries, government departments, mining companies and museums.

The science communication units are hands-on and assignment-based. Science communication senior lecturer Dr Nancy Longnecker said the units were proving increasingly popular as electives among science students.

"The context of what the students do is science," she said.

"So while they learn a range of skills, including how to write more clearly, they write about science topics."

Students write a newspaper article, create a website, devise a poster aimed at the general public and compile a fact sheet that can be used to impart information in places such as museums.

They also learn how to talk to various audiences about science subjects and produce a digital movie about science topics, as well as develop communication strategies for the public.

For more information on science communication at UWA visit https://www.science.uwa.edu.au/community/science-communication .

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