Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

Students who have successfully completed this course should be able to:

1. Demonstrate the ability to work under professional supervision, and gain useful background of a professional context and how that workplace operates;
2. Communicate clearly and coherently in a professional context;
3. Analyse, consolidate and synthesise broad theoretical and/or professional knowledge through research to identify and propose solutions to complex problems with intellectual independence;
4. Exercise critical thinking and judgment in the context of developing advanced professional knowledge; and
5. Conduct a research project with some independence.

Other Information

All meetings with workplace supervisors and course conveners, including seminar presentations, are intended to give students the opportunity to undertake tasks and to engage in discussion in ways that are directly relevant to the various tasks they will be required to undertake in the course. Responses from  workplace supervisors, the course convener and other students should be regarded as valuable feedback to students about their understanding of and progress in the course.

Indicative Assessment

1: Internship report  80%
The internship involves the completion of a 5,000 word project report under the direct supervision of the workplace professional, with access to an appropriate academic within the ANU Colleges of Science. (LO 1 - 5)

Internship reports are stand-alone documents for assessment by academic standards.  The reports are not documents which have been drafted by interns as part of internship work requirements.  However, such documents may be used by interns to compile the assessable research paper.  The paper is jointly marked by the professional supervisor and the course convener in accordance with an assessment scale which will be circulated to interns at the start of the internship period.

2: Oral presentation  10%
A 15-20 minute presentation to professionals and/or academics describing the internship project and outcomes. (LO 1 - 5)

3. Course reflection  10%
The reflection will evaluate the learning experience of the course, including consideration of questions such as: Did the course add to interns’ professional knowledge and professional skills as a scientist?  How would interns add value to the course? (LO 1 - 5)

The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.

Workload

For 6 units the workload is expected to be 130 hours, including study time, spread over the semester or session. Subject to agreed supervision arrangements, students should consult each week with the professional supervisor. This course is research-intensive and students are generally expected to work in a ‘self-directed’ mode. The timing and duration of attendance at the workplace will be negotiated with the professional supervisor.

Requisite and Incompatibility

You will need to contact the ANU Joint Colleges of Science to request a permission code to enrol in this course.

Assumed Knowledge

Students must be enrolled in a science degree and have completed a minimum of 96 units with at least a Distinction average in Science courses. Enrolment will be dependent on a suitable placement and the availability of both an external and internal (ANU) supervisor.

Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links