Proposing a Course in the Faculty of Medicine
This resource has been developed by the Postgraduate Student Administration Unit of the Combined Board of Postgraduate Studies with the aim of clarifying the process required to propose a new course for potential course proponents. The process of creating a new course is complex and time consuming and proponents are encouraged to begin the process of development at least 18 months prior to the intended commencement date of the course. Below we have included a list of resources provided by the University and Faculty, a step by step description of the process, a flowchart of the process, a list of important deadlines and relevant contact details.
1.1 University Resources
You will need to refer to and complete the following University policies and documents, via Academic Board: Course Proposals:1.2 Faculty Resources
- New and Amended Course Proposal Template
- Courses and Fees process management toolkit
- Creation, Variation and Deletion of Award Courses and Units of Study Policy
Note: please use the resolutions template below, not that on the Academic Board Website. The template below is based on the templates on the Academic Board website but has been modified for Faculty of Medicine standard programs.
Plus this: Budget Template - Excel
- Faculty Standard Course Structure Information - PDF
- Course Handbook Data Form - Word
- Faculty and Senate Resolutions Template - Word
- Creation and Variation of Units of Study Form - Word
- Initial Consultation with Office of Postgraduate Medical Education Form - Word
2.1 Read Course Proposal Information
Read the Courses and Fees Toolkit, the Creation, Variation and Deletion of Award Courses and Units of Study Policy and the Faculty Standard Course Structure Information.2.2 Initial Consultation
2.2.1 Office of Teaching and Learning
The purpose of the initial consultation is to allow the Faculty to review the academic merit of the course and to provide preliminary feedback. Proponents will be required to complete the Initial Consultation with Office of Postgraduate Medical Education Form (Word), providing a brief description of the course, and forward it to Associate Professor Chris Roberts and Associate Professor Jill Thistlethwaite of Office of Postgradaute Medical Education and copy to Jenny Nicholls in the Postgraduate Student Administration Unit.Prepare a course proposal using the New and Amended Course Proposal Template. The Course Handbook Data Form, the Faculty and Senate Resolutions Template and the Creation and Variation of Units of Study Form will need to be included in the New and Amended Course Proposal Template.2.4 ConsultationYou will be required to consult with the following Units before submitting your proposal for approval:2.5 Approvals
2.4.1 Postgraduate Student Administration Unit
Dr Jenny Nicholls will assess the proposal to ensure that it meets all University and Faculty administrative requirements.
2.4.2 Student Centre
The Student Centre will assess the proposal to determine if there will be any difficulties setting up the course on the University's central database.
2.4.3 Planning Support Office
The University requires advanced knowledge of any possible increase in student numbers and therefore must be notified of the proposal in advance.
2.4.4 Medical Library
The Faculity Liaison Librarian from the Medical Library must supply a Library Impact Statement, which takes at least one week. See the relevant library website for information and a link to the current Faculty Liaison Librarian.
2.4.5 Faculty Members
Proponents will need to demonstrate and provide evidence (such as letters of support) of consultation with faculty members who may be affected or hold an interest in the course.
2.4.6 Other Faculties
Proponents will need to demonstrate and provide evidence (such as letters of support) of consultation with other faculties who may be affected or hold an interest in the course.
2.4.7 Professional Bodies or Industry Partners
Proponents will need to demonstrate and provide evidence (such as letters of support) of consultation with professional bodies or industry partners who hold an interest in the course.Once all consultation has been completed the proposal will need to be taken through the Faculty and University approval processes. This will be coordinated by Dr Jenny Nicholls of the PSAU.2.6 Development
2.5.1 Coursework Subcommittee of the Board of Postgraduate Studies for the Faculty Approval
Firstly the proposal will be considered by the Coursework Subcommittee of the Board of Postgraduate Studies for the Faculty of Medicine. Course proponents will be asked to attend the meeting of the Subcommittee to discuss the proposal. Changes may be required.
2.5.2 Faculty Academic Committee
Once any required changes have been made to the proposal, it will then be sent to either the Faculty Academic Committee which will give approval on behalf of the Faculty. Changes may be required.
2.5.3 Academic Board and Senate
Once Faculty approval has been given the proposal will be sent to the Academic Board Secretariat to be considered at the Graduate Studies Committee of the Academic Board for coursework courses and the Research and Research Training Subcommittee for research courses. Course proponents will be expected to attend the meeting of the relevant Subcommittee to discuss the proposal and answer any questions. The proposal will then be considered by the Academic Board and final approval is given by the Senate. Changes may be required.2.6.1 Administrative Development
Once the approval of the Academic Board has been given, the PSAU will ensure that the course, all units of study and progressions are set up on FlexSIS (the University's main student database), the University Postgraduate Course website and the Faculties of Dentistry, Medicine and Pharmacy Postgraduate Studies website. The PSAU will also ensure the course (if face-to-face and available to international students) is added to the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) which allows international students to obtain student visas to enter Australia to study.
2.6.2 Academic and IT Development
The academic and IT development is currently the responsibility of the Course Coordinator, Discipline and School.(Please note the dates below are indicative for courses to be introduced in 2008, specific dates may vary from year to year.)
Date Task 3.1 8 Nov 2006 Deadline to submit course proposals to Faculty for consideration by the Coursework Subcommittee of the Board of Postgraduate Studies, and Faculty Academic Committee 3.2 Dec 2006 Deadline for Faculty to submit final proposal for Course Fees for offer in the following year to Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic and International) via the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (College of Health Sciences) 3.3 Feb 2007 Deadline to submit Course Proposals to the Academic Board (Graduate Studies Subcommittee or Research and Research Training Subcommittee) 3.4 May 2007 Finalised Unit of Study offerings and information for the following year to be submitted to Faculty. Below is a list of useful contacts in the course proposal process:
4.1 Office of Postgraduate Medical EducationHead - Associate Professor Chris Roberts
Phone: +61 2 9036 9453
Email:
4.2 Faculty of MedicineProject Manager - Dr Jenny Nicholls
Phone: +61 2 9351 8676
Email:
4.3 Coursework Sub-CommitteeChair - Associate Professor Andrew McLachlan
Secretary - Ms Kay Winton
Phone: +61 2 9351 5473
Email:
4.4 Faculty Academic CommitteeChair - Professor Bruce Robinson (Dean)4.5 Graduate Studies Committee
Secretary - Ms Ria Deamer
Phone: +61 2 9351 4146
Email:Chair - Associate Professor Peter McCallum4.6 Student Centre
Secretary - Ms Megan Kemmis
Phone: +61 2 9351 3306
Email:Director - Mr David Bowan4.7 International Office
Phone: +61 2 9351 3421
Email:Deputy Director (Government and Student Relations)4.8 Planning Support Office
Ms Margaret O'Byrne
Phone: +61 2 9036 6278
Email:Phone: +61 2 9351 27974.9 Medical Library
Email:See Library website