Outline

Overview

This unit of study is primarily available to students completing double majors from the Faculty of Science. When completing only one major from the Faculty of Science, the applicable XXXX3888/3988 interdisciplinary project unit of study should be selected. This interdisciplinary unit provides students with the opportunity to address complex problems identified by industry, community, and government organisations, and gain valuable experience in working across disciplinary boundaries. In collaboration with a major industry partner and an academic lead, students integrate their academic skills and knowledge by working in teams with students from a range of disciplinary backgrounds. This experience allows students to research, analyse and present solutions to a real-world problem, and to build on their interpersonal and transferable skills by engaging with and learning from industry experts and presenting their ideas and solutions to the industry partner.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Science Faculty
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	96 credit points
Corequisites ?	ANAT3888 or ANSC3888 or AVBS3888 or AMED3888 or BCMB3888 or BIOL3888 or CHEM3888 or COMP3888 or COMP3988 or DATA3888 or ENVI3888 or FMAT3888 or FOOD3888 or GEGE3888 or GEOG3888 or GEOL3888 or HPSC3888 or IMPA3888 or INFD3888 or MARS3888 or MATH3888 or MEDS3888 or MCHM3888 or MICR3888 or MICR3988 or NUTM3888 or PCOL3888 or PHYS3888 or PHSI3888 or AGRI3888 or PLNT3888 or PSYC3888 or SOFT3888 or SOIL3888 or STAT3888 or SUST3888 or WILD3888
Prohibitions ?	HSBH3026
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Elisabeth Valiente-Riedl, elisabeth.valiente-riedl@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 30 January 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Contribution	Participation Compulsory 90% class participation	0%	Ongoing	NA	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	Individual Statement Instalment 1 Written task	0%	Week 01 Due date: 21 Jan 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 31 Jan 2026	500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Group Plan Research plan	20%	Week 02 Due date: 27 Jan 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 06 Feb 2026	2000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Group Presentation Oral presentation inclusive of 300-word or equivalent Executive summary	20%	Week 03 Due date: 06 Feb 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 16 Feb 2026	≤10 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	Individual Statement Instalment 2 Written task	20%	Week 04 Due date: 10 Feb 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 20 Feb 2026	500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Group Project Report Report	40%	Week 04 Due date: 13 Feb 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 23 Feb 2026	4000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Evaluation	Group Work Survey Questionnaire	0%	Week 04 Due date: 15 Feb 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 25 Feb 2026	NA	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Group plan aims to articulate the issues the group will address and develop a project plan.
Individual statement aims to analyse and reflect on students’ own and other members’ ways of contributing to their work on this project.
Group report aims to conduct in depth analysis/es and research, discuss the results, and provide recommendations or solutions to the issues outlined in the group plan.
Group presentation including Executive Summary aims to present students’ work and findings to the project partner.
Group work survey aims to evaluate student’s contributions relative to the contributions of other team members.
Attendance aims to ensure active participation by all team members for the project work.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Individual contributions to group assessments may adjust the final grade that a student receives, through what is known as a Relative Performance Factor.

Using AI in ICPU

The Use of Generative AI across multiple sectors of work is increasing exponentially. While use of these tools brings new opportunities such as increased productivity, there are also many potential limitations such as inhibiting the development of analytical and creative thinking skills. Importantly, in ICPU where 80% of assessments are group-based, your use of AI tools must also be negotiated collegially and adhere to the Student Charter 2020, including upholding honesty, ethics, professionalism, and academic integrity (please ensure you are familiar with the updated Academic Integrity 2022 policy).

AI tools permitted

You are permitted to use automated writing tools and generative artificial intelligence (AI) to facilitate your learning and completion of this assignment in individual and group project work. Please adhere to the following guidelines:

Do not enter confidential, personal, copyrighted or otherwise sensitive information into any AI tool, including but not limited to materials shared by industry and/or community partners (noting also the confidentiality clauses that apply in the Student Deed Poll)

If you use these tools, you must be aware of their limitations, biases, and propensity for fabrication

Do not rely on the accuracy of outputs. You remain responsible for your work. This means you must independently verify and edit AI-generated content to ensure the integrity, accuracy, and suitability of the output

While there are many AI tools available, both free and paid, we strongly recommend the use of tools endorsed by the University such as Microsoft Copilot, Cogniti and Adobe Firefly. For a list of AI tools and their uses, see the Different Generative AI Tools page on the AI in Education Canvas site.

Where AI is used, you are advised to keep copies of the prompts you provided and AI outputs as evidence of your research and writing process. This allows you to produce an accurate acknowledgement of AI use when you submit your work, see guidance below. This can be requested by the unit coordinator if there is any uncertainty about the originality of your work.

Acknowledging the use of AI

It is not appropriate to copy-paste AI-generated responses directly as part of your own writing since the work you submit should reflect the understanding you have acquired, your critical engagement with the material and your process of continuous revision and improvement.

Where AI is used, you are advised to keep copies of the prompts you provided and AI outputs as evidence of your research and writing process. This allows you to produce an accurate acknowledgement of AI use when you submit your work, see wording below. This can be requested by the unit coordinator if there is any uncertainty about the originality of your work.

You must acknowledge any uses of AI by inserting a note at the end of your submission where you need to describe the tool(s) that you used, what prompt(s) you provided, how the output of the artificial intelligence was used or adapted by you, and how you verified sources or information if applicable. This additional description does not add to your word count. An example of such an acknowledgement that you may provide might look like:

I acknowledge the use of ChatGPT (https://chat.openai.com/) to refine the academic language of my own work. On date I submitted my entire essay (link to original document here) with the prompt to <“Improve the academic tone and accuracy of language, including grammatical structures, punctuation and vocabulary”>. The output (link here) was then modified further to better represent my own tone and style of writing. One of the limitations I noted was insert limitation and I revised my assessment to address this limitation by insert response.

Please note, your project supervisor may require you to provide a written statement if you would like to use AI heavily in your work, (i.e. for multiple approved uses above or heavy use within any individual use categories), a different approach may be needed including clearly stating the percentage of work attributed to AI for each assessment. If you are unsure or have any concerns, please discuss these with your Project Supervisor in advance. In all cases, individual group members must be transparent with their group members about intended use of generative AI in groupwork.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2021 (Schedule 1).

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	The learning outcomes of the unit of study have been met to an exceptional standard.
Distinction	75 - 84	The learning outcomes of the unit of study have been met to a very high standard.
Credit	65 - 74	The learning outcomes of the unit of study have been met to a good standard.
Pass	50 - 64	The learning outcomes of the unit of study have been met to an acceptable standard.
Fail	0 - 49	The learning outcomes of the unit of study have not been met to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity	Learning outcomes
Ongoing	See Canvas Schedule	Seminar (39 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Students are expected to attend a minimum of 90% of timetabled activities for this unit of study. Where a student is unable to attend at the required rate evidence of illness or misadventure will be required and the student may be required to undertake extra work. Students should discuss the circumstances of their absence(s) with their Project Supervisor. Failure to meet the attendance requirement may impact on your overall mark in this unit, as it will inform the Relative Performance Factor that is applied to assessments.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All readings for this unit can be accessed through Canvas.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Demonstrate critical awareness of, and apply, disciplinary knowledge, skills and personal attributes to address complex real-world problems
LO2. Assess and integrate diverse stakeholder perspectives to generate innovative insights into complex problems
LO3. Purposefully select and apply complex problem-solving approaches and methods
LO4. Communicate novel ideas effectively and persuasively in professional settings using relevant media
LO5. Demonstrate professionalism (proficiency, adaptivity, and proactivity) in collaborative project work

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

In response to some expressed student confusion about the previous two-part submission structure of the Individual Statement, changes have been made to clarify the submission process and role of these two assessments. Instalment 1 will now be submitted through a marked (complete/incomplete) group discussion board to strengthen the function of this task as a formative assessment supporting development of student’s reflective practice. Instalment 2 submission is now also earlier to enable purposeful reflection on individual contribution to groupwork as well as strategies for contributing to final groupwork assessments.

Additional information

Important ICPU arrangements

Deed Poll requirements

Students registered for a project will need to upload a signed and witnessed Deed Poll to Canvas. This is a compulsory requirement for all students enrolled in this unit. Students must consider the acknowledgments in the Deed carefully before submission. Students will be granted access to Canvas two weeks before teaching starts for their enrolled session and will need to submit the Deed Poll by or on the first day of teaching.

Legal obligations

Where can I go for further information on the Deed Poll?

Under the University’s Intellectual Property Policy 2016, you must be given a reasonable opportunity to review the Deed Poll before responding to the offer to undertake the project. You may choose to access legal advice including through the Students' Representative Council. Please consider the acknowledgments in the Deed Poll carefully and ask your Project Supervisor for more information if required. The University cannot give legal advice, but can provide you with further information about the relevant Industry partner or instructions about how to sign.

Are students permitted to use the Partner's intellectual property?

Yes. The Partners have provided a licence to each student and the University to use any documents, information, plans and reports relating to the business of the Partner, that have been provided to the University or students in connection with a Project. These documents and information are to be used strictly for the purposes of the Project and must be kept confidential. The Partner has reciprocal obligations to the University.

Do students retain their intellectual property rights?

Yes. Students provide a perpetual licence to the University, via the Deed Poll, for the purposes of the unit of study, by which it may be extended under specific conditions to the Partner. Ownership of the students' work and related intellectual property is not transferred to the University or Partner. Importantly, students may share ownership of intellectual property that is generated collaboratively in the course of the unit of study. However, students should not enforce their intellectual property rights in any way that impedes the interests of other students. For example, prevent them from submitting collaborative work for assessment.

Do students have confidentiality obligations?

Yes. The University and our partners have mutually agreed to keep each other's confidential information confidential.  Students have also undertaken by Deed to keep confidential information provided by the partner confidential.  

Do Partners receive copies of students' work?

A copy of your presentation and/or your final report may be provided to the Partner on some Projects.  Please ask your Project Supervisor for further details.

Student partner contact

Partner engagement is managed by the Project Supervisor in conjunction with the Division of Curriculum Futures - ICPU Program Team. Student contact with the partner is to be facilitated by the Project Supervisor at all times. Students must not contact a partner directly without prior permission from their Project Supervisor.

Student research - ethics approval

There may be limited scope for students to undertake small, negligible-risk primary research in their projects, such as carefully constructed surveys or questionnaires. If students are thinking about conducting research as part of their project work, they must discuss this with their Project Supervisor early in the program. No primary research is permitted without approval from your Project Supervisor.

Word limits and penalties

Word limits are maximum word counts. Students are strongly encouraged to stay within word limits.

The following are not included in word counts:

Bibliographic references (whether in text, footnotes, endnotes or a bibliography);
Appendices - but the content of appendices will not be marked.

The content of tables are included in the word count.

Discursive footnotes are not permitted.

A penalty of 5% of the available marks will be applied to submissions that go above the word limit.

Groupwork simple extensions

Students should apply for simple extensions for their individual assessments. For group assessments, individual students should email their Project Supervisor and ensuring they cc all team members.

Academic appeals

Students should follow the following process in this unit of study:

Students should contact their Project Supervisor to discuss their concerns regarding the academic decision and receive a better understanding of why the decision was made.
If students are unhappy with that decision, they may contact the Associate Director Interdisciplinary and Engaged Learning, DVC-Education and Students (Division of Curriculum Futures), Dr Elisabeth Valiente-Riedl, to raise their concerns.
If students’ concerns are not resolved, they may contact their Faculty or School and follow the appeals process specific to their Faculty or School.

Use of student work for education purposes

A copy of students’ presentation and/or final report may be provided to the partner on some projects. Students can ask the Project Supervisor for further details. Submitted assignments may be used to evaluate assessment models and course design in accordance with the University’s Coursework Policy 2021. De-identified assignments may also be shared with future students as examples of completed work, or as a basis for developing past students’ work in future iterations of projects.

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

SCPU3001: Science Interdisciplinary Project

Intensive January - February, 2026 [Block mode] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links