Compiled by Toss Gascoigne
Toss Gascoigne, President of the Federation of Australian Scientific and Technological Societies (FASTS), would like to hear of any corrections, amendments and contact details for further information. Contact him by phone 06 257 2891, fax 06 257 2897, or email fasts@anu.edu.au
This list first appeared in Vulcan, the Australian Science Communicators' newsletter, July 1996, and is reprinted with permission.
1. Sydney University
Short courses for scientists and others run from History and Philosophy of Science Unit; said to be run by Dr Michael Shortland.
2. Australian National Uni.
The Centre for Public Awareness of Science offers Graduate Diploma courses (the "Science Circus"), MSc and PhD courses. Contact:
Sue.Stocklmayer@anu.edu.au
3. Central Queensland Uni.
Courses in science communication at the graduate diploma and masters levels. Both courses are available in external studies mode. Contact is Lesley Warner, phone 079 309641, fax 079 309209, email l.warner@cqu.edu.au
4. James Cook University
Currently offers following courses to Post Graduate students: Professional Writing, Editing and Production, Science Writing for Mass Audiences, Writing Project Proposals and Technical Documents, Biomedical Photography.
5. Griffith University
Bachelor of Science with Media (3 years), a degree in science including a major in Screen Production from the Faculty of Humanities.
Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Arts in Science Communication (4 years), awaiting final approval. Includes at least one science major, a major in Screen Production and a minor in Journalism or a major in Journalism and a minor in Screen Production.
Contact: Assoc. Prof. Ken Busfield, phone 07 3875 7313,
email K.Busfield@sct.gu.edu.au
6. University of Wollongong
A distance education Masters in Journalism in which you can do science journalism.
7. Queensland University of Technology
Last year Bernard McKenna introduced at QUT an elective undergraduate subject, Scientific and Technical Writing. The course is designed to explain how science writing operates as discourse as well as provide practical ideas and information to enhance the clarity of science writing.
Contact: Bernard McKenna, phone 07 3864 1061, fax 07 3864 1811, email
b.mckenna@qut.edu.au
8. University of Melbourne
Rumoured that the faculty of science is presently reviewing a Graduate Diploma of Science Communication with an intention of offering it in 1998.
9. Uni. of Technology, Sydney
The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences has postgraduate courses in various aspects of communication. Call the UTS Information Service for details; phone 02 330 1222.
Also, short courses in media skills for scientists and non-scientists are run by The Centre for Science Communication and The Australian Centre for Independent Journalism. The two centres are currently developing a Graduate Certificate in Science Reporting which will be available in 1997. Contact Susannah Eliott, phone 02 330 2581, fax (02) 330 2583, email S.Eliott@uts.edu.au
10. Monash University.
Developing a distance education course in S&T writing. Contact: Carol Steiner, phone 03 9904 7048, fax 03 9904 7050,
email carol.steiner@
buseco.monash.edu.au
11. Uni. of Western Australia
Developing a unit for research postgraduates called "Research Methodology". This will include modules on scientific writing and oral communication. We'd appreciate any suggestions in developing this course: Contact: Nancy Longnecker, phone 09 380 2492, fax 09 380 1140, email
longneck@uniwa.uwa.edu.au
12. University of Western Sydney, Nepean
Undergraduate courses in professional writing, science communication and similar topics. Also have postgraduate courses. Try the Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences, UWS Nepean, PO Box 10, Kingswood 2747.
13. Adelaide University
Has a post graduate diploma in Ecological Management.
14. Canberra University
Has advertised technical writing courses in the paper.
15. Deakin University
Off campus Graduate Diploma in Science Journalism.
16. Murdoch University
Masters by Coursework in Science and Technology Policy which is relevant (eg. a unit is given on Science and the Media). The degree is internal and external. Also have a PhD program. Contact: Peter Newman, phone 09 362902, fax 09 3606421.