School: Science

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

  • Unit Title

    Science Communication and Ethics
  • Unit Code

    SCI6120
  • Year

    2021
  • Enrolment Period

    2
  • Version

    1
  • Credit Points

    20
  • Full Year Unit

    N
  • Mode of Delivery

    On Campus
    Online
  • Unit Coordinator

    Dr Katrina Leanne O'MARA

Description

This unit examines two areas of importance for the management and communication of the outcomes of scientific activities. The unit begins with the identification and management of ethical and integrity issues associated with the collation, analysis and storage of data and information. This includes issues such as the privacy of personal information, transparency and reliability including avoiding discrimination and biases as well as the protection and retention of information. The unit then transitions to consider the issues associated with the communication of analyses and findings to the diverse providers and users of information, including the consideration of ethics in the communication process. Throughout the unit, students will be provided opportunities to grow and diversify their communication skills in line with those used in business, industry and government.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

  1. Identify the areas in which ethics and integrity need to be considered in scientific activities.
  2. Compare common approaches used to manage issues associated with the collation, analysis and storage of data.
  3. Communicate data analysis to technical and non-technical audiences.

Unit Content

  1. Ethical, legal and professional standards for integrity in science.
  2. Management of ethics and integrity in scientific activities.
  3. Understanding and communicating to culturally diverse and non-technical audiences.
  4. Interpreting and visualising information for communications.

Additional Learning Experience Information

This unit uses technology enhanced learning with a mix of lectures, workshops, group discussions and team work, assignments, e-Learning material and support. Students will have the opportunity to learn from guest lecturers with current industry experience.

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant School Progression Panel.

ON CAMPUS
TypeDescriptionValue
PortfolioCommunication and Ethics Skills40%
ReportEthics in focus 30%
PresentationCommunicating the outcomes of scientific activities30%
ONLINE
TypeDescriptionValue
PortfolioCommunication and Ethics Skills40%
ReportEthics in focus 30%
PresentationCommunicating the outcomes of scientific activities30%

Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005)

For the purposes of considering a request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005), inherent requirements for this subject are articulated in the Unit Description, Learning Outcomes and Assessment Requirements of this entry. The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the support for students with disabilities or medical conditions can be found at the Access and Inclusion website.

Academic Misconduct

Edith Cowan University has firm rules governing academic misconduct and there are substantial penalties that can be applied to students who are found in breach of these rules. Academic misconduct includes, but is not limited to:

  • plagiarism;
  • unauthorised collaboration;
  • cheating in examinations;
  • theft of other students' work;

Additionally, any material submitted for assessment purposes must be work that has not been submitted previously, by any person, for any other unit at ECU or elsewhere.

The ECU rules and policies governing all academic activities, including misconduct, can be accessed through the ECU website.

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