At some high schools MP3 players are taboo. Next year at Murdoch they will be encouraged – it is all part of an ever-widening variety of study options for students.
Murdoch University has developed a cutting edge course that provides an in-depth study of modern molecular genetics. Hands-on experience is also provided in the latest analytical techniques associated with the detection of poisonous substances, illicit and prescription drugs. Case studies and a wide range of forensic investigations are presented by visiting forensic science professionals.
For more information on this and other exciting courses:
www.choose.murdoch.edu.au
This increased flexibility builds on ‘iLecture’, a hugely successful innovation introduced last year, which broadcasts lectures over the Internet. The new MP3 technology demonstrates a new leap in flexible learning, as students will no longer have to be anchored to a computer. The new technology is not intended to replace the important face-toface contact with lecturers, rather it is another tool to enable students to ensure that they are gaining the most out of their degrees. “We are expecting the MP3 technology to be particularly popular with students around exam revision time,” said Professor Jan Thomas, Pro Vice Chancellor, Academic. “Also, more and more of our students are juggling their studies with jobs and family commitments, which make attendance at all lectures increasingly difficult.”
“We will continue to provide face-to-face contact with lecturers for most of our courses. Contact between staff and students, and between students, is important for quality learning, building relationships and instilling a sense of community. Also there are crucial elements in most courses where hands-on skill development is required, for high quality learning, personal interaction and discussion.” Professor Thomas is a former student of Murdoch’s Veterinary School who went on to teach at the University. Ten years ago she realised university teaching practices needed to be updated.
Now overseeing the teaching delivery of the University, Professor Thomas is reviewing common practices in academia to ensure that Murdoch provides contemporary teaching in a flexible style which provides students with the maximum opportunity to learn and reach their goals. The flexible style of the University includes a series of programs such as the ‘Elite Athlete Friendly’ program, which is endorsed by the Australian Institute of Sport.
“Allowances are made for approved, academically able students, such as deferring their assessments until after national championships, or taking their exams on the other side of the country or even overseas because of sporting commitments,” said Professor Thomas.
The program has enabled AFL footballers, and athletes enrolled in the WA Institute of Sport, to begin degrees in commerce, chiropractic and arts courses. This program aims to ensure athletes, who must devote their lives to excellence in order to reach the top of the sport, are able to complete a tertiary education to plan for their retirement from sport in their late twenties.
