Faculty of Science: Contextualised Graduate Attributes


22/06/2011: This draft statement has been ratified for use by the faculty.

To find out more please contact the Associate Dean (Learning and Teaching).

Research and Inquiry. Graduates of the Faculty of Science will be able to create new knowledge and understanding through the process of research and inquiry.

  • A1. Apply scientific knowledge and critical thinking to identify, define and analyse problems, create solutions, evaluate opinions, innovate and improve current practices.
  • A2. Gather, evaluate and deploy information relevant to a scientific problem.
  • A3. Design and conduct investigations, or the equivalent, and analyse and interpret the resulting data.
  • A4. Critically examine the truth and validity in scientific argument and discourse, and evaluate the relative importance of ideas.
  • A5. Disseminate new knowledge and engage in debate around scientific issues.
  • A6. Value the importance of continual growth in knowledge and skills, and recognise the rapid and sometimes major changes in scientific knowledge and technology.

Information Literacy. Graduates of the Faculty of Science will be able to use information effectively in a range of contexts.

  • B1. Use a range of searching tools (such as catalogues and databases) effectively and efficiently to find information.
  • B2. Access a range of information sources in the science disciplines, for example books, reports, research articles, patents and company standards.
  • B3. Critically evaluate the reliability and relevance of information in a scientific context.
  • B4. Consider the economic, legal, social, ethical and cultural issues in the gathering and use of information.
  • B5. Use information technology to gather, process, and disseminate scientific information.

Personal and Intellectual Autonomy. Graduates of the Faculty of Science will be able to work independently and sustainably, in a way that is informed by openness, curiosity and a desire to meet new challenges.

  • E1. Evaluate personal performance and development, recognise gaps in knowledge and acquire new knowledge independently.
  • E2. Demonstrate flexibility in adapting to new situations and dealing with uncertainty.
  • E3. Reflect on personal experiences, and consider their effect on personal actions and professional practice.
  • E4. Set achievable and realistic goals and monitor and evaluate progress towards these goals.
  • E5. Demonstrate openness and curiosity when applying scientific understanding in a wider context.

Ethical, Social and Professional Understanding. Graduates of the Faculty of Science will hold personal values and beliefs consistent with their role as responsible members of local, national, international and professional communities

  • D1. Demonstrate an understanding of the significance and scope of ethical principles, both as a professional scientist and in the broader social context, and a commitment to apply these principles when making decisions.
  • D2. Appreciate the importance of sustainability and the impact of science within the broader economic, environmental and socio-cultural context.
  • D3. Demonstrate empathy with, and sensitivity towards, another's situation, feelings and motivation.

Communication. Graduates of the Faculty of Science will recognise and value communication as a tool for negotiating and creating new understanding, interacting with others, and furthering their own learning.

  • C1. Explain and present ideas to different groups of people in plain English.
  • C2. Write and speak effectively in a range of contexts and for a variety of different audiences and purposes.
  • C3. Use symbolic and non-verbal communication, such as pictures, icons and symbols as well as body language and facial expressions, effectively.
  • C4. Present and interpret data or other scientific information using graphs, tables, figures and symbols.
  • C5. Work as a member of a team, and take individual responsibility within the group for developing and achieving group goals.
  • C6. Take a leadership role in successfully influencing the activities of a group towards a common goal.
  • C7. Actively seek, identify, and collaborate with others in a professional and social context.