NATS 2032 Work Integrated Learning in Science

This is an archived copy of the 2021-2022 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit https://hbook.westernsydney.edu.au.

Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 301161

Coordinator Christopher Jones Opens in new window

Description This unit will provide second and third year science students with an opportunity to undertake a short work placement within a professional organisation. The placement will allow students to observe and develop professional skills and behaviour and integrate theoretical and practical science knowledge and conventions into a real world setting. During the semester preceding the placement students need to complete three career preparation workshops run by Western Sydney University Careers and attend a Pre-Placement seminar run by the unit coordinator. These will aid students in finding their own placement. Prior to the placement, and in consultation with the unit coordinator and the workplace supervisor, students will develop a Professional Task to accomplish during the placement. The task will enhance their workplace skills and highlight how their science knowledge can be adapted and integrated into a professional career. The unit aims to promote greater engagement with career planning and progression and hence improve job readiness.

School Science

Discipline Natural and Physical Sciences, Not Elsewhere Classified.

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 2 10cp

Check your HECS Band contribution amount via the Fees page.

Level Undergraduate Level 2 subject

Restrictions Students must have successfully completed 30 credit points at level 2; must have a GPA > 5; must have completed the three Careers Workshops (http://www.westernsydney.edu.au/careers/home/students_grads/workshops) ? �gApplying for work: Resume and cover letter writing�h, �gFinding Work�h and �gInterviewing for Work�h - in order to generate a career e-portfolio; and must have developed a plan for the Professional Task.

Assumed Knowledge

Prior to entering the subject, the student must have completed three careers workshops (generating a ‘career e-portfolio’) and have attended a pre-placement workshop. At the workshop the responsibilities, requirements and assessment of the placement will discussed. Additionally, at the workshop students will be guided on how to prepare their plan for the Professional Task.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

Explain how the work placement has contributed to their career planning and job readiness.
Identify how Western Sydney University science graduate attributes are applied to the workplace.
Assess workplace culture and etiquette and critically reflect on how they contribute to organisational success.
Evaluate workplace organisational and reporting structures and explain the placement�fs role and responsibilities within the organisation.
Critically reflect on how personal attributes contribute to the workplace.
Integrate prior scientific learning into a professional role.

Subject Content

1. Work Placement: ~110 hours of supervised work experience
2. Integration of scientific theory with real world applications
3. Workplace organisational structures
4. Professional behaviour and communication
5. Professional roles and opportunities available to science graduates
6. Career planning

Assessment

The following table summarises the standard assessment tasks for this subject. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated, where there is a difference your Learning Guide takes precedence.

Item	Length	Percent	Threshold	Individual/Group Task
Professional Task	15 min oral presentations	60	N	Individual
Reflection	2000-3000 words	40	N	Individual
Professional Placement Performance	Survey, 10-15 minutes to complete. Workplace supervisor to complete	S/U	Y	Individual