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SAVING THE FUNDAMENTALS OF SCIENCE
27 March 2007

A move towards 'fundamental' undergraduate university courses is necessary to meet Australia's growing need for graduates with science and technology skills, the Chairs of the National Committees concluded last week at a workshop held at the Australian Academy of Science.

The group discussed the value of the 'Bologna Process', a series of higher education reforms presently being undertaken in 45 European countries and set to be introduced to a number of Australian universities from 2008.

Academy President Professor Kurt Lambeck, said: "Current Australian vocational courses do not meet all areas of importance for creating competent and flexible employees."

"School leavers are choosing university courses solely on the basis of the subsequent employment opportunities that it will offer, but are missing out on learning how to think, and on preparation for self-directed lifelong learning."

"University degrees modelled after the Bologna Process have the potential to educate students in the fundamental skill of transforming information into knowledge."

The Bologna Process recommends consolidated generic courses, in contrast to 'boutique courses' such as forensic science or nutrition, or highly vocational undergraduate courses. Specialisation, including vocational training, would occur at the post-graduate stage through an additional Graduate Diploma or Masters degree. In the Australian context, there must be HECS-funded places.

Graduates today are highly likely to end up in careers far removed from their higher education course of study. This makes the need for young people with solid skills in a range of areas and a high degree of flexibility particularly important for Australia's future.

The Chairs of the National Committees identified a further problem with Australia's current education system, beginning much earlier than university. Secondary school students are undertaking far fewer advanced science units today than in the past, without realising that this may penalise them in their future career choices.

Professor Lambeck said: "Primary and secondary level education also needs to teach fundamental areas including science. Science is a disciplined way of thinking that stands all students in good stead, whatever their future careers."

Notes for news editors

For more detailed information on the Academy of Science, including the Meeting of Chairs of National Committees, go to http://www.science.org.au/natcoms/index.htm