Two new books explore the intractable divisions that engulfed the economics faculty at Sydney University for much of the past 40 years. Jeremy Gilling reports. A proper understanding of mainstream economic theory is necessary before any effective critique can be ...
More »Can we at least agree on the question?
Sociology is a discipline beset by tensions as it struggles to define itself. Jeremy Gilling reports. In the 1970s sociology was described as having “an identity crisis before it had an identity”. That’s a lot of baggage. The tensions haven’t ...
More »The price of everything and the value of nothing
Public sector organisations report to government as if they are in business, the theory being it will enhance efficiency, competitiveness and service quality. But it’s throwing up some bizarre results. By Jeremy Gilling. In 2006, Sydney University’s library collection was ...
More »Soft skills and hard numbers
Soft or non-technical skills are of increasing importance in accounting practice. By Jeremy Gilling. Accountancy in Australia is subject to a level of professional accreditation that is unusual in international terms. This, combined with the sustained buoyancy of the Australian ...
More »It’s not you, it’s me: A lack of chemistry between the public and science
Scientists have for some time been accused of failing to speak effectively to the general public about scientific research and its importance. nd other projects in areas including astronomy, space, marine science, clean energy and nanotechnology. They are similarly unaware ...
More »Young scientists bemoan post-doc treadmill
The age structure of the science academic workforce is in better shape than the academic workforce as a whole, but new research reveals a lot of young scientists seem disinterested in pursuing an academic career. A paper in the journal ...
More »Bridge over troubled waters
With booming industry demand for graduates, skilled teachers are badly needed in both engineering and IT. A new program aims to translate academics’ research and supervision skills into teaching skills. Jeremy Gilling reports. Sylvia Edwards admits, when pressed, that teaching ...
More »Moulding a new urban architecture
Architecture schools feature prominently among the short-listed entries for the Vienna architecture biennale Australian universities have made a big impact in the competition to determine which designs will feature in the Australian pavilion at the 2010 Venice architecture biennale. And ...
More »Curriculum with bite
Advancements in dental practice are posing educational challenges. Jeremy Gilling reports. Implant dentistry has transformed dental practice worldwide, says Nikos Mattheos. But the education system has a lot of catching up to do. While implant dentistry has been around for ...
More »Teaching clinicians to teach
Clinical teaching skills are highly transferable across health disciplines and learning contexts. But sensitivity is needed in delivering the message, writes Jeremy Gilling. When in the late 1990s clinicians in Perth were searching for someone to provide staff development for ...
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