Hello from the School of Science - ECU

We hope this finds you well and that you are navigating your way forward during these challenging and uncharted times.

Most importantly, we wanted to reach out and let you know that we are still here to provide you, your colleagues and importantly your students with assistance, as they too navigate these uncertain times and their future choices.

ECU has made the decision that, in light of the extraordinary circumstances surrounding COVID-19, the Science Engagement team will not be running any onsite or face to face events until after the 30 June 2020.

We have however been busy exploring virtual options and am delighted to be able to share with you some upcoming events.

Engagement

On Thursday 25 June, we will be running an on-line Science Information Evening.  Our Future Student’s Team will open the session by giving an outline of courses and pathways to ECU, including the changes to 2021 admission for Year 12 students.  Presentations will explore our UG courses and the opportunities our current students have when they are studying science/mathematics at ECU, including work placements, study tours etc.  There will also be an opportunity to ask any specific questions you may have.  Here is the link to register: Science Info Evening

Coming Soon

ATAR Revision Session – We are delighted to share that the ECU Free ATAR Revision Sessions will be delivered to current Year 12 ATAR students in 2020.  This year more than over we want to ensure we are supporting our Year 12 students to support their successfully completion of Year 12.  We have a wonderful team of current teachers ready to deliver the sessions, which for this year, will be delivered on-line.  The high quality of content will not change, just the delivery mode.  Registrations will be opened shortly and details will be sent to all school Careers Coordinators and be listed on our ECU School of Science webpages.

ECU Virtual Open Day – All of the Universities in Perth have come together to ensure that prospective students continue to receive all the information necessary to prepare them for their future studies.  ECU will be hosting their virtual Open Day on Sunday 9 August, 2020.  This will include virtual tours (including our new Super Labs!), the opportunity to speak with our fabulous teaching staff and access to all course and entry pathways.  We will share details of registration shortly.

New hands-on Science and Mathematics Workshops – The School of Science community have been busy developing new exciting hands-on workshops.  We will shortly be updating our School of Science webpages with a list of these, which span subjects areas such as : Biological Sciences, Math, Data Science, Sustainability, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Management and Marine/Freshwater.

LabRats for Schools – We are optimistically planning our 2020 LabRats for Schools program, for students in Years 9 and 10.  We have pencilled in the following dates: 21-25 September, Term 3 and/or during November, Term 4.  We would like to hear from teachers with an expression of interest to bring one class to LabRats, in the first instance.  Please email Michelle Austin, m.austin@ecu.edu.au with your preferred dates.

Science @ ECU

In addition to our engagement efforts, we also want to share with you some of the science that have been happening at ECU. 

Casper Avenant (PhD student), is using a range of field and laboratory approaches to investigate predator-prey interactions between ghost crabs and sea turtles along Western Australia’s Gascoyne and Pilbara coastline in order to better manage these iconic marine reptiles.  Casper has given ECU students and alumni from Belridge SHS and Woodvale SC, and a current high school student from Ocean Reef SHS, the opportunity to become his research assistants out in the field and also in the ECU Super Labs.  Here is a glimpse of what they experienced: Science @ ECU

Just like you, our teaching staff have also been busy moving their classes to on-line learning, ensuring students can continue their studies without interruption.  Here is how our Senior Lecturer, Dr Anna Hopkins, has been sharing her          Virtual Field Trip - Craigie Bushland, with our students.  Also, a great interview all about Soils on the ABC, Science Show.

Dr Magda Wajrak, ECU Senior Chemistry Lecturer, has asked to share the following resources.  Very timely and informative:  https://www.compoundchem.com/

Future Students

As you know, this year has been a tough one for Year 12 students, with more uncertainties than usual about ‘what happens next.’  Here are some details of how ECU will be supporting students for entry in 2021: Early Offer Year 12

SCHOOL OF SCIENCE Contact: Michelle Austin, Science Engagement Coordinator, m.austin@ecu.edu.au (08) 6304 2083