COVER SundAy 29 29 JAnuAry 2012 COVERSTORY STORYStareducate, Stareducate, SundAy JAnuAry 2012
An established institution retains its status and charm while continuing to embrace new ideas and technology.
Stareducate, SundAy 29 JAnuAry 2012
Melbourne moves ahead
More than just a research centre
By ALYCIA LIM educate@thestar.com.my
I
WAS awed by the blend of Gothic and modern architecture as I strolled through the campus grounds. From the red-bricked buildings to the iconic clock tower on the Old Arts building, the University of Melbourne (Melbourne University) has a rich heritage and history behind the walls of which academic pursuits take place. As I moved on, I passed by a few new buildings — expansions to the university over the years, before taking a break at one of the cafes on campus, serving freshly-brewed coffee and snacks for a quick bite. Some students were chatting, while others were completely engrossed in their academic journals or on their portable tablets.
COVER STORY
Popular hangout: The union house is where the MuOSS office is located and where students often meet. Teaching passion: Arina plans to venture into early childhood and special education.
WHILE the University of Melbourne is globally recognised for much of their research, one of their key areas of research can be found in the field of biotechnology. The university houses the Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute (Bio21 Institute) specialising in medical, agricultural and environmental biotechnology. One of the largest biotechnology research centres in Australia, it was opened in 2005 and is the flagship of its cluster project, which includes 21 member institutes. However, the newest member to the medical and science research field is the Melbourne Brain Centre, which is more than just a research centre, but a centre for collaboration with various institutes through its purpose-built facilities, specialising in the fields of neuroscience, infection and immunity, and cancer. Having close links with other institutions and primarily with the Royal Melbourne Hospital, Prof Trevor Kilpatrick, the director of the Melbourne University Centre for Neuroscience said the brain centre was “unusual” in that it allowed its specialists to share clinical expertise. “It makes what we do relevant to the community, which we believe can be a model for the future,” he
said, unlike many other principal institutes in the neurosciences which were usually located in one area, but without clinical links. The centre is also home to an art gallery that displays artworks done by people with schizophrenia. “We were very keen for the art gallery to be located in our centre because it is an opportunity for people with schizophrenia to exhibit their art, and to be engaged with the community.” Because such a centre is located on campus, medical students at the university have the opportunity to engage with specialists from the hospital. “We also have university employees working very closely with the hospital and many medical students are being ‘taught’ by the university employees in the hospital setting, merging both the university and hospital culture,” Prof Kilpatrick said. He added that with a strong geographical association between the hospital and the university over the past 70 years, he had envisioned a closer relationship between the two. “We wanted to make sure that there was an even deeper association in the neurosciences by making sure that one of the nodes of this centre is physically located within the hospital. This would optimise the research we do related to people and patients.”
Student Experience Currently doing a PhD in Hormone Research, Nicole Lee, 27, has been studying at the university ever since she started her undergraduate programme. Beginning her journey at Melbourne University with a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Science, she continued and complete her honours degree in the field of Pathology, before embarking on her doctorate programme. “I knew from the beginning that I wanted to do research, so I decided that Melbourne University would be suitable for what I wanted to do since it has a good reputation for extensive research.” The Sabahan said she also chose to study at Melbourne University because it was close to home. “My parents can come over easily, without having to endure long flights, and I also get to travel home more frequently.” Lee said she was enjoying her stay in Melbourne as the metropolitan city allowed her to meet people from all over the world. Having recently completed her PhD, she has taken on a job at the Australian Centre for Blood Diseases to carry out cancer research.
The great outdoors: This area is often used by students and staff as a study area and to socialise.
Rewarding experience: Lee recently took on a job in cancer research. “It doesn’t really matter that my field of expertise is in the male hormone, as the skills I have learnt are applicable anywhere,” she said. Although Melbourne will always have a special place in her heart, she still misses home sometimes. “I really enjoy living and working in Melbourne, but I still want to go back to Malaysia eventually, and bring the skills I have gained here back home,” she said. Master of Teaching (Early Childhood) student Arina Rafiah Hussein, 25, says that the course she was pursuing at the university now was in line with with her area of interest. “Studying at the varsity has been such a great experience,
Closer look: A postgraduate student carrying out research at the Melbourne Brain Centre. because I feel that what they have taught me is very relevant to the real world.” Her decision to be a student at the varsity certainly was not a random one, since her father, and granduncle, are also part of the university’s alumni. “Melbourne University has always been a family destination, as my granduncle was one of the first few Malaysians to attend the university,” she said. Having recently completed her
Collaborative classroom: The tables and chairs provide a bright and conducive learning environnment for students.
Bachelor of Arts majoring in Political Science and Psychology, Arina said she has always been passionate about teaching and children. Because of that interest, she is currently enrolled in the Master of Teaching programme. “I hope to go back to Malaysia after getting some experience here, as there is a lot to do in Malaysia in the early childhood education and special education fields. Perhaps, I could even work with the Education Ministry some time in
the future to help those with special learning needs,” she said.
Student welfare Of course, a wholesome university experience lies in more than just academia alone. At Melbourne Universtity, there is also a vibrant student life with an almost endless option of clubs and societies to choose from. From juggling and African drumming to Japanese martial arts, stu-
Study space: Part of the eSPC, which is the first of the varsity’s “student precincts”. This section is intended to provide students a physical place for learning and socialising.
dents are spoilt for choice providing them with the avenue to freely bring out their individuality. Ooi Yi Siang, 20, said that living in Melbourne for the past three years had been a positive experience, in both his academic and student life. “Coming here to study has been an exciting and life-changing experience. It is a completely new experience altogether,” he said, adding that before coming to Melbourne, he asked his mother to teach him some some simple recipes. Currently the vice-president of the Melbourne University Overseas Student Services (MUOSS), a student-run body representing all international students at Melbourne University, the KL-ite said he joined MUOSS because he wanted to meet other international students. “I devote quite a bit of time to MUOSS, but now have friends from various countries such as Hong Kong, Indonesia, China, Japan, and Thailand. It is exciting being a part of MUOSS because, as the voice of all the international students here at Melbourne University, we try our best to make sure the concerns of international students are addressed.” The university’s International Student Services (ISS) manager Robert Westerink said that the institution had an enrolment of over 10,000 students, of which 20 to 25% are international students. From that percentage, there are about 1,200 Malaysians. “Our major concern is to be able to get all the international students here to be independent learners,” he said, adding that with only 12 weeks of study per semester, there is hardly any time to waste. “We help international students to find their place in Melbourne, and
connect with the community around them. We also make sure they are educated on the safety issues and concerns, and where they can get help.” Westerink explained that the ISS keeps a record of every international student enrolled, and they would follow up on students if required. “If a lecturer or tutor raises any concerns about a student, we will call them and do a follow up. Sometimes, we even go to the extent of sending a staff member to their house to make sure they are okay,” he said, adding that the varsity ranks first in the percentage of student retention in Australia. With pre-departure briefings in most of their key international students home countries, students and their family members get a chance to have their questions answered. Currently, the institution holds pre-departure briefings in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, India and China. “Although we send our staff to hold the pre-departure briefings in these countries, we also get our current students to help out, as they would be able to relate well with their own peers who are looking to pursue their education at Melbourne University.”
Architectural framework With such a rich architectural heritage, the university too has done its best to retains its original structures. However, to stay up-to-date with its current teaching and learning process, the interior of many of the campus buildings recently underwent a facelift. Understanding the importance of creating a good learning environment for students, the university’s Strategic Advisor on Learning
Getting connected: Westerink says that international students are encouraged to mingle with other students. Study area: Students can study in comfort at the student spaces provided at the university.
Creative: Assoc Prof Jamieson came up with a new classoom concept Environments Assoc Prof Peter Jamieson came up with his own classroom designs, merging technology with the physical classroom without compromising its aesthetic surroundings. “Our main challenge was thinking about how we could redevelop the older buildings, as most of the renovation takes place within the existing buildings. We wanted to turn our classrooms into 21st century learning spaces, while maintaining the essence of the university.” His first project was a Chemistry lecture hall that was turned into a learning space, which was completed in 2006. Landscaped into a three-tiered classroom, the idea was to allow students easy access to information as well as to share work and findings with their peers while working on a classroom-based project.
Unlike a traditional classroom, the tables are placed on a separate platform each, where six students can sit around the tables fully equipped with computers. Assoc Prof Jamieson said after conducting research, he decided to design triangular tables for classrooms, because it was the best shape to encourage group learning and to maximise discussion without raising the noise level in such a setting. “Round tables are like tables at some restaurants where people have to speak really loudly to be heard across the table. “Because of that, the noise level increases as people are constantly competing to be heard.” He said that with triangular shaped tables designed for two people on each side, communication was much better as it allowed students to work comfortably since the table did not curve in front of them. “With six people to a table, it is also easy for the tutor to divide them into groups of two or three. “This saves time as a lot of the learning exercises can be conducted without having to rearrange the room,” he said. Assoc Prof Jamieson added that the standard tables were too low for anyone to work on while standing. The tables, he explained could be detached and were equipped with wheels so that they could be easily moved around. The university has also developed a new space designated as a learning centre for students, called the
Eastern Precinct Student Centre (ESPC), which is the first of the varsity’s “student precincts”. It is intended to provide students with a physical space for learning and socialising. “We wanted to have a place where students could just sit and do their work comfortably, or have discussions with their peers,” said Assoc Prof Jamieson. Although it is located at the Sciences area, it is for all students. Just next to the ESPC is the Frank Tate learning centre, built with the same concept in mind. With comfortable study-spaces for group or individual study, the learning centre also houses computer terminals. “Students nowadays do most of their work over the Internet, so the university has blended virtual and physical learning and put them all in one place.” With such unique award-winning architecture, Assoc Prof Jamieson said every student graduating with a Melbourne University degree would complete their degree with the “Melbourne Experience”. While the varsity has partnerships with institutions worldwide, all graduates of Melbourne University are required to conduct part of their study on its campus grounds. “This is the primary place of experience. We cannot gain the same experience through e-learning or distance learning. “This is why the campus needs to be exciting and interesting,” he said.