The University of Western Australia 

MEMBERS OF THE FACULTY OF LIFE AND PHYSICAL SCIENCES MEMBERS OF THE FACULTY OF NATURAL AND AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES 

All members of  the  Faculty of  Life  and  Physical  Sciences  and  the  Faculty of Natural  and Agricultural Sciences are  invited  to attend  the  Joint Full Faculty meeting of Life and Physical Sciences and Natural and Agricultural Sciences in the Woolnough Lecture Theatre on Friday 25 May 2012 at 9 am. 

The  Agenda  and  Attachments  are  available  from  the  Faculties  of  Science  intranet  site (http://www.science.uwa.edu.au/staff/single‐science‐faculty ) 

Parts I and II of the agenda are to be taken en bloc by motion of the Chair.  Part III is for discussion.  A member may request the removal of an item from Parts I or II to Part III. 

Members are reminded that only those apologies received before or at the meeting will be recorded as such. 

Christine Richardson General Manager, Faculties of Science and Executive Officer 

AGENDA 

1. WELCOME 

2. APOLOGIES 

Only those apologies received before or at the meeting will be recorded as such. 

3. MINUTES 

Confirmation  of  the  Minutes  of  the  Full  Faculty  meeting  of  the  Faculty  of  Life  and  Physical Sciences held on 18 October 2011.  (Attachment A) 

Confirmation of the Minutes of the Full Faculty meeting of the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences held on 13 December 2011. (Attachment B) 

4. DECLARATIONS OF POTENTIAL OR PERCEIVED CONFLICTS OF INTEREST ‐ REF: F25623 

Members are asked to indicate any potential or perceived conflicts of interest. 

PART I: ITEMS FOR COMMUNICATION TO BE DEALT WITH EN BLOC There are no items 

PART 2: ITEMS FOR DECISION TO BE DEALT WITH EN BLOC There are no items 

PART 3: ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION 

5. OVERVIEW – FACULTY OF SCIENCE 

The Dean will provide members with an outline of some of the key characteristics of the Faculty of  Science,  including  information  about  staff  numbers,  student  load,  research  income,  and budget.   He will also outline  the development of  the Faculty of Science’s Operational Priorities Plan 2013 – 2017 and the likely key performance indicators for that plan.  

6. PROPOSED GOVERNANCE AND STRUCTURE – FACULTY OF SCIENCE 

Members are reminded that Statute 8 sets out the membership, role, powers and responsibilities of the faculties.  Clause 5 of Statute No 8 states: "5.(1)  Each  Faculty  must  have  a  governance  document  which  sets  out  the  constitution  and membership of the faculty and its committees and boards. (2) A faculty must submit its governance document to the Academic Board for approval."  

Members  are  also  reminded  that  the  Dean  established  a  working  party  to  advise  on  faculty governance.  The Terms of Reference for the working party were: 

To consider and make recommendations on  inter alia how decisions are made and communicated  to  the  schools  and  staff,  the  role  of  faculty  boards  and  faculty meetings, whether we need research and teaching committees, how do centres and institutes fit into the Faculty governance structures.   

The members of the working party were Lyn Abbott (Chair), Jan Taylor (Executive Officer), Peter Whipp, Ron Swann, Ben White, Mark Spackman, Jim Whelan, Colin Macleod. 

The  Working  Party  paid  particular  attention  to  processes  which  would  ensure  the  faculty governance  structure  enabled  the  faculty  to  function  in  the  most  effective  manner.  That  is, structure  and  function  were  considered  simultaneously.    The  principles  that  underpin  the proposed governance of the Faculty of Science are outlined in Attachment C Page 7.  

The Working Party met on eight occasions, and received feedback from staff via the Faculties of Science Executive and the Science Forum.  Following the presentation to staff at a Science Forum on  1  May  2012,  the  Working  Party  met  twice  to  finalise  its  recommendations  for  faculty governance for the Faculty of Science.   

The Faculties of Science Executive accepted the final recommendations of the working party for the  governance  and  structure  of  the  Faculty  of  Science  (Attachment  C).    The  maps  for communications  and  decision  making  are  shown  at  Attachment  D.  The  key  features  of  the proposed committee structure are outlined below. 

5 core Committees  

• Science Executive Committee (SEC),  

• Science Finance & Resource Planning Committee (SFRPC),  

• Science Teaching and Learning Committee (STLC),  

• Science Research Committee (SRC), and  

• Science Development Committee (SDC)  

3 Sub‐Committees  

• Science Occupational Health and Safety Advisory Committee (sub‐committee of SRFPC),  

• Student‐Staff Consultative Committee (sub‐committee of STLC), and  

• Science Postgraduate Advisory Committee (sub‐committee of SRC).  

Full Faculty Science Forum Other committees as required by Senate statutes 

The Dean will outline the proposed faculty governance and will recommend:  

i. The name of the new science faculty be the Faculty of Science 

ii. The faculty governance shown in Attachment C to be adopted for the Faculty of Science;  

iii. The  Science  Executive  Committee  to  be  the  key  decision  making  committee  for  the Faculty of Science; and 

iv. These decisions are forwarded to Academic Board for consideration at its June meeting.   

7. QUESTIONS ON NOTICE 

Members have been invited to forward any questions on notice to the Dean or Executive Officer in advance of the meeting.   

8. NEXT MEETING 

The next meeting of the Full Faculty will be scheduled for December 2012. 

 

 

 

 

 

This page is blank for printing purposes 

The University of Western Australia

MINUTES OF THE FACULTY OF LIFE AND PHYSICAL SCIENCES MEETING HELD IN THE ECONOMICS AND COMMERCE CONFERENCE

ROOM ON TUESDAY 18 OCTOBER 2011 PRESENT: W/Professor Brendan Waddell (Vice-Dean, LPS as Chair), Mr Greg Allen,

W/Professor Mike Anderson, Ms Michelle Bailey, Professor Charles Bond, Ms Kate Brandis, Dr Bernard Callus, W/Professor Ian Dadour, Mr Rhys Daly, Mr Cyril Donnelly, Professor Alan Everett, Mr John Fisher, Ms Jenny Gamble, Mr Animesh Gosh, Dr Jane Hallos, Mr Matt Huitson, Ms Hayley Hutchison, Dr Ben Jackson, Mr Jay Jay Jegathesan, Assistant Professor Debra Judge, Mr Matthew Kohler, Ms Julie la Spina, Assistant Professor Roslyn London, Professor Shane Maloney, Professor Murray Maybery, Dr Jan Meyer, W/Professor Ian McArthur, Professor Allan McKinley, W/Professor Dave Morrison, Ms Heather Morton, Ms Maria Puerta, W/Professor Colin Raston, W/Professor Don Robertson, Ms Abbe Rorrison, Associate Professor Sam Saunders, Professor Ian Small, Professor Mark Spackman, W/Professor Geoff Stewart, Dr Ron Swann, Associate Professor Naomi Trengove, Mrs Lesley Tubic, Ms Jill Venn, W/Professor George Yeoh, W/Professor Alice Vrielink, Associate Professor Peter Whipp, W/Professor Jim Williams, Mrs Kath Williams

APOLOGIES: W/Professor Tony O’Donnell (Dean, Faculties of Science), Professor Paul Attwood,

Ms Beatrice Birkner, Professor Stuart Bunt, Ms Caroline Chi, Mr Nikitas Economou, W/Professor Peter Hartmann, Mr Matthew Kenrick, W/Professor Lee Yong Lim, Ms Lee Triplett

Imelda Ooi as secretary

1. MINUTES REF: F3059 RESOLVED – 25 that the Minutes of the Full Faculty meeting held on 19 October 2010 be confirmed. 2. DECLARATION OF POTENTIAL FOR CONFLICT OR PERCEIVED CONFLICTS

OF INTEREST

The Chair invited members to declare interests in relation to any items on the agenda. No conflicts of interest were declared.

3. VICE-DEAN’S REPORT REF: F1158

The Vice-Dean welcomed members to the Full Faculty meeting. The meeting provided an opportunity for members to interact and raise any issues they may have. The Faculty was in good shape despite being in a state of flux. The report covered the following:

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(a) New Courses 2012

TISC numbers showed that first preferences did not appear to be compromised. With the expectation that many of the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery numbers would go to the biomedical areas, there remained some concern that this would present difficulties dealing with the numbers, particularly from 2013. Concern was also expressed at the possibility of a large increase in numbers in the Psychology labs and whether there were any plans to deal with the issue. The Chair responded that a working party had been established to look into the biomedical area. He expressed that the lack of a medical student intake in 2012 and 2013 would provide some flexibility with respect to lab space and that the challenge would be in 2014 and 2015 when the new postgraduate medical program commenced;

One member queried whether enquiries about majors would increase at the School level. The Student Adviser, Dr Jane Halos responded that this seemed unlikely as the new Science Student Office could handle most of the queries. Furthermore, students were not required to nominate their major until the end of their first year, although there was an expectation that most would do so in order to make appropriate unit choices at first year; and

Enrolment procedures would change. The week prior to enrolment would be set aside for intensive information sessions by the Faculty. The Chair encouraged Faculty representatives to inform new students about the broadening units available in science.

(b) New Science Student Office (SSO)

The new Science Student Office had now been established. It involved the physical relocation of some staff from both Faculties (i.e. Life & Physical Sciences and Natural & Agricultural Sciences) to their new offices. He expressed special thanks to Mr Matthew Kohler who co-ordinated the move. The Chair stated that the new model would increase efficiency and reflect a single Science identity at UWA.

(c) Disestablishment of the School of Biomedical, Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences

(BBCS)

The School of BBCS would be disestablished at the end of 2011. Chemistry and Biochemistry would form one school, Microbiology and Pharmacy are expected to move to the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry & Health Sciences, and Physiology would form a new School with Anatomy & Human Biology. Budget issues were the subject of ongoing negotiation between the Dean, W/Professor Tony O’Donnell, and the Vice Chancellery. W/Professor Geoff Stewart was thanked for his strong, ongoing contributions as Head of the School of BBCS. The contributions of senior staff members who would be retiring at the end of 2011, namely W/Professors Bruce Elliott, Don Robertson, Geoff Hammond and Professor Jan Fletcher, were gratefully acknowledged.

4. REPORT FROM THE ASSOCIATE DEAN (TEACHING & LEARNING) REF: F1158

The Associate Dean (Teaching & Learning) reported on the following: (a) SCoRes (Science Communication and Research Skills): Proposed work and timelines

end of October – 4 modules had been finished. 7-8 November – student feedback expected to the 4 modules. Special thanks were

extended to Dr Joanne Castelli for her work on the 4th module

Mid November – all 5 modules to be finished and made available for staff comment by

21

end of November Mid December – available for staff on Moodle February 2012 – available for students to access on Moodle.

(b) Review of assessment practices 2011

The School of Sport Science, Exercise and Health had undertaken a formal review of current assessment strategies and tasks. The Associate Dean (Teaching & Learning) had compiled a report and subsequently a decision had been made by LPS Teaching and Learning Committee for all schools to engage in and undertake an ‘Assessment Project Review’ to improve assessment practices.

(c) Mathematics

The Faculty Teaching & Learning committee had been discussing Mathematics requirements for some time. Currently, the minimum requirement was MATHS 2C-D and the committee had recommended that this be elevated to MATHS 3A-B.

(d) Peer Assisted Learning (PAL Program The PAL program had excellent outcomes and would continue until 2013.

(e) Faculty awards for excellence in teaching and learning

New detailed versions of the application forms for the teaching and learning award had been created and was expected to be available for semester 2 2012.

(f) Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA)

The Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) would oversee the regulation, accreditation and quality assurance of the tertiary education sector. It was expected that the audit would commence at UWA on 30 January 2012. Two people from the agency would come to assess the teaching in the schools. Feedback could then be sought regarding the assessment although it was not mandatory.

(g) Ancillary student fees and charges

Schools who had not responded to the email sent recently regarding the ancillary fees and charges levied in 2011 and the new fees to be proposed for 2012, were reminded to do so.

5. REPORT FROM THE ASSOCIATE DEAN (RESEARCH) REF: F1158

In his opening address to members, the Associate Dean (Research) expressed that with all the changes taking place with NC2012, it was important to ensure that research did not suffer. It would help if more junior researchers had attended meetings such as the Full Faculty as it was important to engage them wherever possible and the need to empower them to be more proactive. The report covered the following:

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(a) FLPS strategic funding guidelines

Points raised were: Details of the total pool of funding had not been specified due to the fact that the

amount varied from year to year. A specific sum for the remainder of strategic fund requests not covered under LEIF or Discretionary had also not been provided for the same reason;

The requirement that Schools commit funding towards LEIF bids needed to be included in the document; and

What the options were for supporting researchers in Schools which had difficulty in providing matching funds.

(b) IT services for researchers

NHMRC audit had raised a number of issues that Information Services had been asked to look at. Several million dollars over a three year period had been committed to the Business Investment Program. Dr Mary Davies, the new University Librarian and Director (Information Management) would be looking at ways to improve IT storage and improve facilities for researchers.

(c) Excellence in Research Australia (ERA)

The Faculty’s Research Committee had been continually evaluating ERA to improve outcomes as it played a part in determining the distribution of infrastructure funding to Universities engaged in Commonwealth funded research.

(d) Centres and Institutes

It was important that a healthy relationship between centres and institutes be established. Members were encouraged to look at the University’s Institutes and Centres Policy document and W/Professor Robyn Owens’ outline on the main issues and recommendations arising from the University’s Institutes and Centres Report contained in the minutes of the Faculty’s Research Committee meeting on 21 September 2011.

(e) Higher Degree research students

There was a move by the Faculties of Science to pre-screen and access student details overseas to ensure they had credible CVs.

(f) Animal Facilities

Users of animal facilities were facing difficulties with University/Government policies that impede research.

(g) Early career researcher mentoring scheme

It was important to have a culture in place whereby researchers support one another and especially mentoring early career researchers, a practice currently in place in FNAS.

(h) Internal Grant Review Scheme A pilot scheme set up geared towards an internal grant review in the School of BBCS in 2010 did not fare well. It had since been recommended by the Research Committee that the Dean assemble a college of experts to review grants and invite appropriate researchers

23

to join the college.

Points raised were: Limited feedback for people who submitted grants; Unsuccessful grant applicants to read successful grants (available from the Research

Office); Difficulty to get reviewers to read grants prior to submission due to November being a

busy time in the academic year; The time commitment to review, respond and meet with grant writers as part of the

feedback process; and The Faculty’s Research Development Officer in the Research Development Office

would be able to provide assistance with grant applications if required. Under other business, W/Professor George Yeoh stated that the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences would be having a Research Day on 25 November in the Simmonds Lecture theatre during which prominent researchers from six Centres of Excellence would talk about their research. He encouraged all research staff to participate for collaboration opportunities.

FOR THE ATTENTION OF ACADEMIC POLICY SERVICES

6. UNDERGRADUATE DIPLOMAS: PROPOSALS FOR CHANGE REF: 26592

Members noted that at the Academic Council at its meeting on 7 September 2011 endorsed a proposal that four undergraduate diplomas corresponding to the four new undergraduate pass degree courses be established and made available for graduates. Senate at its meeting on 26 September had approved the establishment of the Diploma in Arts, Diploma in Commerce, Diploma in Design, and Diploma in Science. An extract from the minutes of the Academic Council meeting, a single set of draft rules for the diplomas and a list of majors approved for offering by the Faculty within the new undergraduate degree courses had been attached to the agenda. The Faculty had been asked to indicate in the list of majors approved for offering by the Faculty within the new undergraduate degree courses, if any of these majors the Faculty wished to offer as an undergraduate diploma in 2012 and whether there would be any prerequisites for the major. Responses from the Schools/Disciplines had been attached to the agenda. The School of Psychology had proposed an alternative structure for the Psychology program in the new undergraduate diplomas comprising third-year psychology units to a value of 48 points and leading to the completion of both the Social and Applied Psychology and Neuropsychology and Cognitive Science majors. The rationale for the proposal were that completion of a double major was a requirement for entry into honours, the requirement for students to complete two undergraduate diplomas with overlapping units at first and second-year level was cumbersome; and a double major in psychology was required not only for honours and postgraduate studies but ultimately for registration as a Psychologist. A covering letter from the Head of the School of Psychology and draft rules for the Diploma in Science (with double majors in Social and Applied Psychology and Neuropsychology and Cognitive Science) had been attached to the agenda.

24

RESOLVED – 26 that the Board endorsed the following effective 2012: (i) to offer an undergraduate diploma in the following majors – Anatomy and Human Biology,

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Chemistry, Genetics, Microbiology and Immunology, Neuroscience, and Physiology; and

(ii) to have an alternative structure for the Psychology program in the new undergraduate diploma

comprising third-year units to a value of 48 points leading to the completion of both the Social and Applied Psychology and Neuropsychology and Cognitive Science majors, subject to final drafting of the rules by the Legislative Committee.

Confirmed CHAIR

FNAS Full Faculty Minutes – 13 December 2011 Page 1

THE UNIVERSITY OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA

THE FACULTY OF NATURAL AND AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE FULL FACULTY HELD 13TH DECEMBER 2011 1. DECLARATIONS OF POTENTIAL OR PERCEIVED CONFLICTS OF INTEREST - REF: F25623

No potential or perceived conflicts of interest were reported.

PART I: ITEMS FOR COMMUNICATION TO BE DEALT WITH EN BLOC

2. SCIENCE STUDENT OFFICE

Members noted that the Science Student Office has been formed as a joint initiative of the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences and the Faculty of Life and Physical Sciences. Staff in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences have collaborated with their counterparts in the Faculty of Life and Physical Sciences to establish the Science Student Office. This new office is a one-stop-shop for science student advice and also includes new arrangements that enables students to become more self-reliant in managing their own enrolment. The Science Student Office was officially opened by the Senior Deputy Vice Chancellor, Winthrop Professor Bill Louden on 23rd November 2011.

3. SCIENCE TEACHING OFFICE

Members noted that the Faculties of Natural and Agricultural Sciences and Life and Physical Sciences have agreed to establish the Science Teaching Office (STO) to assist in the development and improvement of all aspects of teaching and course administration across the Faculties of Science. The STO will work side-by-side with the Science Student Office and will undertake a range of activities that support the development of courses and lead to improvement in pedagogy, including: • Identifying excellent teaching practices within the Faculties of Science and on the basis of these

practices, develop teaching and learning policies for the Faculties of Science • Implement these ‘good practice’ teaching and learning policies • Take responsibility for the development of new courses and units and the revision of existing

courses and units The Science Teaching Office will be led by a member of academic staff and will be supported by professional staff drawn from the Faculty Offices. It will likely commence operations early in 2012.

PART II: ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION

4. NEW COURSES - MASTERS Members were advised that the Faculty has revised its Masters degrees so that our graduates continue to be equipped for success in a global knowledge-based environment. The Faculty now has a suite of new Masters courses which are summarized in Attachment A to the Minutes. It is very important that potential students are made aware of these changes. Part time enrolments will be possible.

FNAS Full Faculty Minutes – 13 December 2011 Page 2

The Vice Dean advised that this is an important initiative for the Faculty and the arrangements for the Masters is different to previously: • 2-year Coursework Masters degree – Level 4 and 5 coursework, including a 24 point project at

Level 5 • Master of Science, Thesis and Coursework – Following an Honours or equivalent, including a 36

point project • new units will not be available to undergraduates • some units will be taught in blocks which will suit part-time students • the Dean has approved a $2,000 bursary for domestic students • the UWA website provides excellent information regarding the initiative Information regarding the initiative has been sent to our 3rd and 4th year students, as well as to the Department of Agriculture and Food, Department of Environment and Conservation, Department of Water, Water Corporation, and WA Museum. The Dean highlighted the importance of filling the places – if they are not used, the Federal Government will reallocate them. Members were encouraged to consider avenues for communicating the initiative.

5. DEAN’S REPORT The Dean presented a report to the Full Faculty: Faculty’s Performance Against University OPP Targets • Undergraduate overall satisfaction score was 89.3%, which is the second highest on campus

(Faculty of Life and Physical Sciences is highest at 89.9%). Finances 2012 • The University distributed an additional $11m this year through FFM resulting in an increase of just

under $1.8m (based on projected load) to FNAS bringing total income to $18m (no safety netting) • Increase in the value of the WEFTSL • A 20% loading for postgraduate coursework

Load Targets 2011 Load 2012 Load Commonwealth HDR 141 142 Commonwealth CWT 756 934 International HDR 112 140 International CWT 128 171 Allocation 2012 • FNAS Coursework Teaching - $6.602m • RRT Total - $9.23m Budget • Most Schools are receiving an increase in income of at least CPI • For 2012 the “off the top” was increased to 15% plus an additional 1% to be retained at Faculty

level for School specific initiatives • Faculty Strategic Funds are under extreme pressure • There is a need for investment in basic infrastructure within the Faculty. FNAS will commit $250k if

the University is willing to match that investment

FNAS Full Faculty Minutes – 13 December 2011 Page 3

Targets 2012 • Ensure successful transition to NC2012 • Protect high student satisfaction scores • Increase the number of international full fee paying students • Major focus on research and maintaining income at > $40m ($40.8m) • Full review of strategic funding with consideration given to what actually constitutes ‘strategic’ and

that strategic investment should benefit all • Priority to internationalise FNAS from 2012

6. REPORT ON EQUITY AND DIVERSITY The Faculty’s Equity and Diversity Adviser, Mr Greg Madson, provided a brief report to members: There is a strong Equity and Diversity programme at UWA with a number of advisers across the University. Mr Madson’s specialty is as a disability adviser. Equity and Diversity will be running a series of workshops covering cultural diversity and courageous conversations and the Adviser encouraged staff to attend. Equity and Diversity at UWA is headed up by Beverley Hill and Malcolm Fialho.

7. REPORT FROM THE STUDENT STAFF CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE The Chair of the Student Staff Consultative Committee and the President of SNAGS (Student Club, FNAS) tabled a report (Attachment B to the Minutes).

8. POSTGRADUATE STUDENT REPORT Faculty’s postgraduate student representatives were not represented at the meeting.

9. NEXT MEETING The next meeting of the Full Faculty has been scheduled for Thursday, 28th June 2012 at 3pm.

New Courses 2012 at UWA Postgraduate Masters – Coursework or Research

NEW MASTERS COURSES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA In 2012, there will be NEW Postgraduate Masters Degrees in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at UWA. (See attached Flyer) Commonwealth Supported places are available (with HECS-HELP for Australian citizens*). A Bursary of $2,000 is available for Australian citizens, New Zealand citizens, Australian permanent residents and holders of an Australian humanitarian visa enrolling in these Masters degrees The Dean, Faculties of Science, has approved the award of a $2,000 bursary to students who enrol in a masters degree (to be paid after completion of the first 24 points of study). Part-time study is available. Some units in the coursework masters degrees will be taught in blocks (i.e. not every week during semester as for undergraduate units). __________________________________________________________________________ The new course structure will enable enrolment in a 1 or 2 year masters degree as summarised below: __________________________________________________________________________ 1. Masters by Coursework degrees Duration: 2 years (but students who have completed a relevant four year degree or a relevant Honours degree receive one year credit) www.science.uwa.edu.au/courses/postgrad/coursework 1. Master of Agricultural Science - with specialisations in:

• Agricultural Economics • Animal Production • Genetics and Breeding • Plant Production • Soil Science

3. Master of Environmental Science - with specialisations in:

• Environmental Management • Land and water Management • Marine and Coastal

Management

2. Master of Biological Science - with specialisations in:

• Marine Biology • Plant Conservation Biology • Zoology

4. Master of Geoscience 5. Master of Hydrogeology 6. Master of Urban and Regional Planning

__________________________________________________________________________ 2. Master of Science by thesis and coursework degree Duration: 1 year after a 4 year honours degree

www.science.uwa.edu.au/courses/postgrad/research Please contact Vickie Falcetta (Vickie.Falcetta@uwa.edu.au ) if you have any questions or wish to seek additional advice.

Attachment A

THE UNIVERSITY OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA

MEMBERS OF THE FACULTY OF NATURAL AND AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES

FULL FACULTY MEETING – 13TH DECEMBER 2011

1. REPORT FROM THE OUTGOING CHAIR OF THE STUDENT STAFF CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE (“SSCC”)

Firstly, apologies for not making the meeting in person, I’m writing this from the eastern wheatbelt with my fingers crossed that the forecasted rain holds of and we can get on with harvest. The SSCC is an important part of undergraduate student life in FNAS. It is a committee that sits in the background and voices student concerns. Most of us (students) are unaware that the committee exists until we have a problem or something needs to be changed. This semester has seen students who have not previously been involved in the committee attend meetings due to concerns about completing degrees they enrolled in prior to 2012 with the transition to new courses. These students have the right to complete the course that they enrolled in and therefore there must be excellent communication and understanding between the student body and the faculty administration. Furthermore, new courses mean that upperclass students are less able to mentor students in choosing classes, thus commencing students will require additional support in their transition to UWA. Moving into new courses 2012, the SSCC needs to adjust accordingly and this is something that falls on the 2012 committee. More student involvement and contribution to the committee is required as is the participation of willing staff. Student participation in student clubs is essential and ensuring that each club has a place to congregate is vital. It is our hope that the Zoology room is functioning in 2012 as has been previously promised yet postponed. SNAGS and Woolnough continue to have high level of student participation from agriculture and geology respectively. These committees have close interaction with industry and are vital for mentoring, work experience and job opportunities of which personally, I have benefitted from. As this meeting is the final one for the year and indeed my undergraduate degree, I would like to close off with a few words. Having been a part of two faculties (NAS and the Business School) for five years, I want to acknowledge the teaching staff of this faculty for adding a human factor to my Agriculture degree. It is a defining difference to the business school where I am only a number. Small classes, the field trips and the availability of staff to ask ‘just one more stupid question’ has meant that I leave UWA on a first name basis with most of the staff that have taught me, I thank them for their dedication and caring. It would be my hope that this strength of the faculty is nurtured because it has made the difference between a good and great degree experience. I would like to thank Lyn Abbott for her open door policy with students, her wisdom and encouragement of student leadership and the SSCC throughout 2011. All the very best for 2012. Dani Whyte

2. REPORT FROM THE OUTGOING PRESIDENT OF THE STUDENTS FROM NATURAL AND AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES FACULTY SOCIETY (“SNAGS”) My name is Helena and I have been on the SNAGS committee for two years as vice president in 2010 and president this year. It has been a pleasure to run SNAGS for 2011. Although time consuming and requiring lots of organizing at times it is well worth it when you have such an awesome group of people that is SNAGS! Our committee aimed to organize plenty of events for the students both social and educational and our aim has really been to try and get SNAGS back out there and improve numbers as the club has dropped off a bit in the last 5 years. We had a very successful year with good turnouts at social events, plenty of good memories and conversations in the common room and we hope that the new committee and the students and faculty continue to support the club and its events.

Attachment B

B1

2011 started back in early February with O-day where we had about 40 freshers sign up. Due to the lack of smaller first year units we had reports from lots of students that they wish we got to have a first year camp like other faculties so with some last minute organizing and lots of help from Gary we managed to get permission to hold the camp in the second weekend of semester down at the new uni farm at Pingelly. We ended up with about 30 students which we took down to the farm on a hire bus! Due to not getting permission/ organizing it till the end of February we missed the chance to advertise at O-day so numbers where quite low however now it’s been run once hopefully the future committees can continue on with the camp. We had lots of positive feedback and a huge thanks has to go to Gary Cass, Christy at the farm and also James Campbell for being the bus driver! Throughout the year we also held many social events including three sundowners held on the Thurling Green lawn – they were all a great success and usually our best profit makers for the club. These are always popular with students as a great way to meet new people studying similar degrees and also for everyone to let their hair down at the end of semester.

Other main events were the industry careers night which was organized by Dani and SSCC. SNAGS donated some funds towards food and drinks and helped out on the night with setup. Students who attended were very appreciative of the info and the chance to meet and talk to some prospective employees. Pub crawl was also a success and although the theme of ‘tight and bright’ put off some people it was the people rather than numbers which made the night and everyone definitely had a big night! And we even got mentioned in the social section of Farmers Weekly. Second semester was jam packed with social events. We finally managed to locate and get some first years involved as we were beginning to think they were non-existent given their low attendance to first semester events. We had our car rally with one of the biggest turnouts of people ever with around 60 people and 10 cars making the trip from Perth to Dowerin with many interesting challenges on the way! Later in the semester we held a sports day against Muresk held at the UWA netball courts and had another great turnout with 3 UWA teams and 1 team from Muresk. After a hot few hours of mixed netball we all enjoyed a BBQ, drinks and a chat down on the foreshore. The Saturday night was also one of the main events on the SNAGS calendar with our annual cocktail ball which was held at Cottesloe Hotel. Everyone looked gorgeous and the night ran smoothly with around 80 students attending. Some lovely picture were again published in the Farmers Weekly thanks to Tyson Cattle who is one of the journalists there. The year concluded with our quiz night and election of the new committee. I would like to give a huge thank you to my awesome committee; Caris Jones, Bryce Bevan, Lachie Mc Dougall, Blair Humphrey, Scott Thompson, Nathan Kamman. I couldn’t have done it without them and it was a combined effort of all that made sure every event ran smoothly! I would also like to thank the students for supporting the club and those staff who go out of their way to help us out, you know who you are! I wish every success to Scotty and his committee for 2012! The main challenge we see arising with 2012 and the introduction of new courses is the first years not having the chance to meet other students studying similar courses. Our group of friends all met in a first year Ag society and environment unit with only about 30 students. Having a supportive group of mates and knowing some students in the years above has been one of the most important and helpful things over the last 3 years so we encourage the faculty and future SNAGS committees to make every effort to locate first years interested in Ag and Natural Sciences and make them aware of the club, events, the common room etc to ensure they stay interested in the faculty and support SNAGS. Helena Bailey

Attachment B

B2

ReportofScienceGovernanceandStructureWorkingParty May2012

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GovernanceandStructureWorkingPartyReportforNewFacultyofScienceTheTermsofReferencefortheWorkingPartywere:Toconsiderandmakerecommendationsoninteraliahowdecisionsaremadeandcommunicatedtotheschoolsandstaff,theroleoffacultyboardsandfacultymeetings,whetherweneedresearchandteachingcommittees,howdocentresandinstitutesfitintotheFacultygovernancestructures.ThemembersoftheWorkingPartywere:W/ProfessorLynAbbott(ViceDean,FNAS)ChairJanTaylor(FacultyManager,FNAS)ExecutiveOfficerAssociateProfessorPeterWhipp(Director,ScienceTeachingOffice)W/ProfessorMarkSpackman(HeadofSchoolofChemistryandBiochemistry)ProfessorBenWhite(HeadofSchoolofAgriculturalandResourceEconomics)W/ProfessorJimWhelan(ARCCentreofExcellence,PlantEnergyBiology)W/ProfessorColinMacLeod(SchoolofPsychology)DrRonSwann(SchoolManager,SchoolofAnatomy,PhysiologyandHumanBiology)TheWorkingPartymeton8occasions,andreceivedfeedbackfromstaffviatheScienceExecutiveCommitteeandtheScienceForum.RecommendedFacultyCommitteeStructureTheWorkingPartyrecommendsthatthegovernancestructureofthenewFacultyofScienceinclude(Figure1):5coreCommittees ScienceExecutiveCommittee(SEC), ScienceFinance&ResourcePlanningCommittee(SFRPC), ScienceTeachingandLearningCommittee(STLC), ScienceResearchCommittee(SRC),and ScienceDevelopmentCommittee(SDC) 3Sub‐Committees ScienceOccupationalHealthandSafetyAdvisoryCommittee(sub‐committeeofSRFPC), Student‐StaffConsultativeCommittee(sub‐committeeofSTLC),and SciencePostgraduateAdvisoryCommittee(sub‐committeeofSRC).FullFacultyScienceForumOthercommitteesasrequiredbySenatestatutes

ReportofScienceGovernanceandStructureWorkingParty May2012

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BackgroundtorecommendationsScienceExecutiveCommitteeTheScienceExecutiveCommitteewillhavethedelegatedpowersoftheFaculty,exceptthepowertoconstituteitsownmembership,andthiscommitteewillbetheFaculty’smajordecision‐makingcommitteewithresponsibilityincludingplanning,finances,teaching,research,academicstructure,academicprocesses,internationalrelationsandstrategicinitiatives.TheScienceExecutiveCommitteewillreceiveadvicefromthefourcoreFacultyCommittees(FinanceandResourcePlanningCommittee,TeachingandLearningCommittee,ResearchCommitteeandDevelopmentCommittee,andScienceDevelopmentCommittee).TheScienceExecutiveCommitteewillprovideadvicetotheDeanonthemanagementofUniversityresourcesandontheimplementationofFacultyPlans,UniversityPoliciesandUniversityPriorities.MembershipoftheScienceExecutiveCommittee: Dean‐Chair GeneralManager–ExecutiveOfficer Coremembers DeputyDeans(EducationandResearch) FacultyManagers HeadsofeachSchoolintheFaculty Upto2representativesofInstitutesandCentres Co‐optedmembersasrecommendedbytheDeanTheScienceExecutiveCommitteewillmeetmonthly.Memberswillhavereportingresponsibilitiesaftereachmeeting.WorkingPartieswillbeestablishedbytheScienceExecutiveCommitteetoreportonspecificissuesasrequired.TheseWorkingPartiesmayincludemembersnominatedand/orelectedfromamongFullFacultymembers.ScienceFinanceandResourcePlanningCommitteeTheScienceFinanceandResourcePlanningCommitteewillhavedelegatedresponsibilityforoversightoffinancialplanningandreportingofSchools,CentresandtheScienceFacultyOffice.MembershipoftheScienceFinanceandResourcePlanningCommittee: Dean‐Chair GeneralManager–ExecutiveOfficer Coremembers FacultyManagers SchoolManagersofeachSchoolintheFaculty BusinessManagersofUWAInstitutes BusinessManagersofmajorCentresintheScienceFaculty Co‐optedmembersasrecommendedbytheDeanTheScienceFinanceandResourcePlanningCommitteewillmeetmonthly.ActionpointsfromeachmeetingwillbeplacedontheFacultyIntranetwithinoneweekaftereachmeeting.Memberswillhavereportingresponsibilitiesaftereachmeeting.

WorkingPartieswillbeestablishedbytheScienceFinanceandResourcePlanningCommitteetoreportonspecificissuesasrequired.TheseWorkingPartiesmayincludemembersnominatedand/orelectedfromamongFullFacultymembers.

ReportofScienceGovernanceandStructureWorkingParty May2012

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ScienceTeachingandLearningCommitteeTheScienceTeachingandLearningCommitteewillprovideadvicetotheDeanandtheScienceExecutiveCommitteeonallmattersrelatingtoteachingandlearningintheFacultyincludingbutnotlimitedto:(i)theenhancementofteachingqualityandstudentexperienceintheFacultiescoursesandunits;(ii)thedevelopmentofundergraduateandpostgraduatecourses,majorsandspecializations(iii)theencouragementandrewardofhighqualityteachingbystaff;(iv)theappropriateuseoftechnology;(v)researchonteachingandlearning;(vi)compliancewithUniversityandFacultyRulesandPolicies;(vii)ensuringthatteachingandlearningpracticesandprocedures,includingassessment,areconsistentwithUniversitypoliciesandguidelines;(viii)ensuringthatstudentviewsontheirteachingexperiencesareconsidered,communicatedandrespondedtoasrequired;(ix)consideringadvicefromtheManagersoftheScienceTeachingOfficeandtheScienceStudentoffice;(x)providingadvicetotheScienceTeachingOfficeandtheScienceStudentoffice.

MembershipoftheScienceTeachingandLearningCommittee: DeputyDean(Education)‐Chair FacultyManager–ExecutiveOfficer Coremembers HeadsofSchoolsortheirnominees Representative(s)oftheScienceTeachingOffice Representative(s)oftheScienceStudentOffice Studentrepresentation Upto2nomineesofundergraduatestudents Upto2nomineesofpostgraduatestudents Co‐optedmembersasrecommendedbytheCommittee

TheScienceTeachingandLearningCommitteewillmeetmonthly.ActionpointsfromeachmeetingwillbeplacedontheFacultyIntranetwithinoneweekaftereachmeetingandallmemberswillhavespecificreportingresponsibilitiesaftereachmeeting.

ScienceResearchCommitteeTheScienceResearchCommitteewillprovideadviceanddevelopinitiativesonallmattersrelatedtoresearch,researchopportunitiesandpostgraduateteaching.ItwillliaisewithrelevantUniversitycommitteesandoverseetheFacultyresearchprofile,thedevelopmentofFacultypoliciesrelatedtoresearch,theFacultypostgraduatescholarshipranking,awardofresearchgrants.ItwillprioritizestrategicinitiativesrelatedtoresearchwithintheFacultyandthesupportprovidedtoearlycareerresearchersandpostgraduatestudents.

MembershipoftheScienceResearchCommittee: DeputyDean(Research)‐Chair FacultyManager–ExecutiveOfficer Coremembers DirectorsofUWAInstitutes HeadsofSchoolsortheirnominees NomineesofmajorCentresintheFaculty ResearchDevelopmentAdvisor(s) FacultyDevelopmentOfficer(s) Researchstaffrepresentation Upto2nomineesofearlycareerresearchers Postgraduatestudentrepresentation Upto2nomineesofpostgraduatestudents Co‐optedmembersasrecommendedbytheCommittee

ReportofScienceGovernanceandStructureWorkingParty May2012

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TheScienceResearchCommitteewillmeetbi‐monthly.ActionpointsfromeachmeetingwillbeplacedontheFacultyIntranetwithinoneweekaftereachmeeting.Memberswillhavereportingresponsibilitiesaftereachmeeting.

WorkingPartieswillbeestablishedbytheScienceResearchCommitteetoreportonspecificissuesasrequired.TheseWorkingPartiesmayincludemembersnominatedand/orelectedfromamongFullFacultymembers.ScienceDevelopmentCommitteeTheScienceDevelopmentCommitteewilltakeinitiativesandmakerecommendationstotheScienceExecutiveCommitteeonmattersrelatedtorecruitment,studentexperience,alumniengagement,industryliaisonetc.Thisincludesinitiativesrelatedtostudentload(undergraduateandpostgraduate),internationalstudents,strategicinitiativeswithexternalorganizations(includinginternationaluniversities,governmentagencies),engagementwiththeOfficeofDevelopment,engagementwithalumnibothgenerallyandspecifically(e.g.withhighprofilealumni)etc

MembershipoftheScienceDevelopmentCommittee: Dean‐Chair FacultyDevelopmentOfficer–ExecutiveOfficer Coremembers DeputyDeans(EducationandResearch) FacultyManagers Marketing,recruitingandoutreachrepresentatives NomineesofSchoolsintheFaculty ResearchDevelopmentAdvisor(s) Staffrepresentation Upto2otherstaffrepresentatives Postgraduatestudentrepresentation Upto2studentrepresentatives Co‐optedmembersasrecommendedbytheCommittee

TheScienceDevelopmentCommitteewillmeetatleast4timeseachyear.ActionpointsfromeachmeetingwillbeplacedontheFacultyIntranetwithinoneweekaftereachmeeting.Memberswillhavereportingresponsibilitiesaftereachmeeting.

WorkingPartieswillbeestablishedbytheScienceDevelopmentCommitteetoreportonspecificissuesasrequired.TheseWorkingPartiesmayincludemembersnominatedand/orelectedfromamongFullFacultymembers.

ReportofScienceGovernanceandStructureWorkingParty May2012

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ScienceOccupationalHealthandSafetyAdvisoryCommitteeTheScienceOccupationalHealthandSafetyAdvisoryCommitteeisasub‐committeeoftheScienceFinanceandResourcePlanningCommittee.Thisadvisorycommitteewillreview,reportandmakerecommendationstotheScienceFinanceandResourcePlanningCommittee,theScienceResearchCommittee,theScienceTeachingandLearningCommittee,Schools,InstitutesandCentres,theFacultyOffice,theScienceTeachingOfficeandtheScienceStudentOfficeasrequired.ItwillcomplementthecommitteesinSchoolsandCentresbyliaising,discussingandensuringconsistencyinbestpracticeacrosstheScienceFaculty.

MembershipoftheScienceOccupationalHealthandSafetyAdvisoryCommittee: GeneralManager‐Chair FacultyManager–ExecutiveOfficer Coremembers SafetyrepresentativesofSchools,CentresandInstitutes SafetyrepresentativeoftheScienceFacultyOffice EquityandDiversityAdvisors Staffrepresentation Upto2otherstaffrepresentatives Postgraduatestudentrepresentation Upto2studentrepresentatives Co‐optedmembersasrecommendedbytheCommitteetoincludestudents

TheScienceOccupationalHealthandSafetyAdvisoryCommitteewillmeetatleasttwiceeachyear.

Student‐StaffConsultancyCommitteeTheStudentStaffConsultativeCommitteeisasub‐committeeoftheScienceTeachingandLearningCommittee.ItwillfacilitatediscussionbetweenstudentsandstaffaboutthequalityoftheirteachingandlearningexperienceandformalizefeedbacktotheScienceFacultyTeachingandLearningCommittee.Studentscontributeadviceonteachingprogramsandmodesofdeliveryetc.

MembershipoftheStudentStaffConsultativeCommittee: DeputyDean(Education)‐Chair FacultyManager–ExecutiveOfficer Coremembers RepresentativeoftheScienceTeachingOffice RepresentativeoftheScienceStudentOffice Upto2academicstaffmembersfromtheScienceTeachingandLearningCommittee StudentMembers Upto6studentsnominatedorelectedbystudentorganizationsaffiliatedwiththe ScienceFaculty Upto10studentundergraduaterepresentativesnominatedby Schools/Centres/TeachingCentres Upto5postgraduatestudentrepresentativesnominatedby Schools/Centres/TeachingCentres Co‐optedmembersasrecommendedbytheCommittee

TheStudentStaffConsultativeCommitteewillmeetatleasttwiceeachyear.

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SciencePostgraduateAdvisoryCommitteeTheSciencePostgraduateAdvisoryCommitteeisasub‐committeeoftheScienceResearchCommittee.ItwillfacilitatediscussionamongGraduateResearchCoordinatorsfromSchoolsandCentresandstudentpostgraduaterepresentativesfromSchoolsandCentres.ItwillcomplementtheactivitieswithinSchoolsandCentres,StudentServicesandtheGraduateResearchSchoolbyliaising,discussingandensuringconsistencyinhighqualitysupportforpostgraduatestudentsacrosstheScienceFaculty.

MembershipoftheSciencePostgraduateAdvisoryCommittee: DeputyDean(Research)‐Chair FacultyManager–ExecutiveOfficer Coremembers GraduateResearchCoordinatorsinSchoolsandCentresintheFacultyofScience PostgraduateStudentRepresentativesinSchoolsandCentresintheFacultyofScience ResearchDevelopmentAdvisor(s) Co‐optedmembersasrecommendedbytheCommittee

TheSciencePostgraduateAdvisoryCommitteewillmeetatleasttwiceeachyear.

FullFaculty

IntheFacultyofScience,FacultyBoardcomprisestheFullFaculty.

MembersofFullFacultyare:theDean(Chair),GeneralManager(ExecutiveOfficer),Staffinallschools,centresandInstitutesfundedbytheFacultyanditsSchoolswhoholdappointmentsonafull‐timeor50percentorgreaterfractionalbasisotherthanthoseholdingemeritus,visiting,adjunct,clinicalorhonoraryappointments;HeadsoftheSchoolsoutsidetheFacultythatareinvolvedinteachingcoursesofferedbytheFaculty,ortheirnominees;UptofourundergraduatestudentselectedannuallybyandfromthestudentsenrolledinundergraduatecoursesofferedbytheFaculty;UptofourpostgraduatestudentselectedannuallybyandfrompostgraduatestudentswithintheFaculty;andOtherpersonsasco‐optedbytheforegoingmembersfromtimetotime,providedthateachisco‐optedforaperiodnotexceedingtwoyearsandmaybeco‐optedagainattheendofaperiodinoffice.

FullFacultywillmeettwiceeachyear,withagendas,minutesanddecisionsincludedontheScienceFacultyIntranet.

ScienceForumTheScienceForumcomprisesallmembersoftheScienceFaculty,includingpostgraduatestudentsforinformalcommunicationwithintheFaculty.TheScienceForumischairedbytheDean,andmeetstwiceeachyearforcommunicationtoallfacultymembers.

OtherCommitteesrequiredbyUWASenatestatuesinclude:ThesecommitteeswillbeestablishedinthenewScienceFacultyaccordingtoSenatestatuesandincludetheScienceBoardofStudies,theScienceFacultyAppealsCommittee,theScienceHigherDegreesCommitteeandtheScienceFacultyAdjunctAppointmentsCommittee.

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PrinciplesforEffectiveScienceFacultyDecision‐making

Representation:MembershipofScienceFacultycommitteeswillmadeaccordingtoportfoliosofresponsibility,expertise,equity,diversityandfairness.EffectiveandfairrepresentationoncommitteeswillbeaddressedacrosstheFacultyGovernancestructureandwilltakeintoaccountthefunctionofeachcommittee,sub‐committeeandworkingparty.Theworkingpartiesmayincludestaffand/orstudentswhoarenotmembersofthecorecommittees.Advice:Sub‐Committeeswillbepermanentadvisorygroups.Workingpartieswillbeestablishedtoinvestigatespecificissues.Theywillbeestablishedtocoverdefinedperiodsandtasks.

Communication:TheScienceFacultyIntranetwillbeusedtofacilitateaccesstoinformationfromthecorecommittees.Informationaboutagendas,decisionsandactionsinprogresswillbeavailable.

ActionpointsfromeachmeetingwillbeplacedontheFacultyIntranetwithinoneweekofmeetings.Allcommitteememberswillberesponsibleforreportingbacktoareastheyrepresent.

SchoolsandCentresareexpectedtoestablishtheirowncommunicationstrategiesanddecision‐makingprocesses(includingcommitteestructures)foreffectivearticulationwithFacultydecision‐makingprocesses.ThiswillprovideclearlinesofcommunicationbetweentheFacultycommitteesandSchoolsandCentres.

ItwouldbevaluabletoincludesomeoverlapinmembershipofthecoreFacultycommitteestofacilitatesharingofinformationandavoidduplication.

ReportofScienceGovernanceandStructureWorkingParty May2012

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Figure1FacultyofScienceCommitteeStructureasrecommendedbytheWorkingParty.

DEAN

SCIENCE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

SCIENCE FINANCE & RESOURCE PLANNING

COMMITTEE

SCIENCE TEACHING & LEARNING COMMITTEE

SCIENCE RESEARCH COMMITTEE

SCIENCE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

SCIENCE OH&S ADVISORY COMMITTEE

SCIENCE STUDENT-STAFF CONSULTATIVE

COMMITTEE

SCIENCE POSTGRADUATE ADVISORY COMMITTEE

FULL FACULTY

SCIENCE FORUM

SCHOOLS, CENTRES, INSTITUTES & FACULTY OFFICE

ACADEMIC BOARD, ACADEMIC COUNCIL AND ITS SUB-COMMITTEES

Faculty of Science Decision Making MapMay 2012

D

D

D

D

DEAN

SCIENCE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

SCIENCE FINANCE & RESOURCE PLANNING

COMMITTEE

SCIENCE TEACHING & LEARNING COMMITTEE

SCIENCE RESEARCH COMMITTEE

SCIENCE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

SCIENCE OH&S ADVISORY COMMITTEE

SCIENCE STUDENT-STAFF CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE

SCIENCE POSTGRADUATE ADVISORY COMMITTEE

FULL FACULTY

SCIENCE FORUM

SCHOOLS, CENTRES, INSTITUTES & FACULTY OFFICE

ACADEMIC BOARD, ACADEMIC COUNCIL AND ITS SUB-COMMITTEES

Faculty of Science Communication MapMay 2012