Course Title: Professional Experience Program 3

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Professional Experience Program 3

Credit Points: 12


Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

VART1674

City Campus

Undergraduate

135H Applied Sciences

Face-to-Face

 Sem 2 2006

VART1674

City Campus

Undergraduate

135H Applied Sciences

Workplace

 Sem 1 2007

Course Coordinator: Associate Professor Gale Spring

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 2835

Course Coordinator Email:gale.spring@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: 5.2.36 Scientific Photography Office


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

Entry into the second or third year of the program. This is not designed for first year students.


Course Description

This subject is designed to allow the student to interact with the industrial and scientific imaging industry while maintaining academic support and guidance from the course. The students will learn about the operation and specific skills needed for the target industry.  

By working in a professional environment, the student will develop practical and communication skills with the aim to make them more employable. It is also expected that the student will begin a network of professional contacts.

The student will be required to negotiate a contract with the specific industry contact and have the contract approved by all parties with respect to academic merit and relevance to the industry and the course.

NB.  Only industries supported by the course may be chosen for credit in the Professional Experience Program.  These include, but are not exclusive to, industrial and scientific organizations such as hospitals, research organizations, museums and university science departments.  They may also include primary manufacturing industries related to photography or technical imaging.

A student may arrange to complete the Professional Experience Program over the winter or summer breaks.  Notification in writing must be given to the Course Coordinator and approved.  The course must be completed with 9 months of enrolment.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

At the end of the course the students should:

  1. Have a deeper understanding of specilised equipment and materials.
  2. Demonstrate oral communication skills.
  3. Demonstrate visual communication skills.
  4. Develop an industry-focused imaging capability.
  5. Develop a broader vision for learning.
  6. Demonstrate group and integrated practice.


 At the conclusion of the course you should:
a)    Have a better understanding of the professional imaging needs of scientific/technical industry.
b)    Be able to negotiate basic contracts.
c)    Develop an awareness of management requirements in industry.
d)    Be aware of professional contacts in your selected area.
e)    Develop a technical expertise with regards to equipment and materials in industry.
f)    Develop a disciplined approach to meeting professional deadlines.
g)    Learn to interact with and produce appropriate images for industry.
h)    Have a better understanding of industry standards, needs and requirements


Overview of Learning Activities

This course is an industry placement. Learning activities are incorporated into the operation of the industry.The student should search for specific materials pertinent to their needs.
The lecturing staff can guide the student in this search.

In addition to literature, it will be necessary to seek out professionals in the specialised fields to gather further information.

All students are encouraged to become student members of the Institute of Photography Technology, Inc. and the Australian Institute of Medical an Biological Illustration. See the program leader for details.


Overview of Learning Resources

The student should search for specific materials pertinent to their needs.
The lecturing staff can guide the student in this search.

In addition to literature, it will be necessary to seek out professionals in the specialised fields to gather further information.

All students are encouraged to become student members of the Institute of Photography Technology, Inc. and the Australian Institute of Medical an Biological Illustration. See the program leader for details.


Overview of Assessment

Professional Experience Program is a very important responsibility undertaken by the student.  It sets professional standards and underpins the reputation of the student as well as RMIT to the industry.  The assessment expectations are high and are reflected in the pass mark.
Final assessment will be based on the following units: 

  1. A written report (no length specified, but long enough to cover the topic):
    • Describing the department or company,
    • The client base and services offered,
    • Your role in the department
    • A statement on OH&S issues that may be specific to that industry
  2. Any images to illustrate actual work requested or a simulation, photographs of the facility and specific set-ups, and/or other work requested by the industry supervisor.
  3. A letter of reference from the supervisor (requested by the student).
  4. A copy of the signed contract.
  5. A meeting scheduled with the course coordinator at completion of the PEP. (The report and reference letter must be submitted at that time.)

NB A Pass in each section is required for a Pass in the subject.