Industry Project in Science

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2010:

Students are expected to devote 120 hours to this subject including contact and non-contact hours.

Students must be enrolled in prescribed subjects in their final semester of full-time or equivalent study.

For the purposes of considering requests for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements for this entry.

The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

This subject will provide practical insights into the role of science and scientific thinking within business, and the successful application of this perspective, along with communication and business tools, to work environments. Students will be assigned to syndicate groups to address a practical industry challenge/issue which has been identified by industry. In addressing this task students will draw upon on their discipline knowledge and the skills provided in the professional tools subjects. On commencement of the project, students will be required to spend a specific time in the business setting and to then maintain regular contact with the business, as well as the project supervisor, across the duration of the subject.

The objectives of this subject are for students to:

• draw together their scientific knowledge and skills developed in professional tools to solve an industry-based challenge;
• gain experience in interacting with industry;
• learn how to work effectively in syndicate groups; and
• gain experience in how to present their solutions and ideas in a logical manner to their peers, academics and industry.

• Charter - one page agreement with Industry Partner as to project specifications, 5%, due Wednesday of week 2 of semester
• Project Plan of 4,000 words plus appendices, 20%, due end of week 4 of semester
• Group Oral Presentation, 10%, to be held in the final week of semester (compulsory full attendance)
• Final Group Report, 45%, 6,000 words plus appendices, due at the end of the final week of semester
• Industry Partner Assessment of group performance, 20%
• Attendance at the Industry Colloquia held in Semester 2 is a hurdle requirement in this subject. Students must attend a minimum of 2 of the 3 scheduled colloquia.

All assessment components must be satisfactorily completed in order to pass this subject.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

At the completion of this subject, students should gain skills in:

• leading and participating in teams and managing, persuading and influencing others;
• demonstrating the breadth of knowledge gained in an inter-disciplinary approach;
• applying advanced scientific analysis, communication and leadership in business and professional practice;
• the exercise of critical judgement and rigorous and independent thinking;
• accounting for their decisions and adopting a problem solving approach;
• high level written report presentation skills;
• oral communication and presentation skills; and
• time management and self-management skills.

Students undertaking this subject will be expected to regularly access an internet-enabled computer.