This is an Honours Pathway Course, in which academics in the Research School of Biology can offer extension courses to motivated students. These courses offer students the opportunity to pursue interests not covered in other courses, to acquire specialised training in technique, or to conduct independent research programs. The courses are tailored to the interests, abilities and needs of the students permitted to enrol. Students are encouraged to enquire directly about special topics courses with academics in the school.

One particular Special Topic course is the Botanical Internship (students enrolled  BIOL3138 Special Topics in Ecology, Evolution and Systematics - see details below) but many other options in plant and animal biology and ecology are possible.

Inter-semester (summer)

This course is designed to allow students of botany, plant ecology and related subjects the opportunity for substantive scientific work experience in the Australian National Herbarium and Centre for Plant Biodiversity Research in Canberra, Australia. It is aimed at those intending to undertake a technical or professional career in botany or a closely related discipline (including ecology, resource management and botanical horticulture). Interns assist with various Centre programs and receive both task-specific training and general botanical training. Work sessions are designed to give students a feel for life in the scientific workforce. Training sessions complement university courses with both botanical and general workforce-skills components. A certificate of participation and a personal employment reference are supplied upon completion of the program. 

Specific learning outcomes will depend on the nature of the research project. In general, on satisfactory completion of the course students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. plan and engage in an independent and sustained critical investigation and evaluation of a chosen research topic
2. systematically identify relevant theory and concepts, relate these to appropriate methodologies and evidence, and draw appropriate conclusions
3. engage in critical review of appropriate and relevant information sources
4. record original data and apply statistical or other evaluation processes to original data when appropriate
5. communicate concepts and results clearly and effectively both in writing and orally
6. understand and apply relevant laboratory techniques and methods.

Assessment is agreed with individual students, and tailored to an individual's study program. Often assessment would be based around a literature review (LO 1,3,5) and research project report (LO 1-6) or practical exercises (LO 1,4,6), with weightings agreed with individual students.

Botanical Internship: Assessment will be based upon a job application, a seminar and a major assignment due at the end of the course.

Semester and work load by special arrangement.

Botanical Internship: Eight weeks full-time placement at the Centre for Plant Biodiversity Research (CSIRO/Australian National Botanical Gardens) over January and February.

Available by the permission of the Head of Teaching & Learning. Generally only available to students performing at Distinction level in biology courses.

Botanical Internship: Students are admitted by written application and a selection process that occurs in November. About 20 positions are available to students Australia-wide and overseas. The program is aimed at students who have just completed their second or third year of study, but applications from students at other levels will be considered. 

Botanical Internship: Further information is available form the website at www.anbg.gov.au/intern, or telephone Brendan Lepschi on 02 6246 5108