Questions relating to the status, distribution and use of science and technology are of growing significance for a range of international legal fields and doctrines, across international economic law, the law of the sea, international environment and climate law, and the law of territory. This subject enables students to explore these changes and their significance for international society. The subject introduces students to key disputes, treaties and institutions, and explores the influence of diverse disciplines including economics, history, anthropology, and science and technology studies (STS) on legal debates. Throughout, we consider overarching questions of the legal treatment of scientific knowledge, the distribution and commercialisation of technology in international society, and the significance of technological change for legal doctrine.

The aim of the course is to equip students to navigate competing views on the significance of science and technology, to consider common challenges and approaches across different fields of law, and to critically reflect on the role of international law in contemporary developments. While the content of the course will change year-on-year to reflect current controversies, an indicative list of topics includes: vaccine distribution, genetic resources and traditional knowledge, the role of science in climate litigation, and artificial islands and the construction of territory.

Learning Outcomes

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

1. Review the significance of international law in issues relating to science and technology at local and international levels.
2. Communicate the significance of developments in treaty, custom and jurisprudence relating to international law, science and technology to both legal and non-legal audiences.
3. Develop insight into interdisciplinary approaches to science and technology and connect those approaches to relevant international legal materials.
4. Critically reflect on interdisciplinary and international legal materials in order to develop professional and ethical capabilities relating to science and technology.
5. Propose and execute legal research informed by methodological debates relating to science and technology across international law and other disciplines.

Required Resources

There is no prescribed textbook for this course. A full list of relevant readings will also be made available on the course Canvas site two weeks prior to the course commencement date.

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

Task submission times refer to Canberra time (AEST/AEDT).

Extensions, late submission and penalties: https://law.anu.edu.au/extensions-late-submission-and-penalties

Extenuating circumstances: https://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/assessments-exams/extenuating-circumstances-application

Deferred examination: http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/assessments-exams/deferred-examinations

Penalties for excess word length: https://law.anu.edu.au/word-length-and-excess-word-penalties

Distribution of grades policy: https://law.anu.edu.au/grading

Assessment Reviews and Appeals: https://law.anu.edu.au/assessment-review-and-appeals

Further information about the course is available from the course Canvas page. Students are required to access the Canvas site regularly throughout the course for any announcements relating to the course.

 

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

The ANU Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as providing clear guidance on the responsible and ethical use of AI technologies.

The following resources may also be useful:

• The ANU Library's Libguide is a valuable resource for gaining a comprehensive understanding of AI's role in academia.

• The ANU Academic Skills site provides useful information to ensure that you leverage AI responsibly and effectively.

• The ANU Law School Academic Integrity and Misconduct site provides content related to legal implications, ethical guidelines, and considerations when dealing with AI in the context of law.

Use of Generative AI Tools in Assessment

All work submitted for assessment at the ANU Law School must be your own independent and original work.

This means that generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools must not be used to draft assessment content, unless explicitly instructed by the course convenor. While limited use of AI tools to support learning may be permitted, for example, to assist with expression, structure, or the refinement of ideas, AI must not be used to generate primary text, legal analysis, or substantive content.

Inappropriate use of AI may constitute a breach of the Academic Integrity Rule 2021. For law students, academic integrity breaches may have serious professional consequences, as breaches must be disclosed to the relevant admissions authority.

Students are at university to develop critical skills in legal reasoning, analysis, and written communication. This requires active engagement with assessment tasks and the drafting and refinement of one’s own work. While AI tools may assist with polishing expression or organisation, they must not replace your reasoning, judgment, or authorship.

Used appropriately, AI can be a helpful tool for editing, planning, and limited refinement. However, AI should only be applied to small portions of text. Submitting work generated in large part by AI increases the risk of poor academic outcomes and academic integrity concerns.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Introductory lecture (asynchronous)Seminar 1: Framing the Relationship: Science and Technology, Technoscience, Technosphere	Listed topics are indicative only and may change year-on-year. The course is taught semi-intensively to facilitate the preparation of the research essay, with core content delivered in earlier weeks, and workshopping and research reflection content delivered in later weeks. Students should pre-read as much as possible before the beginning of Week 1 to ensure they keep up with the course content.In line with the University’s recording policy, lectures, seminars and lectorials will be recorded and made available for students on Echo360.However, lecture recordings are only an additional resource, and they should not be taken as a substitute for regular online attendance. If a recording does fail, there is no guarantee a replacement recording will be provided.
2	Seminar 2: Science in the Courtroom: the Whaling CaseSeminar 3: Science in the Company: Einarsson v Canada
3	Seminar 4: Technology and the High Seas: Deep Sea Mining
4	Seminar 5: Technology and Territory: Artificial IslandsSeminar 6: Technoscience: Vaccines and Pandemics
5	Seminar 7: Technosphere 1: PlasticsSeminar 8: Technosphere 2: Geoengineering
6	Seminar 9: Science for a Climate-Changed World
7	Workshops
8	Workshops
9	Library tutorial (online)
10	Research Interview 1 (asynchronous)
11	Research Interview 2 (asynchronous)
12	Research Interview 3 (asynchronous)

Tutorial Registration

There are no tutorials in this course.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Discussion Leading	10 %	*	09/04/2026	2,5
Blog Post	20 %	26/03/2026	23/04/2026	1,2,3,4,5
Research Essay	70 %	28/05/2026	*	1,2,3,4,5

* 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.

Participation

For all courses taught in any mode (whether face to face or online), the ANU College of Law considers participation in the classes offered to be an important part of the educational experience of the program. Students are expected to attend all classes.

If circumstances arise which are beyond a student’s control and they are unable to attend a class, the student should contact the Course Convenor in advance (where possible), so that the convenor can adjust their expectations in relation to numbers for that class. If it is not possible to give advance notice, students should send the convenor an email as soon as possible with evidence to support the reason for failure to attend. 

Examination(s)

There is no final examination for this course.

Assessment Task 1

Discussion Leading

Details of Task: This task will run from Weeks 2 to Week 6. A group selection tool will be available in the Canvas site from Week 1. Students should allocate themselves to a seminar, introduce one of the readings, formulate one question for discussion by the whole class, and explain why that question interests them. Students are encouraged to coordinate with the other students allocated to that seminar in doing so.

Nature of Task: Compulsory and non-redeemable. Failure to submit this assessment will result in a mark of zero for this assessment task.

Weighting: 10%

Release: Instructions and sign-up will be done in-class during Seminar 1.

Due Date: During class time between Weeks 2 and 6. Due to the nature of the task, late submission or extension is not permitted.

If you are unable to present on the day due to extenuating circumstances and have documentation, please contact the convenor.

Extenuating circumstances that may warrant approval may include, but are not limited to:

- medical reasons (student injury, illness or medical condition);

- family/personal reasons (family injury or illness, bereavement);

- cultural or religious commitments; where a cultural or religious event conflicts with the scheduled tutorial.

Please note that approval will not be given for work related reasons.

Submission: Students will complete this task by leading a discussion in their allocated seminar. No submission on Canvas is required.

Estimated return date: 9 April 2026.

Assessment Criteria: Understanding of and engagement with the course readings; critical reflection on the readings in light of interdisciplinary debates on international law, science and technology; clarity in communicating core points of the readings and in posing a question for discussion.

Assessment Task 2

Blog Post

Details of Task: Students will be asked to draft a 'blog post' on a current topic of their choice relating to international law, science and technology, drawing on the themes explored in the course. The blog post should introduce the topic; briefly explain the broader societal significance of the relevant legal issue or issues; and offer some preliminary analysis, which can be doctrinal, normative, critical or socio-legal in nature. Although the same text cannot be submitted twice, students are encouraged to select the same general topic as they intend to write on for the research essay. More information on this task will be provided in Week 1.

Nature of Task: Compulsory and non-redeemable. Failure to submit this assessment will result in a mark of zero for this assessment task.

Weighting: 20%

Word Limit: 1000 words. The ANU School of Law's Word Length and Excess Word penalties policy can be found here.

Submission Requirement: Your submission must be made in a word processing file format (.doc, .docx). PDF files will not be accepted.

Due Date: 5pm, Thursday, 26 March 2026. Late submissions (without an extension) are permitted, but late penalties will apply.

Estimated Return Date: 23 April 2026.

Assessment Criteria: An assessment rubric will be available in Canvas.

Assessment Task 3

Research Essay

Details of Task: Students will write a research essay in line with the themes explored in the course. Given the nature of a research capstone course, students will select their own topic and design a research question and methodological approach that reflects their interests. Guidance on doing so will be offered in-class, and students are encouraged to make use of office hours to discuss prospective topics and approaches. Students will also be able to give a presentation to the class on their topic and approach in Weeks 7 and 8, which is not compulsory but will provide further opportunity for feedback and discussion. More information about this task will be provided in Week 1.

Nature of Task: Compulsory and non-redeemable. Failure to submit this assessment will result in a mark of zero for this assessment task.

Weighting: 70%

Word Limit: 4000 words. The ANU School of Law's Word Length and Excess Word penalties policy can be found here.

Submission Requirement: Your submission must be made in a word processing file format (.doc, .docx). PDF files will not be accepted.

Due Date: 5pm, Thursday, 28 May 2026. Late submissions (without an extension) are permitted, but late penalties will apply. Please be mindful that if you are in your final semester, late submissions will have an impact on your eligibility to graduate on time.

Estimated Return Date: Official end of semester results release date.

Assessment Criteria: An assessment rubric will be available in Canvas.

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. You must ensure that you upload the correct document on the specified submission due date and time. Any document modified after the due date and time will either incur a late penalty or will NOT be accepted. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education), submission must be through Turnitin in a word processing file format (.doc, .docx). Electronic copies in .pdf file format are not acceptable.

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 tests or examinations.
• Late submission with an extension. To ensure equity for all students, the 5% penalty per working day for late submission of work does not apply if you have been granted an extension. Where an extension is granted, the revised due date and submission time will be provided in writing. Importantly, any revised due date is inclusive of weekends and public holidays. Regardless of which day of the week the revised due date falls on, students who submit after that date will be penalised by 5% of the possible marks available for the task per 24-hour period..

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

All marks and feedback will be provided online by the return date listed in the class summary.

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

• Maximum Submissions: Students can submit up to three times per assessment.

• Final Submission Counts: Only the last uploaded version will be marked — provided it is uploaded before marking begins.

• Late Submissions: If submitted after the due date, the final version will still be marked, but late penalties will apply (unless an extension has been approved).

• No Submissions After Return Date: Once the return-of-assessment date has passed, NO submissions will be accepted.

• Marking Already Started: If a marker has already begun marking a version, that version will be the one assessed — even if a newer one is uploaded later.

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