On successful completion of this course, students will:

1. have an holistic understanding of the principles of contemporary scientific and professional communication
2. appreciate the ethical, OH&S, legal, technological and practical implications of their work as a leader/communicator.
3. be able to effectively communicate professional and scientific messages with various audiences peers, other professionals and the general public via personal presentations
4. possess the essential skills to effectively work in various contemporary scientific or professional contexts.
Please note: Science is broadly defined to include maths, engineering, medicine and technology.

Module 1 - Background to contemporary science and professional communication
- What is science? What is communication? Introduction to science communication.
What do we mean by "professional communication" and why is it important?
- An introduction to the legal and regulatory implications of your work including privacy, risk management, OH&S aspects of presentations and events, IP&
- How do you ensure quality events and communications? Lifecycle design, evaluation, feedback and Total Quality Management (TQM) are introduced.

Module 2 - Science and professional presentations
- Developing a presentation: structure, content, timing, props, interaction&
- Preparing for a presentation: rehearsal, setup, warm-up&
- Basic presentation skills: cuing, visualizing, questioning&
- Advanced presentation skills: voice, body language, professionalism&
- Practical issues: Using resources such as PowerPoint, PA systems and equipment

Module 3 - Science and professional communication in practice
- The essential skills for contemporary leader/communicators are introduced: Netiquette and email, research and referencing, meetings, preparing reports and briefings, leadership and teamwork, time and project management
- A compulsory practical / work-based project

Plus two electives. Topics to be selected from:
- Science shows: science theatre, story-telling, demonstrations, interpretation&
- Science communication & the internet
- An introduction to science writing
- Introduction to working with the media
- Communicating research
- Leadership
- Effective evaluation
- Introduction to sciences centres, museums, zoos, eco-tourism
- The University of Newcastles science communication programs

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Distance Learning : IT Based
Flexible Delivery / Student Centred Learning

Email Discussion Group
Self Directed Learning

Self Directed Learning: for 10 hour(s) per Week for Full Term