SCOM434 Science Communication Internship

Overview

Project-based development of professional skills and networks in a work setting, extending the skills and implementing practices and principles learned in other Science Communication papers.

Each internship is individually arranged and involves participation in a specific project. Depending on the project, interns may also be involved in the general workings of the workplace situation or work remotely. The internship requires approximately 240 hours' work over the period of the placement. There are varied placement opportunities available at any given time, and students with specific requirements will assist in their own placement.

About this paper

Restriction

NHFC 404, SCOM 404

Limited to

MSciComm, PGDipSciComm, PGCertSciComm, MAppSci

Notes

(i) Admission is subject to approval from the Director, Centre for Science Communication. (ii) For MAppSc students, this paper is normally limited to the Science Communication subject. (iii) Normally available only by distance. Students intending to take this paper on campus should enrol for SCOM404 instead

Eligibility

In most cases this paper is available only for those students enrolled in a programme of study with an endorsement in Creative Nonfiction Writing.

Contact

jesse.bering@otago.ac.nz

More information link

View more information on the Centre for Science Communication's website

Teaching staff

Associate Professor Jesse Bering

Paper Structure

Individual, project-based paper determined with the host organisation.

Students undertaking an internship will be assessed on the basis of:

• First Seminar
• Student Project Report
• Supervisor's Report

Teaching Arrangements

This Distance Learning paper is taught remotely.

Please note: This a dual mode offering. For students who wish to take this paper on campus please enrol in SCOM404.

SCOM 434 is available at various times throughout the year, enabling flexibility so that internships can be undertaken between semesters or over the course of the year. However, internships will typically be expected to be completed during 2nd Non standard period.

Following discussion with the paper co-ordinator about the internship placement and project, a meeting will be arranged with you, the paper co-ordinator and your potential project supervisor. The actual time frame for the internship will be negotiated directly between the supervisor and student. When the time frame is agreed upon, students should provide the information in writing to the paper co-ordinator.

Students should aim to complete internship requirements, including all work, research and reporting within 240 hours. This will require significant time management. Students should keep in regular contact with your project supervisor. You must brief them regularly on the progress of your project and ensure that your work will meet their needs. If there are issues (which happens on occasion), you should immediately contact the paper co-ordinator, who will facilitate a resolution.

Students should complete a timesheet weekly (or as appropriate) to help manage time.

Textbooks

Textbooks are not required for this paper.

Graduate Attributes Emphasised

Global perspective, Interdisciplinary perspective, Lifelong learning, Scholarship, Communication, Critical thinking, Cultural understanding, Ethics, Environmental literacy, Information literacy, Research, Self-motivation, Teamwork.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.

Learning Outcomes

This paper is designed for you to:

• Apply practical skills learned in your previous or ongoing Science Communication papers.
• Identify personal skills gained through the internship experience and reflect upon the transference of those skills to future workplace settings.
• Plan, participate and report on a supervised project whilst on internship placement.
• Understand and work through the complexities posed in the workplace.
• Have reflected on your learning process.

Timetable