Science Practicum

• What are the benefits?
  • Apply the skills and knowledge gained in your academic studies to a relevant professional environment
  • Network with people working in your field and identify career opportunities in your discipline
  • Master new skills and reflect on your professional development
  • Develop an awareness of work-place culture and expectations
  • Add the experience and referees to your CV
• Unit Information
  • 6 points - Option Unit
  • 80 - 100 hours of work placement paired with learning content and assessment
  • Work placement paired with learning content and assessment
  • Ungraded Pass/Fail
  • More information from UWA Handbook
• Eligibility criteria
  • Must have space in course for 6 point option unit
  • Masters student
  • Approval from Course Coordinator
  • Good Academic Standing
  • Good interpersonal skills
  • Good written and spoken communication skills
• Info sessions
  All information sessions will now be digitally recorded and made available for you to access online in the very near future. If you have any questions or queries in the meantime, please email the WIL Team on worklearning-sci@uwa.edu.au.
• How to apply

  Apply by email using your student email account.

  • Email subject line: Application: Name, student number
  • Attach Word or PDF documents:
    • Faculty Approval Form
    • Cover letter
    • CV
    • Letter of reference

  Applications for Semester 2, 2020 open on 31 March and close on 31 May.

FAQs

• What is involved in the Science Placement and Practicum units?
  The placement and practicum units involve 80 to 100 hours of time spent completing your work placement, plus academic content. Most students complete their placement hours over the course of semester, by attending their workplace one day a week or two half days a week. These arrangements can be discussed in more detail with your placement supervisor. Each unit also includes some contact hours (workshops, lectures, seminars) and several assessment items that are designed for you to reflect on your placement experience. More information about the assignment requirements can be found UWA Handbook.
• Who can I request a letter of reference from?
  Your letter of reference should come from someone who is able to address your communication and interpersonal skills. This may be a former or current employer, a tutor or lecturer, a coach, or someone with whom you have volunteered. No specific style or format is prescribed and a page or less will be sufficient.
• What do I include in my cover letter?
  Your cover letter should be addressed to the Science Placement Coordinator and should explain your reasons for applying to the unit, rather than any specific placement. It is important to include your intentions, key skills and why you believe you are a good candidate. If you wish to include information about your placement preferences or a specific placement you have in mind, please do so.
• How does the selection process work?

  Once applications close, the Placement Officer creates a shortlist of candidates, based on the eligibility criteria for each unit. Eligible applicants will then be invited for a brief, informal interview where they will be asked a series of interview questions. Each applicant will be notified of the outcome of their application via their student email account, following the interview stage.

• Do I need to find my own placement?
  The Placement Officer usually sources a placement for each student, though it is possible to self-source your own placement if you have already arranged something, through your own network. You will still need to apply for the Science Work Placement unit and attend an interview.
• How does the placement matching process work?
  Placements are arranged on an individual basis, according (as much as possible) to the student’s preferences. Most students prefer a placement related to their major but not all. After applications close, shortlisted students are invited for an interview to discuss placement preferences. A placement is then sought, which matches these preferences. It is important to note that placements can be arranged with an established placement partner or an entirely new partner, as partners are added each semester.
• What happens if a placement cannot be found for me?
  The thing to remember is that there is an element of uncertainty with applying to the placement and practicum units. This reflects the uncertainty there is when applying for a job. Your application may be unsuccessful or it may be successful but a suitable placement is not available for you. We work to the deadline of the last day to add a unit and encourage our students to have an alternative unit selective in case a placement cannot be found. This way, should you not be placed or should you decide against the placement you are offered, you are not put at a disadvantage.
• I will be travelling when applications close. Will this affect my chances of being accepted?
  If you are travelling overseas during the semester break, the selection process can be facilitated over Skype and email. Please just remember to check your student email account regularly while you are away and let the Placement Officer know you are overseas when interview times are being arranged.
• How will an Ungraded Pass affect my GPA?
  If you successfully pass the unit, an ungraded pass will have no effect on your GPA and the grades for the remaining 23 units in your degree will be weighted more heavily.
• If I am invited to an interview, what do I need to bring with me and what do I wear?
  There is no need to bring anything with you to your interview. Pen, paper and water will be provided and the Placement Officer will already have a copy of your application. Smart-casual attire is perfectly fine to wear.