• Class Number 2729
  • Term Code 3230
  • Class Info
  • Unit Value 6 to 12 units
  • Mode of Delivery In Person
  • COURSE CONVENER
    • Chris Browne
  • Class Dates
  • Class Start Date 21/02/2022
  • Class End Date 27/05/2022
  • Census Date 31/03/2022
  • Last Date to Enrol 28/02/2022
SELT Survey Results

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:

  1. Demonstrate the ability to devise and conduct a project in consultation with supervisors in the context of a professional workplace.
  2. Communicate complex concepts clearly and coherently in a professional environment, both orally and in writing.
  3. Analyse, apply and synthesise scientific knowledge, data and evidence with intellectual independence in a professional context.
  4. Exercise critical thinking and evidence-based judgment to enhance business and industry-related activities.
  5. Demonstrate insight into how professional development opportunities can enhance a career in Science and related disciplines.

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). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

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 Career Development 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
Career Development Program and 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 Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

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 Skills website. 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.

Throughout the Semester-based internships, students will be required to collect 10 Career Development Program (CDP) Points, part of which can be accumulated via a fortnightly session in conjunction with ANU Careers. Full details about the Fortnightly Meetings are available in Wattle.

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 physically and/or use Host resources virtually 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

Value: 10 %
Learning Outcomes: 1,2

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. 

Full information about this task is available in Wattle.

Size: ~1000 words or aligned with Host practice

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

Grading: Completion of this task is required to obtain a grade of CRS (course requirements satisfied) for the course.

Assessment Task 2

Value: 70 %
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,4,5

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 digital storymap or other platform-based documentation of a scientific analysis 
  • A portfolio of work, highlighting the various artefacts you have developed and how they piece together
  • A physical artefact, such as an object or body of work that displays the outputs of the placement 
  • A repository of work, where the repository details the work undertaken and how someone can navigate the resource
  • A collaborative report, where you can highlight your contribution through a rationale or explainer
  • 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 

Full information about this task is available in Wattle.

Size: ~5000 words or equivalent

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

Grading: Completion of this task is required to obtain a grade of CRS (course requirements satisfied) for the course.

Assessment Task 3

Value: 15 %
Learning Outcomes: 2,3,5

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. 

Full information about this task is available in Wattle.

Size: 20-30 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. 

Grading: Completion of this task is required to obtain a grade of CRS (course requirements satisfied) for the course.

Assessment Task 4

Value: 5 %
Learning Outcomes: 2,4

Career Development Program and Reflection

The purpose of the Career Development Program (CDP) and Reflection is to enhance your awareness of transferable industry skills during and after your Science Internship placement. During the placement, you will undertake ~10 hours of CDP Activity, and 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.

Full information about this task is available in Wattle.

Size: 10 CDP points (approximately 10 hours) and ~1000 words in line with the chosen format

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

Grading: Completion of this task is required to obtain a grade of CRS (course requirements satisfied) for the course.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.


The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.


The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

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

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material.

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).

Chris Browne
6125 2388
science.internships@anu.edu.au

Research Interests


Chris Browne

By Appointment

Responsible Officer: Registrar, Student Administration / Page Contact: Website Administrator / Frequently Asked Questions