Science Graduate Attributes
EdSquad in conjunction with SLATIG and participants of the Science Graduate Attributes Forum developed the following list of Science Graduate Attributes:
- Research, inquiry and analytical thinking abilities.
Technical competence and discipline specific knowledge. Ability to construct new concepts or create new understanding through the process of enquiry, critical analysis, problem solving, research and inquiry.
- Capability and motivation for intellectual development.
Capacity for creativity, critical evaluation and entrepreneurship. Ability to take responsibility for and demonstrate commitment to their own learning, motivated by curiosity and an appreciation of the value of learning.
- Ethical, Social and Professional Understanding.
Ability to critically reflect upon broad ethical principles and codes of conduct in order to behave consistently with a personal respect and commitment to ethical practice and social responsibility. Understanding of responsibility to contribute to the community. Respect and value social, multicultural, cultural and personal diversity.
- Communication.
Effective and appropriate communication in both professional (intra and inter disciplinary) and social (local and international) contexts.
- Teamwork, collaborative and management skills.
Ability to recognise opportunities and contribute positively to collaborative scientific research, and to perceive the potential value of ideas towards practical applications. Demonstrate a capacity for self management, teamwork, leadership and decision making based on open-mindedness, objectivity and reasoned analysis in order to achieve common goals and further the learning of themselves and others.
- Information literacy.
Ability to make appropriate and effective use of information and information technology relevant to their discipline.
Alignment of Science Graduate Attributes
The following table maps the Science Graduate Attributes onto the UNSW Graduate Attributes and the Department of Education, Science and Training (DEST) Employability Skills for the Future*
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Science UNSW
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DEST Employability Skills & personal attributes*
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UNSW Graduate Attributes **
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1. Research, inquiry and analytical thinking abilities
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- Problem solving
- Adaptability
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1. The skills involved in scholarly inquiry
10. An appreciation of and responsiveness to change
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2. Capability and motivation for intellectual development
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- Enthusiasm
- Commitment
- Initiative and Enterprise
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2. An in depth engagement with the relevant disciplinary knowledge in its disciplinary context
6. The capacity for enterprise, initiative and creativity
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3. Ethical, Social and Professional Understanding
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3. The capacity for analytical and critical thinking and creative problem solving
7. An appreciation of and respect for diversity
11. A respect for ethical practice and social responsibility
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4. Communication
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- Communication
- Teamwork
- Planning and Organising
- Self Management
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12. The skills of effective communication
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5. Teamwork, collaborative and management skills
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- Teamwork
- Learning
- Self Management
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4. The ability to engage in independent and reflective learning
8. The capacity to contribute to and work within the international community
9. The skills required for collaborative and multidisciplinary work
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6. Information literacy
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5. Information literacy
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How to develop Graduate Attributes within your course
The following documents outline activities, strategies and assessments which can be used to incorporated Graduate Attributes.
Mapping Graduate Attributes in Science
The EdSquad are currently gathering information on the development of graduate attributes within the Faculty. This information will be used to map the development of graduate attributes within a program. EdSquad have developed an excel spreadsheet - data collection 'tool' which provides a common format and facilitates the documentation of activities within a course and aligns the assessment strategies used for that activity. This tool and examples (BIOC3281 and SCOM2014) are available.
Mapped Courses
The following Schools in the Faculty of Science have mapped their courses for Graduate Attributes, activities and assessment. Click on the link to access the results. (UNSW access only)
