Public engagement in science plays a crucial role in promoting scientific literacy and in building trust between the scientific community and the general public. This course will equip students with the knowledge and skills required to effectively communicate scientific concepts to diverse audiences and will provide the opportunity to gain real world experience in planning and executing an effective public engagement event.

The course will run over 10 weeks in semester 2 and will consist of a combination of lectures and seminars/workshops

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1. Group presentation of the activity and its rationale (10 minutes, 25%) - (ILO 1, 2 & 3)

2. Evaluation and justification of engagement strategy tool (750-1000 words, 15%) - (ILO 1 & 4) 

3. Report of event with analysis of feedback and reflection (2000 words, 60%) - (ILOs 4 & 5)

Reassessments are normally available for all courses, except those which contribute to the Honours classification. Where, exceptionally, reassessment on Honours courses is required to satisfy professional/accreditation requirements, only the overall course grade achieved at the first attempt will contribute to the Honours classification. For non-Honours courses, students are offered reassessment in all or any of the components of assessment if the satisfactory (threshold) grade for the overall course is not achieved at the first attempt. This is normally grade D3 for undergraduate students and grade C3 for postgraduate students. Exceptionally it may not be possible to offer reassessment of some coursework items, in which case the mark achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade. Any such exceptions for this course are described below. 

Group element is not re-assessable.

This course aims to:

■ Explore and evaluate effective science communication and the theory, knowledge and skills behind successful delivery;

■ Build an understanding of general science literacy amongst the public;

■ Explore tools and techniques for communicating complex concepts to non-scientists;

■ Enhance engagement of the general public with science. 

By the end of this course students will be able to:

1. Critically evaluate the significance and effectiveness of public engagement and the approaches suitable for general public.

2. Apply principles of effective science communication and public engagement in a practical context

3. Plan and select scientific content for presentation at a public engagement event.

4. Design and employ quantitative and/or qualitative methods to critically analyse effectiveness of a science engagement initiative.

5. Critically evaluate a science public engagement event and critically reflect on the impact of the group's contribution to this event.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.