Fieldwork
Curtin is committed to developing graduates who are ready for practice in their chosen field. A critical element of this preparation is fieldwork, a subset of ‘work integrated learning’.
Fieldwork information
During fieldwork you learn by putting your professional role, knowledge and skills into practice in authentic work settings. You engage with people from diverse backgrounds and learn about the roles of others that you may work alongside in the future.
Fieldwork is an integral component of most, but not all, health science courses. Fieldwork may include:
- practical work placements
- participation in laboratories and simulations
- site visits and field trips
- study tours
- work experience
- camps and excursions.
A high proportion of the fieldwork activities are undertaken in partnership with other organisations and are designed to meet the requirements of the course; often set by the accrediting body for that course. As a student you must satisfactorily complete all fieldwork activities, pass assessment requirements and demonstrate attributes associated with professional conduct.
These experiences are usually in the metropolitan area but may include rural or overseas placements. Settings include hospitals, residential care facilities, community health services, private businesses, clinics where students deliver health and social services to the community, skills laboratories, government and non-government organisations, sporting facilities, schools, and local councils.
Through these, and other authentic practical experiences offered at Curtin University, students learn from staff, industry and community role models, clients, patients and their carers.
You can find more information about fieldwork requirements for Health Sciences on specific course pages.
