The Response - UWA Staff - The University of Western Australia

‘With regard to Proposal 5, one suggestion to improve postgraduate education, especially PhDs, is to consider
including a limited amount of coursework. In terms of the biomedical sciences, I think that technology is
evolving so rapidly that PhD candidates are in danger of not being suitably trained in, or aware of, the latest
developments….In addition, the coursework could include discussion of vital social and ethical issues relating to
new technologies (e.g. stem cells, genetic information etc), life within the grant cycle, and alternative careers in
industry rather than academia.’
‘The research environment a PhD candidate finds themselves in has a huge bearing on their experience and future
prospects. Research teams working at the cutting edge often provide an invigorating and dynamic environment
for their PhD students. Importantly, care of each individual candidate, and appropriate mentoring, are essential.
Some research organisations now have a comprehensive plan for their students, outlining a career path from PhD
project design, early publication of data, applications for Fellowships, identification of Postdoctoral opportunities
overseas, together with plans for returning to Australia. Numerous academic staff at UWA appear to “dabble” in
research – nevertheless, they remain able to attract postgraduate students who may have a less-than-fulfilling
experience.’
‘…development of Cycle 2 and Cycle 3 programs is vital; no doubt there are gaps in our array of postgraduate
offerings. But it would be appropriate to acknowledge that this development is well under way as a central part of
the NC2012 implementation. Indeed quite early in the Review of Course Structures process…a subsidiary working
party chaired by David Plowman produced numerous interim recommendations on revising and expanding
postgraduate coursework, which were accepted by Academic Council back in February 2008, were reinforced by
subsequent reports, and have been systematically pursued since then…. It is just a matter of reaffirming that this
is a priority and continuing to build on what UWA has already achieved in the context of
new courses.’
‘Although I welcome a review and revision of UWA’s Masters and PhD course structure, such a review in 2013–
2015 would be ill-timed. Staff members are adapting to the new 2012 courses this year. It will take at least three
years until all staff members completely understand the new course structure. They will need time to develop
new teaching skills (e.g. for new block-taught units), and to develop new quality teaching materials. Undertaking
a review of Postgraduate courses, and proposing a revision in 2015, is likely to result in excessive and undesirable
pressure on staff.’
‘Our group recommends that UWA should very rapidly embrace the 3-year Bachelors, 2 year Masters cycle.
These education cycles should be firmly embedded under the Education portfolio (focusing on coursework)
whereas the Research portfolio should be responsible for PhD training (and potentially also Masters
research projects).’
3. Research
‘To attract top researchers to the most isolated capital city in the world, the University needs to have the
best possible physical facilities (buildings, equipment etc), as well as a stimulating and supporting emotional
environment. Like anyone else, researchers need to feel valued and appreciated for their contributions. Young
postdoctoral Fellows and new academic appointees, in particular, need to be nurtured carefully.
Many researchers within the University feel like second class citizens, as serious tensions have developed
between “research-focused” staff and those engaged with teaching. The designations of Winthrop Professors and
Research Professors only heighten these distinctions.’
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