This topic is a practicum which provides students with opportunities to participate in the workplace environment. Occasionally, maritime archaeology fieldwork opportunities arise in which students may assist government agencies, consultancy firms, non-profit groups or other universities. This topic provides students with the ability to participate in these projects and receive one-on-one guidance and instruction with immediate feedback on their performance. This practicum will allow students to put their theoretical learning into practice, develop a sense of the workplace, enhance their employment prospects through additional training, build a network of contacts, and develop a range of personal and professional work skills. This topic will be taught in intensive mode during a full week, including two weekends, and will necessitate involvement and input from a range of maritime archaeology practitioners. SCUBA diving qualifications are not necessary for participation. The body of the topic will comprise practical exercises, field work and associated lecture/seminars.

Bays, beaches and rocky headlands fringe Hinchinbrook Island's east coast (DERM)

The practicum will be based in Queensland on Hinchinbrook Island with the support of the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection (EHP) and Hinchinbrook National Park. Please see websites for more details:
www.ehp.qld.gov.au/heritage/archaeology/index.html

Students will be assisting with the location, identification and recording of maritime heritage sites located on and around Hinchinbrook Island. Students may be involved in:
•    Geophysical surveys including magnetometer, GPR and side scan sonar
•    Archaeological survey and mapping of shipwrecks and plane wrecks
•    Photographic and video recording of maritime heritage on the island

This topic aims to:
•    Provide graduate students with the opportunity for additional training in practical aspects of maritime archaeology and the opportunity to apply their theoretical classroom learning to “real world” situations.
•    Introduce students to professional maritime archaeologists and the breadth and depth of their job descriptions. This should help students develop a sense of workplace culture, and understand the utility of developing reasoning and research skills for future use in the workplace.
•    Expose students to the range and variety of field projects, methodologies and practical skills necessary for conducting maritime archaeology and give further meaning and relevance to their classroom learning experiences.

Students should:
•    Become “workplace literate” acquiring the practical and technical skills for conducting maritime archaeology fieldwork. They should also gain a better understanding for the legal and ethical responsibilities that accompany the profession.
•    Create professional relationships with maritime archaeologists currently working in the field and gain an understanding of their workplace and job descriptions. Students will also enhance their employment prospects by acquiring field experience.
•    Develop an appreciation for working in a team setting, acquiring the personal and professional attributes necessary to work with others to complete tasks.