This course provides an opportunity for Masters students to apply and develop professional skills in a range of laboratories and service facilities at the ANU. This course offers opportunities to network with professional staff and organisations, to acquire skills, knowledge and professional attributes which will facilitate future employment and career outcomes. The practicum will be under the direct supervision of a workplace professional, within the ANU College of Science and Medicine or elsewhere as approved by the convenor.

The practicum 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 produce an independent contribution to a scientific workplace;
2. Communicate and collaborate clearly and coherently in a professional environment, both orally and in writing;
3. Analyse, apply and synthesise scientific knowledge, data and workflows in a professional context;
4. Exercise critical thinking and evidence-based judgment to enhance workplace outcomes;
5. Develop insight into how professional development opportunities can enhance a career in Science and related disciplines.

Research-Led Teaching

Students are place within a university laboratory or facility, where under the supervision of a professional scientist, will gain direct practical experience by being integrated into a professional scientific activity(s) of that workplace.

Field Trips

Biotechnology practicum is placement-based. You will be required to conduct your placement in line with the Host's typical work arrangements.

Additional Course Costs

Standard personal protective equipment would be required (lab coat and lab glasses)

Required Resources

Advised by host laboratory/facility

Recommended Resources

Whether you are on campus or studying online, there are a variety of online platforms you will use to participate in your study program. These could include videos for lectures and other instruction, two-way video conferencing for interactive learning, email and other messaging tools for communication, interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities, print and/or photo/scan for handwritten work and drawings, and home-based assessment.

ANU outlines recommended student system requirements to ensure you are able to participate fully in your learning. Other information is also available about the various Learning Platforms you may use.

Staff Feedback

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

• written comments
• verbal comments
• feedback to whole class, groups, individuals, focus group etc

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.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	The aim of this course is to provide students with an experience within working research laboratory or facility to gain practical skills in scientific procedures and techniques. In week 1 there will be an induction tutorial to the practicum placement. During week 2, the student and supervisor write a research proposal on what activities will be carried out in the placement. Student projects will provide opportunities to experience and engage in scientific discussions, planning, execution or analysis of scientific research. A oral presentation and final report of the contribution the student has made to workplace are present in the final two week, and a student reflection is presented after the completion of the placement. Student should be able to demonstrate the knowledge skill that they have learnt, and insights into their host workplace and scientific objectives, along with identifying areas of further development for their future careers. Students should contact the course convenor in advance to discuss placement options.	Induction to be completed before commencement of placement Project Proposal due in week two of your placement Oral Presentation, due within 2 weeks of final day of placement Written Report, due on final day of placement Reflection and submission of career development activity evidence, to be completed within 1 week of final day of placement

Tutorial Registration

ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Project proposal	25 %	06/03/2026	13/03/2026	1,2,3
Oral presentation	25 %	18/05/2026	18/05/2026	1,2,3,4
Practicum report	25 %	29/05/2026	05/06/2026	1,2,3,4
Practicum reflection	25 %	03/06/2026	05/06/2026	5

* 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:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Extenuating Circumstances Application
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

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 ‘Canvas’ 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.

Assessment Task 1

Project proposal

To be written in conjunction with the supervisor to set out expectation of the work placement, the task that will be performed and the training received. It is expected the proposal will be 500-1000 words. Submission of Word Documents/PDF on Turnitin on Canvas, and feedback will be received in one week of submission.

Assessment Task 2

Oral presentation

An oral presentation of approximately 15 minutes is to be presented to the workplace and course convener. The presentation is to cover activities performed during the work placement.

Assessment Task 3

Practicum report

A report of the project is to be submitted on completion of the project. As a guide, reports of 4000 words (6 units), 6000 words (12 units), 8000 words (24 units) are expected. The format is flexible, depending on activities and workplace requirements, but a standard example is provided below.

(1) Title Page, (2) Table of Contents, (3) Abstract or Executive Summary (approx. 400 words) that provides a concise overview of aims, methods, and key findings.

(5) Introduction - Establishes the background and context of the research, (5) Methodology - technical and procedural description of how the research was conducted, including materials used, data collection techniques, and analytical methods (6) Results: A purely objective presentation of what you found, can utilize tables and figures to present data (7) Discussion - a critical analysis of the results, placed in context of the literature, and description of limitations. (7) Conclusion & Recommendations: Summarizes the main findings, confirms whether the aims were met, and proposes specific actions or future research directions. (8) References and Supplementary Material.

Assessment Task 4

Practicum reflection

This could involve - Overview of the laboratory or facility, your specific role, and your initial expectations versus reality, technical skills (e.g., PCR, gels etc) and soft skills (communication, teamwork, organization) you acquired, any specific challenges and how this was resolved, Theory versus Practice, comparing classroom concepts to how things actually work in the research laboratory, and a final assessment of your career goals and how this practicum impacted your aspirations and trajectory.

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

Individual assessment tasks may or may not allow for late submission. Policy regarding late submission is detailed below:

• Late submission not permitted. If submission of assessment tasks without an extension after the due date is not permitted, a mark of 0 will be awarded.
• Late submission permitted. Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

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. Any use of artificial intelligence must be properly referenced. Failure to properly cite use of Generative AI will be considered a breach of academic integrity.

Returning Assignments

Feedback will be given on all submitted material and oral presentation.

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

Allowed with the consent of the convener

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 Accessibility 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 supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents all ANU students