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GEOG 2200 - Environmental Policy and Management Internship

North Terrace Campus - Semester 2 - 2014

This course allows students to spend up to two days per week during the semester or, undertake a two week block of concentrated interaction, working as an intern with a community, business/industry or government agency engaged in environmental policy, planning and management activities, or with an individual or group engaged in environmental research. During their internships students can choose or will be assigned specific projects by their 'sponsors' and will prepare reports on the methodology and results of their projects. The course coordinator will assist students to identify suitable sponsors and projects and will monitor student progress in regular seminars. Students are expected to choose their sponsors and projects in consultation with the course coordinator before the beginning of the semester, as admission to the course will depend on approval of the sponsor and project by the course coordinator.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code GEOG 2200
    Course Environmental Policy and Management Internship
    Coordinating Unit Geography, Environment and Population
    Term Semester 2
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 6
    Contact Up to 3 hours per week
    Prerequisites Credit average or above in 12 units of Advanced level Geography, Environment and Population courses including GEST 2039 or GEST 2002 or GEOG 2139
    Incompatible GEST 3100, ANTH 2048, GEST 2200, MDIA 3302, MDIA 3311, POLI 2112, POLI 3083
    Restrictions Available to BEnvPolicy&Mgt students only
    Quota A quota will apply
    Assessment Seminar participation, presentation (20%), 6000 word project report (80%)
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Associate Professor John Tibby

    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from .

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    1 Interdisciplinary problem-solving skills

    2 High quality written and verbal communication skills
    3 First hand working experience of an environmental government, industry or non-government            (community-based) organisation
    4 Experience in independent research leading to production of a substantial research report
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)
    Knowledge and understanding of the content and techniques of a chosen discipline at advanced levels that are internationally recognised. 1, 2
    The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner. 1, 4
    An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems. 1, 4
    Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication. 3, 4
    A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies. 4
    A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life. 3
    A commitment to the highest standards of professional endeavour and the ability to take a leadership role in the community. 3
    An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a global context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities. 3
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    None
    Recommended Resources
    Reference and example materials provided on MyUni
    Online Learning

    MyUni is an important learning tool and means of communication and knowledge exchange in this course. It provides the students with course materials and announcements and other features to help manage their study.

    Students also need to monitor their nominated student e-mail account regularly for any communication about the course. All course announcements will be both e-mailed and posted on MyUni.

    To reach the MyUni website for the course go to .   

    You will need to enter your username and password to access the MyUni website. If you have difficulty, please contact the Help Desk on 8303 3335 of send an e-mail to myuni.help@adelaide.edu.au
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    The formal contact hours for this course include a 3 hour lecture/seminar session in nominated weeks and these are designed to directly prepare and support students in the negotiation and execution of their internship and associated research report.
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.
     
    Structured learning/contact time: 3 hours per week
    Internship placement: 15 hours per week
    Documentation and report preparation: 6 hours per week

    The distribution of workload is likely to vary depending on placement requirements.
    Learning Activities Summary
    3 hour seminars each week.  Details provided at the start of semester
    Specific Course Requirements
    This course requires students to undertake a placement of approximately 2 days per week (commitment will vary for individual projects) as an intern at an external organisation. Before commencing your placement you need to complete an insurance form (details below, form on MyUni) and a project brief (an example is available on MyUni).

    For the whole of their period as interns, students remain attached to the Adelaide University. This means that all administrative matters and questions relating to their enrolment and status should be directed to the University. Responsibility for the academic coordination of the Internships and the day to day running of the Internship Scheme rests with the Academic coordinator, and all inquiries specifically about it should be directed to Dr John Tibby (telephone 8313 5146).

    All students participating in the Sscheme are expected to attend and participate in a series of seminars over the first few weeks of the semester. At the same time, students should arrange a meeting with their prospective host organisation to begin the process of preliminary planning of the research project. Once the exact terms of the research project have been agreed a ‘contract’ or project brief defining the task, outlining the methodology, and detailing the level of support available will be signed by the organisational supervisor, the student and the academic supervisor.

    Students will work on their negotiated research task at their own time and pace, subject to the agreed schedule of meetings / supervisions with their organisational supervisor. There will also be a number of meetings with the academic coordinator through the second half of the semester to provide additional support and resolve any possible problems.

    Towards the end of the academic semester, all students will present an oral summary of their findings and receive critical feedback from the academic supervisor. On the due date, all students will submit two bound copies of their research project and an electronic copy via turnitin. One copy will be retained by The University and the other returned to the student. A final mark (determined by the University) will be based on the report (80%)  and seminar presentation (total: 20%).

    Students should note that at all times they remain responsible for their own work. By agreeing to participate in the scheme and provide supervision, organisations have undertaken to provide as much support as possible. While the exact level of support will, however, vary from case to case, no organisation is expected to undertake additional work to assist with the writing and production of the Report. Accordingly, it is the ultimate responsibility of the student to ensure that the aims of the project have been accurately defined, that the task is appropriate for the time available, that sufficient resources are likely to be available, and that the research report is completed by the due date.

    Code of Practice
    As students may spend some considerable time working with organisations, all must be aware of the importance of appropriate behaviour. All students must read this Code of Practice and agree to abide by the terms of the Code. Acceptance of this and of the importance of confidentiality will form part of the ‘contract’ between students and supervisors.

    As part of their participation in the Scheme, all student interns must agree to abide by a defined code of practice. As well as recognising and acting in accordance with all the provisions set out below, all students should be aware that the host organisations have busy working environments and that students should act at all times with respect for the normal daily activities of the host organisation. As well as a general requirement for appropriate standards of behaviour, decorum, and dress, there are a number of specific protocols that must be observed:

    Confidentiality
    All students should be aware that any public sector organisation can be a politically sensitive environment and it is essential that students adhere to a code of absolute confidentiality and discretion. All information gained through access to the papers and other materials of host organisations should be regarded as confidential unless otherwise notified. The long-term success of the Program will depend on all students acting in accordance with this understanding.

    Status
    Internship students can expect to have the same privileges and rights of access as some of the paid research staff. At the same time, each student should accept the same disciplines and constraints to which salaried staff are committed. It is important that interns should not allow anyone to believe that they are members of staff.

    Correspondence
    While it may be appropriate for some correspondence in connection with your research project to come from the office of the host organisation, nothing should be sent under the letterhead of an organisation without prior permission.

    Expenses
    Any travel costs, or other incidental costs incurred by students as part of the research project will remain the responsibility of the student. Neither the Internship Programme nor the participating organisations have any funds to meet such expenditure. Any other arrangements must be directly negotiated and agreed between student and supervisor.

    OH&S and Insurance
    During their period of internship, students at all times remain enrolled members of the AdelaideUniversity and are expected to abide by the usual policies and by-laws of the University. As enrolled members of the 成人大片 all students are covered by the University's insurance policy. Coverage by the University's policy means that there is no need for any organisation to take out additional WorkCover or insurance coverage while a student is placed with them.
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    Seminar presentation (20%)
    Final Report: 80%
    Assessment Related Requirements
    It is necessary to present/submit both assessment elements to pass the course

    Output for your organisation
    The final report is for University assessment purposes and not intended for your organisation. The organisation may require a completely different format such as an executive summary of key findings plus a bulleted list or for example a physical output such as the production of an interpretive sign. Provision of the negotiated output to the host organisation is a requirement for satisfactory completion of this course.

    The organisational report would not need to contain the introduction to the organisation or your personal reflections on the internship. However, some of your supervisors may like to have some informal comments.
    Assessment Detail
    There are two elements of assessment for this course; a seminar and a final report.

    1 SEMINAR PRESENTATION (20%)
    Each student is required to give a seminar presentation (20% of course assessment) on their internship project. Individual seminars will vary but they should all be presented so that they convey information about the internship so that it is interesting and clear to the rest of the group. (NB industry supervisors are encouraged to attend the seminars)

    This presentation will last 20 minutes with 15 minutes for the presentation itself and 5 minutes for questions. The seminar can include comment on your personal experience and critical evaluation, but remember that your supervisor and other supervisors may be in the audience.

    The criteria used to evaluate your presentation are on MyUni

    2 FINAL REPORT (80%)
    The final report of 6,000  words comprises 80% of the total assessment. The word count includes in text references but not the reference list. Do not exceed the upper word limit.

    Report content
    Your final report will vary according to the particular internship but should contain the following:
    · Introduction to the organisation including the structure, the aims/vision/role, place of your supervisor and your project within the institution
    · Aims of your project
    · Methodology for your project
    · Findings of your project (this may include much of what is presented to the organisation)
    · Describe the outputs that you provided to the organisation
    · Provide personal comments and a critical evaluation on your internship experience (good or bad) and what you gained from the experience. This section should include some reflection on the seminar program.

    The criteria used to evaluate your report are on MyUni
    Submission

    SEMINAR – The seminar will be presented in late October (schedule to be advised) and will be assessed by the course coordinator at the time of presentation.

    FINAL REPORT - Please provide two printed copies of your report, one of which will be retained in the Discipline. Submit an additional copy via turnitin. The report is due by midday on Monday 4th November and should be handed in to the School of Social Sciences Office (Napier G18) with a signed cover sheet attached (available at office). Students whose internship schedule creates a problem with this deadline should see Dr John Tibby ahead of the due date to negotiate an alternative deadline.
    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through .

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

    A number of students have commented that this course has been the best experience of their university career.  A number of students have gained permanent employment from their host organisation.
  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student鈥檚 disciplinary procedures.

The 成人大片 is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The 成人大片 therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.