Course overview
- Study period
- Summer Semester, 2025 (01/12/2025 - 14/02/2026)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Mathematics & Physics School
The Science Industry Placement course enables students to acquire practical skills and experience in an authentic work environment. Through the completion of 120 hours of placement in a science-related workplace, students will gain an understanding of the real world application of their learning. They will also learn about the nature of careers in science, identify possible career pathways, and reflect on their own professional skills and personal development.
Course Quota: 40 students
Further information about enrolling in a placement course can be found here: https://science.uq.edu.au/placements
All enquiries for this course should be addressed to the Faculty of Science (enquire@science.uq.edu.au) .
The Faculty of Science is committed to preparing its students for success in a wide range of professional scenarios, ensuring its graduates have practical experience in the application of theoretical concepts and knowledge. This course is designed to provide students with an opportunity to experience work integrated learning and to further their professional skills training in authentic scientific environments. The Science Industry Placement offers students in all Science disciplines the opportunity to 'work' in their chosen field, acquainting themselves with the real world conditions and activities of their industry before graduating. Student placements promote the employability of UQ graduates to industry, enhancing students' prospects of employment at the end of their studies.
The course requires students to spend a minimum of 120 hours (recommended maximum 160 hours) of placement in a science-related workplace. In addition to the workplaceﾠrequirements, students will attend compulsory employability workshops before and after the placement, learning the importance of self-reflection in their personal and professional development, and improving their ability toﾠarticulate their skills and experience to potential employers.
Students are responsible for securing a suitable work placement related to their studies by the end of Week 13 in Semester 2. Visit the Science Placements website for more information and resources for finding a placement.
Self-sourced placements areﾠsubject to Faculty of Science approval. It is not possible to apply for credit for this course using past work in industry i.e., the placement must be a new placement, for the semester/teaching period enrolled.ﾠ
The workplace hours required for theﾠplacement may be undertaken full-time in a block of at least three weeks, or part-time up until the end of the inter-semester break (see Learning Activities for the date range). Students will negotiate a work schedule with their placement provider to accommodate both student commitments and provider expectations. The schedule must allow for students to attend compulsory workshops, andﾠshould provide flexibility to ensure the student can comfortably achieve the course requirements during the semester/teaching period of enrolment.
In the School of Mathematics and Physics we are committed to creating an inclusive and empowering learning environment for all students. We value and respect the diverse range of experiences our students bring to their education, and we believe that this diversity is essential for fostering a rich culture of knowledge sharing and meaningful exploration. We hold both students and staff accountable for actively contributing to the establishment of a respectful and supportive learning environment.
Bullying, harassment, and discrimination in any form are strictly against our principles and against UQ Policy, and will not be tolerated. We have developed a suite of resources to assist you in recognising, reporting, and addressing such behaviour. If you have any concerns about your experience in this course, we encourage you to tell a member of the course teaching team, or alternatively contact an SMP Classroom Inclusivity Champion (see Blackboard for contact details). Our Inclusivity Champions are here to listen, to understand your concerns, and to explore potential actions that can be taken to resolve them. Your well-being and a positive learning atmosphere are of utmost importance to us.
Course requirements
Assumed background
Students wishing to undertake SCIE3050 should have successfully completed a minimum of 24 units towards their current program, including a minimum of 8 units of level 2 or higher courses, by the end of the previous semester.
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
Successful completion of a minimum of 24 units towards current program, including a minimum of 8 units of level 2 or higher courses by the end of the previous semester.
Restrictions
Permission of the Associate Dean (Academic).
Students must secure a suitable placement in a science-related workplace.
Quota of 40 places by expression of interest. Expected GPA cut-off of 5.0.
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Three compulsory workshops are timetabled in the Public Timetable for the course.
The pre-placement workshop will be held prior to the start of semester.
- Orientation Workshop: Monday 24 Nov 2025, 9am - 12pm.
The two post-placement workshops will be held after the end of semester.
- Presentation Seminar: Wednesday 18 Feb 2026, 9am - 2pm
- Employability Workshop: Thursday 19 Feb 2026, 9am - 1pm
Check the Public Timetable for room allocations.
To assist students with identifying potential host organisations and preparing application documents, resources are available on the Science Placements Blackboard site. Visit the Faculty of Science website for more information.
Aims and outcomes
To provide students with practical workplace experience in an organisation related to their field of study, and to use reflective practice to translate experiences into employability development.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Demonstrate an improved understanding of career opportunities within the field of study
LO2.
Demonstrate an ability to relate theoretical knowledge to practice
LO3.
Demonstrate an ability to critically evaluate your knowledge and skills in the process of applying them in a professional work environment
LO4.
Demonstrate an ability to comprehend and integrate with accepted workplace practices and policies as they relate to the field of study
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portfolio |
Learning Contract and Risk Assessment
|
Pass/Fail |
One week after placement commences |
| Reflection |
Reflective Practice
|
Pass/Fail |
Final video reflection due date 23/02/2026 3:00 pm
Progressive reflections due after every 40 hours of placement. Final reflection due after post-placement workshops. |
| Presentation |
Placement Showcase Presentation
|
Pass/Fail |
16/02/2026 9:00 am
Single presentation slide to be submitted 48 hours prior to seminar. Presentation delivered in person - see timetable for details. |
| Placement |
Placement Supervisor Report
|
Pass/Fail. Student must achieve at least 8/20 for a Pass. |
Before end of placement |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
Learning Contract and Risk Assessment
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Portfolio
- Weight
- Pass/Fail
- Due date
One week after placement commences
- Other conditions
- Work integrated learning.
- Learning outcomes
- L02, L03, L04
Task description
Learning Contract to be negotiated with Placement Supervisor during first week of placement.
Risk Assessment to be undertaken to identify hazards associated with placement activities.
Templates available on Blackboard under Learning Resources. Both items to be signed by Placement Supervisor prior to submission.
Students will nominate their own due date (based on placement start date) via InPlace.
Hurdle requirements
Students must receive a passing grade (P) in this assessment to successfully complete the course. Failure to pass this assessment will automatically result in a failing grade (N) for both the assessment and the course.Submission guidelines
Submit via relevant assessment link in Blackboard
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
See ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT INFORMATION for the extension and deferred examination information relating to this assessment item.
Reflective Practice
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Reflection
- Weight
- Pass/Fail
- Due date
Final video reflection due date 23/02/2026 3:00 pm
Progressive reflections due after every 40 hours of placement. Final reflection due after post-placement workshops.
- Other conditions
- Work integrated learning.
- Learning outcomes
- L02, L03, L04
Task description
You will submit four reflections for this assessment item:
- three (3) progressive reflections to be submitted during your placement, evenly spaced over the 120 hours; and
- one (1) final video reflection submitted after the post-placement workshops.
Progressive reflections
Using the SEAL reflection process, you will periodically reflect on events and activities that occur during your placement. Use the Reflective Practice template available on Blackboard to complete your reflections. Training on using the SEAL reflection process is provided during the orientation workshop.
- Reflective Practice 1 is for situations that occur in the first block of 40 hours of placement.
- Reflective Practice 2 is for situations that occur in the second block of 40 hours of placement.
- Reflective Practice 3 is for situations that occur in the final block of 40 hours of placement.
Students will calculate their own schedule for submitting progressive Reflective Practice assessments and enter the details on InPlace. E.g., If your placement period is six weeks, you will submit your first progressive reflection after two weeks of placement are completed, your second reflection after four weeks of placement, and your third reflection upon completion of the placement. Reflective Practice 3 must be submitted in time for marking/feedback to occur in preparation for the post-placement workshops.
Final reflection
You will prepare a 3-5 minute video for your final reflection, drawing on previous reflective practice and workshop outcomes.
Hurdle requirements
Students must receive a passing grade (P) for each reflection to successfully complete the course. Failure to pass all progressive and final reflections will automatically result in a failing grade (N) for both the assessment and the course.Submission guidelines
Submit via relevant assessment links on Blackboard
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
See ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT INFORMATION for the extension and deferred examination information relating to this assessment item.
Placement Showcase Presentation
- Hurdle
- In-person
- Mode
- Oral
- Category
- Presentation
- Weight
- Pass/Fail
- Due date
16/02/2026 9:00 am
Single presentation slide to be submitted 48 hours prior to seminar. Presentation delivered in person - see timetable for details.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
Students will deliver a three-minute-thesis style presentation, using a single PowerPoint slide, to share details of their experience with the rest of the cohort.
Submit your single presentation slide as a PowerPoint file via the Presentation assessment link Blackboard by the due date listed here.
All students will deliver their presentation during the post-placement presentation seminar (see timetable for details).
The presentation should be written for a general audience i.e., not too technical, and convey details of the activities undertaken during placement without breaching any confidentiality restrictions of the host organisation.
Hurdle requirements
Student must receive a passing grade (P) in this assessment to successfully complete the course. Failure to attend the seminar and deliver your oral presentation will automatically result in a failing grade (N) for both the assessment and the course.Submission guidelines
Submit via relevant assessment link on Blackboard
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
See ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT INFORMATION for the extension and deferred examination information relating to this assessment item.
Placement Supervisor Report
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Placement
- Weight
- Pass/Fail. Student must achieve at least 8/20 for a Pass.
- Due date
Before end of placement
- 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 of your performance in the workplace and to verify the number of placement hours completed. Supervisors will be encouraged to use the report as an opportunity to conduct a formal feedback session with you prior to the end of your placement.
Assessment of student performance criteria:
- Written and interpersonal communication
- Quality of work, knowledge, and problem solving
- Organisation and work ethic
- Cooperation and collaboration
- Attendance and presentation
Supervisors will complete the report electronically, and submit directly to UQ. The feedback will be released to students following review by UQ.
Hurdle requirements
Students must achieve at least 8/20 to receive a Pass. Student must receive a passing grade in this assessment to successfully complete the course. Failure to pass this assessment will automatically result in a failing grade (N) for both the assessment and the course.Submission guidelines
Placement supervisor to submit report directly to UQ.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
See ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT INFORMATION for the extension and deferred examination information relating to this assessment item.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Pass/Fails | Description |
|---|---|
| P |
Course grade description: To achieve a grade of P in this course, a student must meet all of the following criteria: 1) Complete and submit ALL assessment items; 2) Be awarded a Pass for each assessment item; 3) Full attendance and participation in all timetabled workshops; and 4) Full attendance and participation at placement for a minimum of 120 hours. |
| F |
Course grade description: A student who does not meet all of the criteria to be awarded a P will be awarded an N. |
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Should you fail a course with a grade of 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 in this course will be advised by the Course Coordinator. To receive a passing grade of NSP, you must obtain a pass in the supplementary assessment.
Additional assessment information
Artificial Intelligence
To pass this course, students will be required to demonstrate a detailed understanding of course material together with a range of associated skills independent of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) tools.
For assessment tasks that are completed in-person (including examinations) termed “secure assessment”, the use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted unless otherwise advised. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Other non-secure assessment tasks (such as assignments) are designed to help you develop your understanding and skills, and to prepare you for secure assessment. You are thus generally encouraged to complete such assessment without the use of AI/MT, unless explicitly advised to the contrary in the assessment item. In any event, if you choose to use such tools, then you must clearly reference any such use within your submitted work. A failure to reference AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Applications for Extensions to Assessment Due Dates
Extension requests are submitted online via my.UQ – applying for an extension. Extension requests received in any other way will not be approved. Additional details associated with extension requests, including acceptable and unacceptable reasons, may be found at my.UQ.
Please note:
- Requests for an extension to an assessment due date must be submitted through your my.UQ portal and you must provide documentation of your circumstances, as soon as it becomes evident that an extension is needed. Your application must be submitted on or before the assessment item's due date and time.
- Applications for extension can take time to be processed so you should continue to work on your assessment item while awaiting a decision. We recommend that you submit any completed work by the due date, and this will be marked if your application is not approved. Should your application be approved, then you will be able to resubmit by the agreed revised due date.
- If an extension is approved, you will be notified via your my.UQ portal and the new date and time for submission provided. It is important that you check the revised date as it may differ from the date that you requested.
- If the basis of the application is a medical condition, applications should be accompanied by a medical certificate dated prior to the assignment due date. If you are unable to provide documentation to support your application by the due date and time you must still submit your application on time and attach a written statement (Word document) outlining why you cannot provide the documentation. You must then upload the documentation to the portal within 24 hours.
- If an extension is being sought on the basis of exceptional circumstances, it must be accompanied by supporting documentation (eg. Statutory declaration).
- For extensions based on a SAP you may be granted a maximum of 7 days (if no earlier maximum date applies). See the Extension or Deferral availability section of each assessment for details. Your SAP is all that is required as documentation to support your application. However, additional extension requests for the assessment item will require the submission of additional supporting documentation e.g., a medical certificate. All extension requests must be received by the assessment due date and time.
- Students may be asked to submit evidence of work completed to date. Lack of adequate progress on your assessment item may result in an extension being denied.
- If you have been ill or unable to attend class for more than 14 days, you are advised to carefully consider whether you are capable of successfully completing your courses this semester. You might be eligible to withdraw without academic penalty - seek advice from the Faculty that administers your program.
- There are no provisions for exemption from an assessment item within UQ rules. If you are unable to submit an assessment piece then, under special circumstances, you may be granted an exemption, but may be required to submit alternative assessment to ensure all learning outcomes are met.
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
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Other course materials
Recommended
| Item | Description | Further Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Innovative Research Universities - WIL Resources | https://iru.edu.au/wil-resources/ | |
| Developing Employability - Student Starter Kit | https://developingemployability.edu.au/ | |
| UQx: Unlocking Your Employability | https://www.edx.org/learn/career-development/the-university-of-queensland-unlocking-your-employability |
Additional learning resources information
When applying for a placement opportunity, the UQ Career Development team can provide assistance in the preparation of aﾠcover letterﾠandﾠresume.
This fact sheet (login required) outlines the University's insurance coverage for students undertaking APPROVED work-integrated learning placements. You may also wish to provide potential host organisations with a copy of the latest UQ Student Activities Insurance letter, which you can download from the UQ Insurance Services website.
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 |
Placement |
Placement Students will undertake a minimum of 120 hours (recommended maximum 160 hours) placement in an approved workplace between these dates: 25 November 2025 – 13 February 2026. Note: If placement dates clash with workshop dates, students must seek 'time off' from their placement to attend compulsory workshops. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Workshop |
Pre-placement Workshop Compulsory pre-placement workshop for all course participants. The workshop is timetabled as follows:
See the course timetable for room details. Exemption from in-person attendance may be granted to students participating in UQ-led placement experiences that depart Australia prior to the workshop. In addition to this live session, students are required to complete the 'Crash Course into Employer Expectations' module and view the 'Health, Safety and Wellness on placement' video prior to commencing placement. Both resources will be found on Blackboard. Learning outcomes: L01 |
|
Workshop |
Post-placement Workshops Compulsory post-placement workshops for all course participants. Students will deliver a presentation, engage in discussion with peers, practice self-reflection, undertake self-assessment of employability literacies, and participate in mock interviews. The workshops are timetabled as follows:
All students must attend both sessions. These workshops are in person and will not be offered by Zoom. See the course timetable for room details. Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04 |
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
- AI for Assessment Guide
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: