bio5scs scientific communication skill
SCIENTIFIC COMMUNICATION SKILLS
BIO5SCS
2016
Credit points: 15
Subject outline
This subject will focus on a variety of modes of scientific communication and research skills including data presentation, aspects of copyright and plagiarism, the use of scientific journals, scientific databases, abstracting journals and online resources. Students will be expected to engage with and interpret recent scientific literature, write literature reviews, use online software for referencing support and deliver an oral presentation.
SchoolSchool of Molecular Sciences/LIMS
Credit points15
Subject Co-ordinatorJeff Yeoman
Available to Study Abroad StudentsYes
Subject year levelYear Level 5 - Masters
Exchange StudentsYes
Subject particulars
Subject rules
PrerequisitesN/A
Co-requisitesN/A
Incompatible subjectsN/A
Equivalent subjectsN/A
Special conditionsN/A
Learning resources
Readings
Resource Type | Title | Resource Requirement | Author and Year | Publisher |
---|---|---|---|---|
Readings | Essential skills for science and technology | Recommended | Zeegers, P, Deller-Evans, K, Egege, S & Klinger, C | OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS |
Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes
01. Present data from a peer-reviewed scientific paper that demonstrates: - understanding of the content; - an ability to interpret and explain scientific content to a scientifically literate audience; - critical evaluation of the data
- Activities:
- weekly journal club classes - students undertake activities in which they discuss what information they would present from an assigned paper which is then presented to them in the suggested format. Students discuss oral presentation skills and what contributes to effective presentations Students are assigned a figure to present from a recent journal article which they present as a formative exercise and their presentation skills and the audience comprehension is discussed in small groups to provide feedback for their second summative presentation.
02. Write a literature review that demonstrates ability to: - search the scientific literature for material relevant to a specific area of scientific knowledge; - critically evaluate the scientific literature; - paraphrase sufficiently and reference appropriately; - integrate information from multiple sources to present a cohesive "story"; - effectively document and communicate scientific information; - correctly and appropriately acknowledge information sources.
- Activities:
- lectures and workshops are conducted throughout the semester with activities aimed at developing the skills for writing a scientific literature review. these including finding information (how to search literature databases and access journals); reading and interpreting data; taking notes and organising information; plagiarism, paraphrasing and integrating information; appropriate referencing styles and acknowledgment of information sources; planning and structuring a literature review. These activities are assessed through a combination of quizzes and short in-class exercises.
03. To present data from a peer-reviewed scientific paper in the form of a scientific poster that demonstrates: - understanding of the content; - critical evaluation of the data; - an ability to select pertinent data and tell a complete story with space and word constraints - an ability to interpret and present scientific content to a scientifically literate audience - an ability to work in a team to agree on the chosen data and format for presentation
- Activities:
- lectures and workshops with formative activities - what is the purpose of a scientific poster; examining, analysing and critiquing existing posters; what are the components and structure of a scientific poster
Subject options
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Melbourne, 2016, Semester 1, Day
Overview
Online enrolmentYes
Maximum enrolment sizeN/A
Enrolment information
Subject Instance Co-ordinatorJeff Yeoman
Class requirements
LectureWeek: 10 - 22
Two 1.0 hours lecture per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via face-to-face.
WorkShopWeek: 10 - 22
One 1.0 hours workshop per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via face-to-face.
WorkShopWeek: 11 - 22
One 1.0 hours workshop per week on weekdays during the day from week 11 to week 22 and delivered via face-to-face.
"class as small groups run concurrently"
Assessments
Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
---|---|---|---|
One 1500 word assignment | 40 | 02 | |
class based reading and writing exercises (equivalent to 750 words) | 15 | 01, 02, 03 | |
plan for major assignment | 10 | 02 | |
two 5 minute class presentations | 10 | 01 | |
Poster - group presentation | 10 | 03 | |
3 quizzes | 15 | 02 |