Scientific Literacy and Communication
PostgraduateUND-MEDI50012025
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- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- Part of a degree
- Duration
- 13 weeks
- Start dates
- 17 Feb 2025
- Loan available
- FEE-HELP available
Scientific Literacy and Communication
About this subject
On completion of this course students should be able to achieve the following learning outcomes:
- Critique and produce plain English communications related to biomedical and health publications.
- Appraise the quality of scientific and health communications published in the media.
- Develop different forms of communication related to health and science for a range of audiences and for varying purposes.
- Critically evaluate interventions seeking to improve health literacy.
- Forms and features of health writing
- Health literacy skills
- Broadcast and print journalism
- AV production and public health communication
- Visual display of quantitative data
- Planning and evaluating health communications programs
- Communication for advocacy and influence
This course will develop students’ skills to describe, interpret and appraise biomedical data and health information. By using practical scenarios and information available in the public domain, students will acquire the knowledge and the communication tools needed to engage with biomedical science-related issues in a range of contexts.
They will critically examine how science is being presented in the media, evaluate the quality and integrity of the communication of scientific information presented and critique the appropriateness of the communication to the intended audience. Factors that affect health literacy at the individual and population level and strategies that can mitigate these will be explored.
- Short Writing Tasks (40%)
- Oral Presentation (20%)
- Health Communication Portfolio (40%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
The University of Notre Dame Australia is committed to delivering an excellent student experience, alongside a high standard of teaching, research, and training. As a leader in ethical education, Notre Dame aims to develop students’ critical reasoning and their ability to make ethical decisions—crucial skills to progressing their careers and leading purposeful lives. At Notre Dame, students navigate their future with an ethical education online.
Learn more about UNDA.
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- QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 38
- Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 38
Entry requirements
Part of a degree
To enrol in this subject you must be accepted into one of the following degrees:
Core
- UND-HED-MAS-2025 - Master of Learning and Teaching in Higher Education
- UND-HMS-GDI-2025 - Graduate Diploma of Health and Medical Sciences
- UND-HSC-GCE-2025 - Graduate Certificate in Health Sciences
Additional requirements
No additional requirements
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
Related degrees
Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following courses
Master of Learning and Teaching in Higher Education
PostgraduateUND-HED-MAS
Graduate Diploma of Health and Medical Sciences
PostgraduateUND-HMS-GDI
Graduate Certificate in Health Sciences
PostgraduateUND-HSC-GCE