This course provides an opportunity for high-achieving graduate science students to apply and develop professional skills and attributes in an area of their choice. This course offers opportunities to network with professional organisations such as local and national government and industry, and to acquire skills, knowledge and professional attributes which will facilitate future employment and career outcomes. The internship will be under the direct supervision of a workplace professional, with access to an appropriate academic within the ANU Colleges of Science. Students are generally expected to have already completed Science courses relevant to their placement topic. The internship is expected to be on a topic of professional interest to the student and the supervising workplace.  
 
 
 

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 complex concepts clearly and coherently in a professional context;
3. Analyse, consolidate and synthesise advanced theoretical and 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. Independently conduct a project.

Research-Led Teaching

Students in this course should be taking a discipline research perspective in their Internship placement; that is, working with your ANU supervisor to achieve a rigorous applied work integrated learning experience. This WIL experience aligns with recommendations in Johnson, de St Jorre and Elliott (2019), WIL Snapshot Study Report, Australian Council of Deans of Science.

Field Trips

Science Internships are placement-based. You will be required to conduct your placement in line with the Host's typical work arrangements.

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• written comments
• verbal comments

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). The feedback given in these surveys is anonymous and provides the Colleges, University Education Committee and Academic Board with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement. The Surveys and Evaluation website provides more information on student surveys at ANU and reports on the feedback provided on ANU courses.

Other Information

Please note, Internship placements are unique to each student. The assessment start and end dates used in the Assessment Summary refer to the official start and end date of the session of enrolment. Individual start and end dates will be confirmed with each student prior to enrolment. Indicative timeframes are provided in the assessment detail.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Induction into the Internship process
2	Students undertake the Internship in consultation with Host and ANU supervisors	Project Proposal due within one-quarter of your placement
3	Students provide a presentation at their Host organisation, and invite ANU supervisor and Internship Office	Oral Presentation
4	Students compile final report and reflection	Written Report and Personal Reflection submission

Tutorial Registration

Students undertake a compulsory induction prior to the start of their Internship Placement. The Science Internships office will be in touch prior to the start of your placement with information about induction times.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Learning Outcomes
Project proposal	10 %	1,2
Written report	70 %	1,2,3,4,5
Oral presentation	15 %	2,3,5
Personal reflection	5 %	2,4

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Misconduct Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Policy and General Information 
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using 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. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Integrity . In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

Students will be required to attend a compulsory induction session prior to commencing the Internship, run by the Science Internship office. If you are uncertain about transitioning into the workplace, you can also organise to consult with the ANU Careers Centre, who can provide further guidance in professional behaviour in the workplace and effective communication. Induction sessions will be organised at a time before your placement.

During the internship, students will be expected to act in a professional manner and work under the guidance of the Host supervisor. Students should liaise with the host supervisor on a regular basis while completing the Internship.

Students will attend the Host premises as agreed and abide by the details listed in the Internship Schedule. Students will be expected to follow any business conduct guidelines, induction processes, safety procedures or workplace directions as required by the host and specific Internship Schedule.

Students encountering any problems during their placement should, if appropriate, first address these with the host supervisor. If students feel this is not appropriate under certain circumstances then issues should be raised with the ANU supervisor or the Internship convenor (science.internships@anu.edu.au ). 

Examination(s)

Successful completion of all required tasks will result in a grade of CRS (course requirements satisfied). Failure to complete all tasks will result in a grade of NCN. 

Please note that the Science Internship courses are not graded. This is to reflect Industry practice, where work is not graded. As a representative of ANU, we expect work to be of high quality (Distinction level and above), and developing your ability to benchmark the quality of your work in the context of your placement is a valuable experience whilst on your placement. If you are unsure, please talk to your Host or ANU supervisor, or the Science Internships office.

Assessment Task 1

Project proposal

The project proposal should outline the scope of the project to be undertaken at the start of the placement. It is recognised that the direction and focus of the project may change during the internship depending on findings and other factors outside of your control. The proposal should be seen as an indication of intent, not necessarily the final outcome. 

Size: ~1000 words or aligned with Host practice

Due: Within two weeks from commencement of placement, or no later than one-quarter of the way through your placement 

Assessment Task 2

Written report

The Science Internship requires the completion of a final report under the direct supervision of a professional in a workplace and with guidance from the ANU supervisor. The written report should be in a format most useful to your Host organisation – ideally, they will use your project outcomes well after your placement is complete. In this light, you should discuss your intended format with your Supervisors. Your written report might take the form of:

• A scientific report, including executive summary, rationale, methods, results, conclusions, recommendations and future research
• A research paper, written in the style of a literature research paper or essay
• A scientific analysis, prepared for scientists looking to understand and repeat your analysis. This might include artefacts that you have developed, such as apparatus, methodology or code
• A position paper, providing recommendations or insights you’ve developed through the project for a broader audience
• A business proposal, that outlines the case for a business proposal based on your work
• A portfolio of work, highlighting the various artefacts you have developed and how they piece together
• A collaborative report, where you can highlight your contribution through a rationale or explainer
• A repository of work, where the repository details the work undertaken and how someone can navigate the resource
• A handover document, so that someone else can continue your project into the future
• Any combination or extension of these relevant to your Host or your science discipline 

Size: ~5000 words or equivalent

Due: At the completion of placement, in line with semester/session dates

Assessment Task 3

Oral presentation

The Science Internship requires the completion of an oral presentation to a professional and academic audience. Your presentation is an opportunity to showcase the work that you have done within the Host organisation, and is a great opportunity for all the stakeholders of the project to meet face-to-face. Generally it is expected that the oral presentation will take place at the host institution to allow attendance and participation from staff not directly involved in supervision. 

Size: 30 minutes or as appropriate

Due: At a time convenient to the Host and ANU supervisors. Preferably at the Host Organisation. Ideally given in your final week of your placement, or shortly after project completion. 

Assessment Task 4

Personal reflection

The purpose of the personal reflection is to reflect on your learning in the Internship as a launching point for the next part of your career. There are a number of options for the presentation of the Professional Re?flection, and you should pick an option or combination of options that make sense for your situation. Primarily, please do something that is going to add value to your career. If you are unsure, please discuss with the Science Internships office or your supervisors.

Typical formats include: A personal reflection; an opinion piece; a work diary; a work log or timesheet; a Job Application including selection criteria statements

Size: ~1000 words in line with the chosen format

Due: Within two weeks of the completion of your placement, in line with semester/session timing. 

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically, committing to honest and responsible scholarly practice and upholding these values with respect and fairness.

The ANU commits to assisting all members of our community to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. The ANU expects staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle and Academic Misconduct Rule, uphold high standards of academic integrity and act ethically and honestly, to ensure the quality and value of the qualification that you will graduate with.

The Academic Misconduct Rule is in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Very minor breaches of the academic integrity principle may result in a reduction of marks of up to 10% of the total marks available for the assessment. The ANU offers a number of online and in person services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. Visit the Academic Skills website for more information about academic integrity, your responsibilities and for assistance with your assignments, writing skills and study.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Policy regarding late submission is detailed below:

Expected dates for submission of work is to be coordinated with ANU Supervisor and Host Supervisor through the Project Proposal. Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension is not accepted.

Referencing Requirements

Accepted academic practice for referencing sources that you use in presentations can be found via the links on the Wattle site, under the file named “ANU and College Policies, Program Information, Student Support Services and Assessment”. Alternatively, you can seek help through the Students Learning Development website.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

Students who do not complete work to a Distinction-level will be provided with feedback and invited to resubmit. Typically a two-week window will be given to address comments.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Diversity and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
• PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students