ENVS3008
Organisational Placement in the Environmental Sector
10 Units
Available in 2014
| Callaghan Campus | Semester 2 |
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| Ourimbah | Semester 1, Semester 2 |
Previously offered in 2013
This course requires students to integrate real world skills and experience with theoretical concepts and knowledge obtained during studies in the BESM program. Students will undertake a work-integrated placement in the private sector or similar placement in a government, NGO or community organisation in a role relevant to the practice of environmental science and management in a professional context.
It is the student's responsibility to organise this placement or similar external activity before commencing this course. Prior to approaching companies or organisations students must obtain written approval from the relevant Program Convenor or Course Coordinator, who will ensure that the placement does not adversely affect other existing placement courses of the University. Further details appear under 'Content' below. Each student will require a nominated placement supervisor within the placement organisation.
On commencing this course but before starting the placement, students will need to:
(1) complete a series of workshops on professional practice prior to the commencement of the semester of enrolment and/or prior to approaching potential placement organisations
(2) complete a compulsory workplace induction and Workplace Health and Safety requirement. Full information on this compulsory component will be provided in the course outline provided by the School of Environmental and Life Sciences.
Admission to this course is based on merit and the number of places available may be restricted. Students should enquire through the Course Coordinator or Program Convenor before enrolling.
Students will only be able to complete one Work Integrated Learning course as part of their degree program.
Final assessment will be based on the following:
1. a brief statement ('Program of Activity Agreement') outlining the proposed activities, signed and submitted by the placement supervisor and coordinator prior to the placement starting;
2. a brief statement from the placement supervisor to the course coordinator on completion of the placement, summarising how the student met the placement objectives;
3. a final report (format specified in the course outline) submitted by the student summarising work carried out during the placement and how this contributes to their career plan; and
4. a placement diary or reflective journal maintained by the student for the duration of the practical work. Although no standard format is required, regular entries must be made and should identify the nature and extent of the activity undertaken, and the learning experience obtained. This diary or journal must be available for review with the final report.
| Objectives | At the successful conclusion of the course, students will: 1. have developed skills required for the workplace, including communication and team work; 2. be able to reflect on, and apply, practically what has been learnt theoretically within their program 3. understand the array of skills required and opportunities available within their chosen career 4. understand the breadth of career and professional pathways available in the environmental sector; 5. have developed awareness and understanding of contemporary opportunities for and constraints to environmental and/or development management. 6. understand workplace health and safety and environmental risks associated with environmental projects. |
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| Content | In order to apply for admission into this course students will be required to present to the course coordinator: 1. an up-to-date CV; 2. a final draft of the letter of application to the host organisation; 3. contact details of the workplace supervisor at the host organisation; 4. a 'Program of Activity Agreement' signed by the student and workplace supervisor, which will also be signed by the Course Coordinator and is to be resubmitted by the student with their final report. Students must complete a short series of workshops prior to the commencement of the semester of enrolment and/or prior to approaching potential placement organisations to cover course requirements, assessment processes, and workplace issues including appropriate ways to approach potential host organisations, professional standards of conduct, Equity and Diversity and WH&S requirements. The diary / reflective journal submitted for assessment should show evidence of: (i) the student's appreciation of the nexus between theory developed in their degree program and actual practice; (ii) the application and development of skills that reflect the graduate outcomes of the degree program. (iii) how the placement and the development of these skills relates to the student's career aspirations; (iv) appreciation of appropriate standards of conduct and workplace requirements including OH&S requirements; and (v) critical reflection on improvements that could be implemented in the workplace / placement organisation / placement activity. |
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| Replacing Course(s) | EMGT3130 Project Management and Placement. | ||||||
| Transition | Not to count for credit with EMGT3130. Students who have completed EMGT3130 cannot enrol in this course. Students will only be able to complete one Work Integrated Learning course as part of their degree program. |
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| Industrial Experience | 0 | ||||||
| Assumed Knowledge | For students to derive maximum value from this course and to ensure that the host organisations derive substantive benefits as well, it is essential that students have a satisfactory knowledge and skills base prior to placement. Students therefore should have successfully completed at least 140 units at 1000/2000 level. | ||||||
| Modes of Delivery | Flexible Delivery / Student Centred Learning | ||||||
| Teaching Methods | Practical
Self Directed Learning Seminar Workshop |
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| Assessment Items |
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| Contact Hours | Workshop: for 4 hour(s) per Week for 1 weeks Practical: for 80 hour(s) per Term for Full Term Seminar: for 7 hour(s) per Week for 1 weeks |
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| Compulsory Components |
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| Timetables | 2014 Course Timetables for ENVS3008 |