Outline

Overview

What is STEM? Why is it essential that scientists learn to communicate effectively about Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics to a variety of audiences? What makes for engaging communication about STEM? How does the style of communication need to change for different audiences? What styles, techniques and approaches can be used to greatest effect for each communication activity? What are the nuts and bolts of good STEM communications? This OLE will first introduce you to the fundamentals, definitions and techniques of STEM communication. You will learn that good communication is essential both within the sciences and for our broader society. Complex topics, concepts and issues need to be communicated effectively in order to promote an understanding of science, an appreciation of its strengths and limitations, and to avoid misunderstandings and miscommunications. You will be introduced to various forms of STEM communication appropriate to different audiences. You will outline, develop and present examples of STEM Communication. You will also be asked to critically evaluate and identify examples of effective communication of STEM ideas.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Chemistry Academic Operations
Credit points	2
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Taylor Szyszka, taylor.szyszka@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Alice Motion, alice.motion@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Out-of-class quiz	Week 1 Quiz #Early Feedback Task Multiple choice questions	2.5%	Week 01 Due date: 07 Aug 2025 at 23:59	10-15 Questions	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	Week 1 Notebook Questions/reflections that scaffold development of major assignment	2.5%	Week 01 Due date: 07 Aug 2025 at 23:59	~10 min	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Week 2 Quiz Multiple choice questions	2.5%	Week 02 Due date: 14 Aug 2025 at 23:59	10-15 Questions	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	Week 2 Notebook Questions/reflections that scaffold development of major assignment	2.5%	Week 02 Due date: 14 Aug 2025 at 23:59	~10 min	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Week 3 Quiz Multiple choice questions	2.5%	Week 03 Due date: 21 Aug 2025 at 23:59	10-15 Questions	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	Week 3 Notebook Questions/reflections that scaffold development of major assignment	2.5%	Week 03 Due date: 21 Aug 2025 at 23:59	~ 10 min	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Week 4 Quiz Multiple choice questions	2.5%	Week 04 Due date: 28 Aug 2025 at 23:59	10-15 Questions	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	Week 4 Notebook Questions/reflections that scaffold development of major assignment	2.5%	Week 04 Due date: 28 Aug 2025 at 23:59	~10 min	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Creative work	Science communication activity Creating a piece of STEM Communication in any medium e.g article, podcast	60%	Week 07 Due date: 15 Sep 2025 at 23:59	Max ~1500 words equivalent	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Evaluation	Peer evaluation of science communication activity Peer evaluation of other student's STEM Communication	20%	Week 09 Due date: 07 Oct 2025 at 23:59	60 minutes ~500 word equivalent	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= early feedback task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

Students will complete four types of assessment for this course:

Weekly Quiz (Week 1-4, 10% total)

A multiple choice quiz to test your understanding of the course content and reading in the first four weeks of the course.

My Notebook (Week 1-4, 10% total)

A weekly notebook for you to start planning your STEM Communication Activity and to receive guidance from colleagues teaching the course.

STEM Communication Activity (Due Week 6, 60% total)

You will complete a STEM Communication activity to communicate an area or topic in science, technology, engineering or mathematics to a non-expert audience of your choice. You can communicate this using a medium of your choice (e.g., a podcast, video, article, talk or through a visual medium such as an infographic). Throughout the course your will be guided in your choice of topic, medium and audience.

STEM Communication Activity (Due Week 8, 20% total)

You will complete a peer assessment of another student’s STEM Communication activity.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Notebook activity	Individual study (1 hr)
Week 02	Notebook activity	Individual study (1 hr)
Week 03	Notebook activity	Individual study (1 hr)
Week 04	Notebook activity	Individual study (1 hr)
Week 05	STEM Communication workshop - attendance online via Zoom	Workshop (1 hr)
Week 06	STEM Communication workshop - attendance online via Zoom	Workshop (1 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: Unless otherwise indicated, students are expected to attend a minimum of 80% of timetabled activities for a unit of study, unless granted exemption by the Associate Dean. For some units of study the minimum attendance requirement, as specified in the relevant table of units or the unit of study outline, may be greater than 80%. The Associate Dean may determine that a student has failed a unit of study because of inadequate attendance.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 2 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 40-50 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. identify STEM communication modes, audiences and purposes
LO2. understand the importance of STEM communication, its context and practice
LO3. critique examples of STEM communication
LO4. prepare and deliver an effective, fit for purpose STEM communication activity

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Based on Student feedback: We have adjusted the focus of the workshops to allow more time for discussion and introduced early online check-in in week 2 (not timetabled) to increase communication and a greater sense of community in the course.

Additional information

Science student portal

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

OLET1605: Communication in STEM

Semester 2, 2025 [Online] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links