FACULTY OF SCIENCE
SCIENCE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Members
Dean
Deputy Dean
General Manager & Executive Officer (Chair)
Faculty Managers
Heads of Schools
Agricultural & Resource Economics
Anatomy, Physiology & Human Biology
Animal Biology
Chemistry & Biochemistry
Earth & Environment
Physics
Plant Biology
Psychology
Sports Science & Exercise Health
Up to 2 representatives of Institutes and Centres
W/Prof Tony O’Donnell
W/Prof Brendan Waddell
Ms Christine Richardson
Ms Jan Taylor
Ms Abbe Rorrison
W/Prof David Pannell
W/Prof Linc Schmitt
W/Prof Sarah Dunlop
W/Prof Mark Spackman
Prof Matthew Tonts
W/Prof Ian McArthur
W/Prof Tim Colmer
Prof Murray Maybery
W/Prof Tim Ackland
W/Prof Shaun Collin
W/Prof Ian Small
Associate Deans
Associate Dean Teaching and Learning
Associate Dean Research
Co-opted members
A/Prof Peter Hammond
TBC
By Invitation
The next meeting of the Science Executive Committee is scheduled for 3:00 pm on Tuesday 20 August in
the Science Board Room (Room G108 on the Ground Floor of Agriculture Central).
Christine Richardson, Executive Officer
1. WELCOME
The Chair welcomes Members to the meeting.
2. APOLOGIES
Members are advised that membership of this committee is as listed above and that a deputy is not
required should a member be unavailable to attend a meeting. Apologies received from Tony
O’Donnell’ Christine Richardson,
3. DECLARATIONS OF POTENTIAL OR PERCEIVED CONFLICTS OF INTEREST - REF: F45668
4. CHECK IN
5. IDENTIFY TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION IN PART IV
Meetings will be structured so that ample time is made available for robust discussion about
strategic issues. Members can put forward items for discussion in advance of the meeting. In
addition, members will be invited at the start of each meeting to identify items for discussion at Part
IV of the Agenda.
6. MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS
The Minutes of the Science Executive Committee meeting held on 16 July are presented as
Attachment A1. The Minutes of a meeting held by circulation on 6 August 2013 are presented at
Attachment A2. Members are asked to confirm that both sets of minutes are a true and correct
record of those meetings.
For resolution
7. UPDATE ON ACTION ITEMS
ITEM
DUE DATE /
RESPONSIBILITY
STATUS
International recruitment in
the Sciences
Associate Dean Research
Dean
Follow up from Science Exec
planning session
Five Year Staffing Plans
School IT Services
All members, with timelines as
indicated
Dean
Faculty Managers
Faculty Workshop Services
Heads, Faculty Managers
Funding of Study Leave
Faculty Manager (Business)
The Dean will discuss further with each Head of School.
Faculty to survey Schools regarding their current
handling of IT services.
Heads have provided general information on workshop
services through their workshops
Will be part of wider discussion on strategic funding.
Indonesia Strategy
Tony O’Donnell
To brief members of Science Exec.
Dean,
Academic Delegations
The Faculty’s Internationalisation Plan will be discussed
at a future Science Exec.
See agenda item
Update at each meeting
Discussion at next meeting
Turnitin and Plagiarism
Deputy Dean; Science Teaching &
Learning Committee
Risk Register – Faculty of
Science
Bristol University collaboration
CENRM directly enrolling HDR
students
Centre for Safety proposal
Resolutions 41 – 70 (course
related decisions)
Matrix discussed with School Managers and updated
document sent to Risk Management section.
Deputy Dean; Science Teaching &
Learning Committee
Dean
Dean
Faculty Manager (Academic)
Recommendation forwarded to Dean, Graduate
Research School for action
Centre formation has been approved by Research
Committee and will be forwarded to Academic Council
for final approval.
Passed to APS for implementation
ITEMS FOR THE ATTENTION OF THE SECRETARIAT: 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17
PART I – ITEMS FOR COMMUNICATION TO BE DEALT WITH EN BLOC
8. MINUTES OF THE SCIENCE TEACHING & LEARNING COMMITTEE
The Minutes of the Science Teaching & Learning Committee held on 25 July 2013 are attached for
the information of members. Those items requiring endorsement by Science Executive Committee
are included separately in this agenda.
Attachment B to this Agenda refers.
For information
Faculty of Science – Science Executive Committee Agenda 16 July 2013
Page 2
PART II – ITEMS FOR DECISION TO BE DEALT WITH EN BLOC
9. CENTENARY PROFESSORSHIPS
Following discussion amongst the members of the Science Executive on 6 August 2013, it was
agreed that 2 proposals would go forward for funding through the Science Centenary Professorship
scheme. They are


Centenary Professorship in Development
Centenary Professor in Wheat Translational Genomics and Breeding
The Faculty will have discussions with the Vice Chancellor to establish a process by which it can
advertise at Level D or Level E and be able to appoint at Level E without commencing a new Level E
selection and recruitment process. This is likely to require a selection committee with a broader
membership base than normal and a formally constituted Search and Screen Committee.
The successful proponents will create the role statement for their professor position, clearly
identifying the differences in appointing at Level D or Level E and associated search plan.
The proponents are also required to commence development of their Masters course and have it
available for enrolment in 2015.
For endorsement
10. MASTER OF GEOSCIENCE (COURSEWORK) (725550)
This item has been referred from the meeting of the Science Teaching & Learning Committee held on
25 July 2013.
The School of Earth and Environment had proposed two minor changes to the structure of the
Master of Geoscience Degree moving GEOS5503 Petroleum Resources from a Group A (Level 4)
option to a Group B (Level 5) option and adding MING5504 Advanced Ore Deposits to the Group B
option list. MING5504 is an optional unit in the Ore Deposit Geology Master’s Degree. GEOS5503
has a Level 4 pre-requisite unit. The inclusion of MING5504 as a Level 5 option enhances the ability
of students to progress through the degree in the minimum time. Attachment C to the Agenda
refers.
It was RESOLVED 70/2013 to recommend to the Science Executive Committee that the proposed
changes to the structure of the Master of Geoscience (Coursework) (725550) be approved.
For resolution
PART III – ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
11. NEW UNIT PROPOSAL – WEST CHINA: INTERACTIONS AMONG HISTORY, CULTURE FOOD AND
ECOSYSTEM
The following item was discussed at the Science Teaching and Learning Committee meeting held on
27 June 2013 and was referred to the Science Executive Committee for approval and forward
transmission to Academic Policy Services. Discussion on this item was held over until this meeting.
The School of Animal Biology proposed to introduce an unattached elective unit effective 2014.
Members were reminded that this item had been discussed at the May meeting of the Teaching
and Learning Committee and had been referred back to the School for discussion and amendment.
The School tabled a revised new unit proposal form. The unit would be an intensive 3 week course
in China. The School believes this unit will provide opportunity for student exchange. The previous
concerns raised in regards to assessment had been largely addressed however it was agreed that
the students need to be aware that a large proportion of the assessment is group assessment. The
School agreed to include a note to clearly indicate the group assessment requirement.
Attachment C to this Agenda refers.
Faculty of Science – Science Executive Committee Agenda 16 July 2013
Page 3
It was RESOLVED 61/2013 To recommend to the Science Executive Committee that the proposal for
the new unit West China: Interactions among Culture, Food Production and Ecosystem be approved
submit to the inclusion of the note regarding group assessment.
The Chair will invite the Head of School to introduce this item.
For discussion and resolution
12. NEW POSTGRADUATE COURSE – CENTRE FOR FORENSIC SCIENCE
This item has been referred from the meeting of the Science Teaching & Learning Committee held on
25 July 2013.
The Centre for Forensic Science proposed a new ‘Graduate Certificate in Digital Forensics’. Full
details were provided in ‘New Postgraduate Course Proposal Form – Phase 1’.
Associate Professor Dan Franklin was invited to attend the meeting for this item. He advised
Members that the proposed course was an outcome of discussion with industry and was a niche
area. However currently there was only one person (Adjunct Associate Professor Richard Adams)
able to teach the unit. This was considered a risk and it was requested that Phase 2 of the proposal
clearly identifies the potential replacement for the one person who can currently teach.
It was RESOLVED 71/2013 to recommend to the Science Executive Committee that the proposal for
the new Graduate Certificate in Digital Forensics be approved.
Attachment D to this Agenda refers.
For discussion and resolution
13. CENTRE PROPOSAL – CENTRE FOR PLANT GENETICS AND BREEDING (PGB)
The Head of the School of Plant Biology, the Director of the Centre for Legumes in Mediterranean
Agriculture (CLIMA) and the International Centre for Plant Breeding Education and Research
(ICPBER) and the Director of the Institute of Agriculture have proposed that CLIMA and ICPBER
merge to form the Centre of Plant Genetics and Breeding within the School of Plant Biology.
The overall goal of the Centre of Plant Genetics and Breeding is to establish UWA as the leading
research and education Centre in plant genetics and breeding in Australia, the Asia-Pacific region
and the lndian Ocean Rim; contributing to national and international efforts to enhance world food
and feed security. PGB's educational mission is to address the global skills shortage in plant
breeding by producing Professional Plant Breeders for Tomorrow.
Regarding research, the case to establish the Centre has been highlighted since the 'food crisis' in
2008 focused world attention on the deteriorating supply-demand balance for major staple food
crops. PGB provides an avenue to address the genetics and improvement of a range of commodity
and crop/pasture types; importantly, including the training of skilled plant breeders that will be
required internationally to underpin these global aims. PGB aims to link the Life Sciences with
research and education in plant breeding providing an opportunity for translational research from
model plants to crops.
Research will cover cereals, oilseeds and legumes, with a priority especially to increase work on
cereals at UWA (Target: 3-4 major pre-breeding projects at UWA. The project portfolio attributable
to the Centre will aim for a total income of approx. $5,000,000 per year).
The proposal lists the involvement of approximately 20 staff and an FTE of approximately 7.
Attachment E to this Agenda refers.
The Chair will ask the Head of School to introduce the proposal.
For discussion and referral to the UWA Research Committee.
Faculty of Science – Science Executive Committee Agenda 16 July 2013
Page 4
14. CENTRE PROPOSAL – RENEWAL - CENTRE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL ECONOMICS AND POLICY (CEEP)
The Head of the School of Agricultural & Resource Economics and Director of the Centre for
Environmental Economics and Policy, has proposed that CEEP be renewed for a further 5 year term
as a centre located within the School of Agricultural & Resource Economics.
The Centre’s role will be to continue to improve the cost-effectiveness of Australia’s policy programs
for land, water and biodiversity conservation. The work of the Centre will continue to assist
Australia’s environmental managers and policy makers to invest more efficiently in environmental
outcomes. The Centre’s multidisciplinary team of economics specialists will use their expertise to
tackle environmental threats such as climate change, pest plants and animals, fire, salinity,
fragmentation and movements of nutrients and sediments.
The Centre is self-sustaining and has been very successful in attracting external research funds.
With the completion of David Pannell’s Federation Fellowship at the end of 2012, the Centre’s focus
is shifting further outwards with major collaborations with the Centre of Excellence in
Environmental Decisions $1,882,645 over 7 years, National Environmental Research Program
Environmental Decisions Hub $1,047,230 over 4 years and National Environmental Research
Program Marine Biodiversity Hub $571.00 over 4 years.
The Centre has a Total staff FTE of 11.1, with Total research-only FTEs externally funded of 9.8.
Attachment F to this Agenda refers.
The Chair will ask the Head of School to introduce the proposal.
For discussion and referral to the UWA Research Committee.
15. ASSOCIATE DEAN GRADUATE STUDIES
The Dean proposes that, rather than create a position of Associate Dean Research, the role of
Associate Dean Graduate Studies be developed to support and enhance graduate studies or
research training across the Faculty. The appointee would work closely with the Dean and other
members of the Science Executive to encourage, promote and coordinate graduate research studies
across the Faculty and the University with the goal of improving the quality, impact, and productivity
of research training. (See Attachment X). The role would include:
•
•
•
Encouraging collaboration between the Graduate Research Coordinators in Science to
enhance growth in our student cohort, and to achieve focus and greater visibility for both
our programmes and our students
Assisting in the development of the Masters route to PhD
Making recommendations to minimize administrative burdens on staff supervising PhD
students
Attachment G to this Agenda refers.
The Chair will lead discussion
For discussion and decision
16. FACULTY OF SCIENCE RULES FOR UNDERGRADUATE COURSES
Staff in the Science Student Office have recently completed a major project of updating the rules of
pre-existing courses in the Faculty of Science ready for University publications for students enrolled
in 2014. The Rules have needed to be changed to reflect issues such as changes to unit availability
in 2014 (and beyond); the availability of new third year units in 2014 (for NC2012); the deletion of
legacy courses with few or no students; some changes to the rules of legacy courses to improve
alignment with general principles of NC2012 courses; some simplification of rules in legacy courses
and some conversion of 12 point units to six point units.
Faculty of Science – Science Executive Committee Agenda 16 July 2013
Page 5
The resultant document is 325 pages in length and Academic Policy Services have requested
Resolution Numbers for these changes from the Faculty’s decision making committee (i.e. Science
Executive Committee) before they will incorporate this material into official documents.
The General Manager and Faculty Manager (Academic) have met with staff in the Science Student
Office to review the changes within the document and to be briefed on the consultation process
with Schools. All Schools have been consulted about key changes that affect their schools and the
final document reflects that feedback.
The document (Attachment G) has been circulated as a separate file, and it is suggested that it only
be viewed on screen. It is intended that the Faculty of Science establish academic delegations and a
clear process involving input from Schools so that that a document such as this is approved by the
Deputy Dean rather than by this Committee.
Attachment H to this Agenda refers.
The Chair recommends that the Faculty of Science Rules for Undergraduate Courses be approved
and forwarded to Academic Policy Services for implementation.
17. FACULTY OF SCIENCE RULES FOR COMBINED DEGREES
11.1.29 Bachelor of Education and Bachelor of Science (51180)
11.1.30 Bachelor of Engineering and Bachelor of Science (51160)
11.1.39A Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Science (71120)
As in the previous item, Academic Policy Services has requested resolution numbers for minor
changes to the following legacy combined degrees. In the main, the changes are deletion of units no
longer available and the changes to some unit names. The document (Attachment H) has been
circulated as a separate file, and it is suggested that it only be viewed on screen.
Attachment I to this Agenda refers.
The Chair recommends that the Rules for Faculty of Science Combined Degrees be approved and
forwarded to Academic Policy Services for implementation.
18. DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY (00890) AND MASTER OF PSYCHOLOGY (52590/51590)
As in the previous item, Academic Policy Services has requested resolution numbers for minor
changes to the following degrees. The changes are deletion of units no longer available. The
document (Attachment I) has been circulated as a separate file, and it is suggested that it only be
viewed on screen.
The Chair recommends that the Rules for Doctor of Philosophy (00890) and Master of Psychology
(52590/51590) be approved and forwarded to Academic Policy Services for implementation.
Attachment J to this Agenda refers.
19. FACULTY OF SCIENCE RULES FOR POSTGRADUATE COURSES
As in the previous item, Academic Policy Services has requested resolution numbers for minor
changes to the following legacy postgraduate courses. In the main, the changes are deletion of units
no longer available and the rescission of degrees only available to re-enrolling students or with nil
enrolments. The document (Attachment J) has been circulated as a separate file, and it is suggested
that it only be viewed on screen.
The Chair recommends that the Rules for Faculty of Science Postgraduate Courses be approved and
forwarded to Academic Policy Services for implementation.
Attachment K to this Agenda refers.
Faculty of Science – Science Executive Committee Agenda 16 July 2013
Page 6
PART IV – NEW ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
20. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Other items for discussion identified at the start of the meeting.
21. NEXT MEETING
The next meeting of the Science Executive Committee is scheduled for 3:00 pm on Tuesday 17
September 2013 in the Science Boardroom (G108 Agriculture Central). An informal meeting of the
members of the Science Executive will be held on Tuesday 3 September 2013 in the same venue.
Faculty of Science – Science Executive Committee Agenda 16 July 2013
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