Unit rationale, description and aim
The Industry/Applied AI Internship provides students with an opportunity to gain authentic, practice-based experience in applying artificial intelligence within professional, industry, or research contexts. Delivered fully online, the unit enables students to engage remotely with host organisations or project partners while developing applied expertise in data-driven innovation, automation, and AI system integration.
Students will undertake a structured program of supervised work, applying technical, analytical, and ethical skills to address real-world challenges in sectors such as health, energy, education, and technology. Through reflective engagement and collaboration with industry mentors and academic supervisors, students will have the opportunity to strengthen their professional judgement, problem-solving, and communication skills.
Aligned with ACU’s mission to advance the common good and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure; SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), the aim of this unit is to empower students to apply artificial intelligence responsibly through professional practice that supports flourishing lives, thriving communities, and an ethical digital future.
Campus offering
No unit offerings are currently available for this unit.Learning outcomes
To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.
Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.
Explore the graduate capabilities.
Apply artificial-intelligence knowledge and techni...
Learning Outcome 01
Integrate ethical, social, legal, and industry sta...
Learning Outcome 02
Critically analyse work-integrated experiences to ...
Learning Outcome 03
Communicate professional insights, project outcome...
Learning Outcome 04
Reflect on personal and professional growth to ide...
Learning Outcome 05
Content
Topics will include:
- Application of AI models, analytics, and automation to real organisational challenges
- Integration of human-centred, ethical, legal, and cultural design principles — including recognition of First Peoples’ perspectives on knowledge, data, and technology use
- Communication of AI insights through professional reports or stakeholder presentations that reflect ethical and cultural awareness
- Reflection on professional identity, social responsibility, and continuous learning, with consideration of diversity, equity, and Indigenous knowledges.
Assessment strategy and rationale
The assessment strategy is designed to develop advanced ethical judgment, professional leadership, and applied research capability through authentic, industry-aligned tasks. Assessments are sequenced to progress from critical analysis to applied professional practice and reflective synthesis.
The first task requires students to produce an analytical report evaluating complex ethical and governance challenges in artificial intelligence using recognised international frameworks, fostering higher-order reasoning and academic integrity. The second task involves completing an applied AI project or internship report that demonstrates the design, implementation, and evaluation of AI methods in a professional or organisational context. The final reflective leadership portfolio integrates ethical reasoning, professional reflection, and evidence of personal growth, demonstrating the student’s ability to connect theory, practice, and professional identity.
This combination of analytical, applied, and reflective tasks ensures students demonstrate independence, accountability, and the capacity to apply ethical theory to professional AI practice. Assessments are supported by continuous feedback and optional webinars, providing flexibility while maintaining academic rigour.
To pass the unit, students must achieve all learning outcomes and an overall grade of 50% or higher.
Overview of assessments
Assessment Task 1: Analytical Report – Ethical an...
Assessment Task 1: Analytical Report – Ethical and Governance Challenges in AI
Students produce an analytical report evaluating complex ethical, legal, and cultural challenges in AI by integrating international and Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledges and ethical frameworks, fostering understanding of how Indigenous worldviews inform responsible governance and contribute to social change.
30%
Assessment Task 2: Applied Internship/Project Rep...
Assessment Task 2: Applied Internship/Project Report
Students complete an applied AI project or internship report demonstrating the design, implementation, and evaluation of AI methods in a professional or organisational context, drawing on insights from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander experiences and knowledge systems, demonstrating ethical collaboration and respect when designing or implementing AI solutions.
40%
Assessment Task 3: Reflective Leadership Portfoli...
Assessment Task 3: Reflective Leadership Portfolio
Students develop a professional portfolio integrating reflective analysis, ethical reasoning, and evidence of leadership growth. The portfolio demonstrates the ability to connect theory, practice, and personal development in responsible AI practice.
30%
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
This unit adopts a work-integrated learning (WIL) approach that bridges academic theory with professional AI practice in an online learning environment. Students undertake a virtual internship or applied AI project in collaboration with industry partners, supported by joint supervision from an academic advisor and an industry mentor.
Learning is facilitated through online professional engagement, reflective journaling, and continuous feedback that connects technical experience with ethical, cultural, and strategic considerations. The approach promotes professional readiness, critical reflection, and responsible innovation, enabling students to address real-world challenges while upholding ethical and professional standards.
Through these experiences, students develop the ability to integrate technical, social, organisational, and cultural perspectives including First Peoples’ perspectives into the design and deployment of AI solutions. The unit reflects ACU’s commitment to human-centred, socially responsible innovation and aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure; SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals).