Course coordinator
Dr Philip Stewart
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2025 (28/07/2025 - 22/11/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 4
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- The Environment School
A compulsory course in the Bachelor of Environmental Management (Honours) program, where students complete a minimum 270 hours undertaking industry placement in an organisation external to the University.
Students will work with their placement host organisation to develop and complete a specific project that is both meaningful to the organisation and of sufficient technical content to meet the academic requirements of the course.This project will allow students to gain practical field-related experience while developing and enhancing skills in report writing and project management.
Information about enrolling in a placement course, including registering your interest and application deadlines, can be found here: science.uq.edu.au/placements . Students may apply for UQ-sourced placement opportunities in a competitive selection process, or will source their own placement for Course Coordinator approval.
Industry Placement isﾠaﾠperiod of continuous, structured, course-related experienceﾠin an organisationﾠinvolved in sustainable development, management of natural & rural resources,ﾠincluding protected areas, wildlife andﾠproduction enterprises, orﾠservice industries related to environmental management. It is offered in the sixth semester of the degree for full-time students or equivalent for part-time students.
While primary responsibility forﾠfinding a suitable host organisation lies with the student, some opportunities are solicited from repeat providers and advertised through the School. Studentsﾠare encouraged to actively seek a placement with an organisation in an area that particularly interests them well before the semester begins. Many students have been employed by their host organisation after completing their industry placement, so the course also presents an opportunity for obtaining employment and the foundation for a career in environmental management.
Placements may require work from home orﾠUQ due to placement host organisations'ﾠrequirements. Fieldwork activities may require additional approval.
Course requirements
Assumed background
Students must have completed at least #32 of the BEnvMan or BEnvMan (Hons) program to undertake this course.
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
Completion of at least 32 units towards the BEnvMan(Hons) by the semester of enrolment
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
ENVM3521
Restrictions
Restricted to BEnvMan(Hons) students with permission to enrol. See course description for further information.
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Philip Stewart
Tutor
Mx Laura Smith
Ms Swastika Samanta
Ms Susie Fifoot
Mr Hung Le
Miss Shruti Joshi
Ms Anuradhi Jayasinghe
Demonstrator
Mx Laura Smith
Ms Swastika Samanta
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Refer to the Resources available on InPlaceﾠ(UQ login details required). Contact environment@enquire.uq.edu.au if you have issues logging in.
You are required to complete 5 in 5 Science OHS Module for Science Faculty students. This can be accessed via https://learn.uq.edu.au and is compulsory before enrolment in any placement course offered by SENV. Instructions can be found on InPlace.
A pre-placement Orientation session will be held in orientation week. Whilst not compulsory, students are encouraged to attend or at least review the recording. The Course Coordinator will provide further information on the Assessment activities for the course at that session.
Students should begin seeking a placement up to six months before the start of the semester.ﾠSome guidance may be providedﾠto assist in securingﾠaﾠplacement.
To assist students with identifying potential host organisations and preparing application documents, resources are availableﾠvia Science Placements Blackboard site. Visit the Faculty of Science website for more information.
To assist students with identifying potential host organisations and preparing application documents, resume and cover letter workshops are offered regularly by theﾠUQ Student Employability Centre. Workshop details are advertised onﾠStudentHubﾠunder 'Events'.
Aims and outcomes
This Course aims to provide students with practical field related experience in an organisationﾠrelating toﾠenvironmental management. Students will gain experience in developing and completing a project which is of benefit to both them and the organisation. Students will also gain skills in producing a detailed final report, a recorded presentationﾠand a poster onﾠthe project undertaken.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Demonstrate improved understanding of their preferred field of study and employment direction as well as relating theoretical knowledge to practice
LO2.
Demonstrate acquired practical skills and experience in a professional work environment including working with others and working independently
LO3.
Demonstrate project management skills including developing a project proposal and completing an agreed project (or projects) and presenting results within a specified time period
LO4.
Demonstrate an ability to comprehend and integrate with accepted workplace practices and policies as they apply to environmental management
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Project |
Assessment 1. Project Plan
|
PASS/FAIL |
15/08/2025 2:00 pm |
| Placement |
Assessment 2. Placement Supervisor Report
|
PASS/FAIL |
23/10/2025 2:00 pm |
| Poster |
Assessment 3. Placement Project Poster
|
PASS/FAIL |
24/10/2025 2:00 pm |
| Project |
Assessment 4. Placement Project Report
|
PASS/FAIL |
24/10/2025 2:00 pm |
Assessment details
Assessment 1. Project Plan
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Project
- Weight
- PASS/FAIL
- Due date
15/08/2025 2:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
The purpose of this assessment item is to prepare a plan for your industry placement project. The Project Plan should detail the plan of approach for the project. It should be developed in consultation with your academic supervisor. It is a very important part of the industry placement process. Whilst the assessment task is not intended to be onerous, it is important to do well so that you have a clear plan for your project.
Project Plan Instructions, Format and Word Limits
- Each student is required to complete a ‘Project Plan’ using the format outlined on Blackboard.
- This is an individual assessment. Students must submit their own work.
- Students are to write and submit their Project Plan in their own document (word or pdf).
- Structure your Project Plan according to the template provided on Blackboard with each section titled with the Section heading.
- There is no word limit per se, but recommended word lengths for relevant sections are provided on Blackboard.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Online submission by Turnitin only by the due date and time. No hard copy or assignment cover sheets are required. Submission via email is not accepted.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
You are required to submit assessable items on time. If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item, then 10% of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item (the assessment ‘marked from’ value) will be deducted as a late penalty for every day (or part day) late after the due date.
For example, if you submit your assignment 1 hour late, you will be penalised 10%; if your assignment is 24.5 hours late, you will be penalised 20% (because it is late by one 24-hour period plus part of another 24-hour period).
Assessment 2. Placement Supervisor Report
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Placement
- Weight
- PASS/FAIL
- Due date
23/10/2025 2:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Work integrated learning.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
Prior to completion of your placement, UQ will send a request via email to your placement supervisor to complete an assessment on your performance in the workplace. Supervisors will submit this report directly to UQ as per instructions in the email. Supervisors will be encouraged to use the report as an opportunity to conduct a formal feedback session with you. The feedback will be released to students following review by UQ.
Submission guidelines
The Placement Supervisor is to submit report directly to the Faculty of Science Placement Team UQ.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Assessment 3. Placement Project Poster
- Online
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Poster
- Weight
- PASS/FAIL
- Due date
24/10/2025 2:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
In this assessment activity you are required to prepare a poster about your Industry Placement project. Subject to commercial confidentiality constraints, your poster may be displayed at next year’s ‘Industry Placement Poster Showcase Event’ convened by the school, that will be attended by incoming Industry Placement students, host organisations and employers (past, current and future), UQ staff and your peers. It is a good opportunity to showcase your work. In those sorts of forums and events, Posters are a useful way of communicating your work. Good posters strike an effective balance between attention-grabbing graphics and important detail to engage browsing attendees at the event.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT)
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
The poster is to be submitted as a PDF via Blackboard through the link provided.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
You are required to submit assessable items on time. If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item, then 10% of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item (the assessment ‘marked from’ value) will be deducted as a late penalty for every day (or part day) late after the due date.
For example, if you submit your assignment 1 hour late, you will be penalised 10%; if your assignment is 24.5 hours late, you will be penalised 20% (because it is late by one 24-hour period plus part of another 24-hour period).
Assessment 4. Placement Project Report
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Project
- Weight
- PASS/FAIL
- Due date
24/10/2025 2:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
The Project Report required in this assessment should be considered as the main academic output of the course. The Project Report should provide a concise review of your Industry Placement Project. It should serve to complement any reports that you prepare for your Host Organisation as part of the Placement and as a record of your industry placement experience.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT)
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Online submission by Turnitin only by the due date and time. No hard copy or assignment cover sheets are required. Submission via email is not accepted.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
You are required to submit assessable items on time. If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item, then 10% of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item (the assessment ‘marked from’ value) will be deducted as a late penalty for every day (or part day) late after the due date.
For example, if you submit your assignment 1 hour late, you will be penalised 10%; if your assignment is 24.5 hours late, you will be penalised 20% (because it is late by one 24-hour period plus part of another 24-hour period).
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Pass/Fails | Description |
|---|---|
| P |
Course grade description: A "pass" grade is achieved if the student has (1) attended the placement and undertaken work provided to the satisfaction of the field supervisor and (2) submitted every assessment item to a satisfactory standard as decscribed in the course profile. |
| F |
Course grade description: A "fail" grade is "achieved" if the student (1) fails to adequately attend the placement without sufficient reason given, (2) fails to undertake work provided to the satisfaction of the Placement Supervisor without sufficient justification provided to the Course Coordinatoor, or (3)fails to submit every assessment item to a satisfactory standard as decscribed in the course profile. |
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Should you fail a course with a non-graded ‘N’, you may be eligible for supplementary assessment. Refer to my.UQ for information on supplementary assessment and how to apply.
Supplementary assessment provides an additional opportunity to demonstrate you have achieved all the required learning outcomes for a course.
If you apply and are granted supplementary assessment, the type of supplementary assessment set will consider which learning outcome(s) have not been met.
Supplementary assessment can take any form (such as a written report, oral presentation, examination or other appropriate assessment) and may test specific learning outcomes tailored to the individual student, or all learning outcomes.
To receive a passing grade of NSP, you must obtain a mark of 50% or more on the supplementary assessment.
Additional assessment information
In the event a submission is made but some sections are not provided or are incomplete or are not addressed in sufficient detail, the Course Coordinator may request students to revise and resubmit their submissions until it achieves a Pass standard.
Applications for Extensions to Assessment Due Dates
- Read the information contained in the following links carefully before submitting an application for extension to assessment due date.
- For guidance on applying for an extension, information is available here: https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/exams-and-assessment/applying-assessment-extension
- For the policy relating to extensions, information is available here (Part D): https://policies.uq.edu.au/document/view-current.php?id=184
- Please note the University's requirements for medical certificates here: https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/uq-policies-and-rules/requirements-medical-certificates
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
When applying for a placement opportunity, the UQ Student Employability Centreﾠcan provide assistance in the preparation of a cover letter and resume. A list of workshops offered by UQ Careers is also available on StudentHub.
Students are encouraged to provide potential host placement organisations with a copy of the latestﾠStudent Activities Insurance letterﾠ(login required),ﾠwhich outlines the University's insurance coverage for students undertaking APPROVED course placements.ﾠ
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks |
Workshop |
Group meetings with academic supervisors Students are required to attend FIVE group workshop-style meetings with their supervisors during the semester. The specific dates and times will be organised directly between the academic supervisor and their assigned groups. The objectives of the meetings are to workshop ideas, suggestions and feedback for each assessment item. |
Placement |
Industry Placement Students will attend the workplace to undertake project-related tasks and other productive work for the placement provider during agreed hours for the duration of semester. |
|
General contact hours |
Orientation Workshop O Week - Introductory session for all students to discuss expectations for the placement and strategies for approaching the assigned project. 10:00-11:00 (Cohort workshop with Course Coordinator); 11:00 to 12:00 with Academic Supervisors. |
|
Workshop |
Poster Workplace poster in week 13. 21st October 2024 by 2pm submit poster via Blackboard |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments for Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
You'll also need to be aware of the following policies and procedures while completing this course: