Future Students

Science Communication

If you are creative, love working with people or just want to make a difference, the Bachelor of Science (Science Communication) enables you to use your talents, develop highly marketable written and verbal communication skills and complement the scientific knowledge gained in the BSc major of your choice. It includes the option of a practicum placement at Level 3.

Science Communication can also be taken as a second major within the standard Bachelor of Science degree.

Good science communicators ensure that information about issues such as global warming, genetically modified food or radiation risks is not only available but also understandable.

When scientific information is not available to those who need to know, because it has not been communicated through an appropriate medium or in a way that is understandable to non-specialists, the gap between scientists and the wider community is widened.

Science communicators present information about issues in science to audiences ranging from school children to senior citizens. Being able to transform complex scientific information into understandable knowledge for the public is the core business of a science communicator. Being a science communicator allows you to interact with people and share your enthusiasm of science.

As an undergraduate science communication student at UWA, you study science communication together with another science major of your choice. You have ample opportunities to develop science communication understanding and skills in assignment-based units by writing press releases, articles and fact sheets, preparing displays and podcasts and constructing web sites. You prepare talks for various audiences, present case studies and produce a strategic communication plan for an external organisation. Basic skills in graphics and IT are developed.

Level 1
Foundation package in Science: physical sciences, earth sciences, mathematical and computer sciences, biological sciences or human behavioural sciences, and approved electives.

Level 2
Units leading to a science major, and units in one or more othetr Science disciplines.
Core units:

• Science Communication—Peer to Peer
• Science Communication—Community Presentations

Level 3
Units to a minimum of 24 points that complete an approved science major.
Core units:

• Science Communication—Writing
• Science Communication for Change in Industry and Community

Plus at least two of:

• Science Communication Practicum
• Science Communication—Special Topics
• Science and the Media
• Science Performance

Educational Qualifications

Structure

Career Opportunities

Excellent communication skills add value to a conventional science degree and expand your career options. There are many science communication jobs across Australia and overseas with science centres, zoological and botanical gardens, aquaria, museums, research organisations, government departments, science and technology industries, mining companies and public relations companies.