This is an Honours Pathway Course, in which academics in the School of Botany and Zoology can offer extension courses to outstanding 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.

Botanical Internship (students enrolled in the 6 unit course BIOL3138 Special Topics in Ecology,Evolution and Systematics

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.

Assessment is agreed with individual students, and tailored to an individual’s study program. Often assessment would be based around a literature review and research project report or practical exercises, 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 School. Generally only available to students in the Distinguished Scholars in Science Program, direct Honours entry students, those enrolled in the Bachelor of Philosophy, or biology students performing at Distinction level in cognate 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.