Mrs Catherine Burgess

Deputy Dean, Education

Learning and Teaching (Education)

Email:catherine.burgess@newcastle.edu.au
Phone:(02) 4921 5137

Career Summary

Biography

Catherine has extensive teaching experience in the sciences across a range of areas including pre university mature age science, junior and senior High school science, HSC Chemistry, Physics and Biology. For over ten years, her teaching has been focused on enabling pedagogies in the sciences and the transition of mature age students into STEM. Catherine's teaching consistently receives high scores in SFT’s and SFC’s across a range of science courses within the enabling program. Catherines’ area of research includes designing and promoting reflective laboratory experiences to improve the understanding of chemistry and has presented at several conferences and published in the International Journal of Innovation in Science and Mathematics Education on the role of specifically designed laboratories for enabling students. Catherine is focused on embedding a framework across the sciences which explicitly encourages metacognition and improved understanding of ideas regardless of the scientific background or educational experiences of the student.

Catherine has written and developed targeted science-based courses for a range of programs serving a diverse student population and for her work in the sciences was awarded the Vice Chancellor’s Citation for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning in 2012.

Research

Catherine is currently the lead researcher on a project investigating Mature age students returning to study science and moving into STEM-based degree courses. The project is supported by a grant from The Centre of Excellence for Equity in Higher Education (CEEHE) and involves a team of researchers involved in STEM education from across the university.

Catherine has been co-researcher on several grants including the 2014 study on Overcoming Limiting notions of capability. 2015 Capability, Belonging and Equity In Higher Education and 2016 Enabling Pedagogies and Transition.

Service

Catherine is also the Convenor of the University of Newcastle’s U0NPREP/Bridging program. This program offers specifically designed short courses for over 2000 new students entering University each year. Catherine leads a team of 30 academics in the design and delivery of the suite of over 50 introductory courses across three campuses. Catherine is interested in researching transition into STEM-based courses and the impact of short preparation courses on attrition and success in the early years of undergraduate courses.

Qualifications

Diploma in Teaching (Secondary), Newcastle College of Advanced Education
Bachelor of Science, University of Newcastle
Certificate IV in Assessment & Workplace Training, TAFE (NSW)

Keywords

Science Education, Mature age education
Transition education. STEM education

Languages

English (Mother)

Fields of Research

Code	Description	Percentage
390499	Specialist studies in education not elsewhere classified	60
399999	Other education not elsewhere classified	40

Professional Experience

UON Appointment

Title	Organisation / Department
Associate Lecturer	University of Newcastle Learning and Teaching Australia

Academic appointment

Dates	Title	Organisation / Department
10/1/2022 - 1/1/2024	Deputy Dean Teaching and Learning	University of Newcastle Pathways and Academic Learning Support Centre Australia
11/5/2020 -	DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF PALS (Acting) Reporting to the Director, the Deputy Director provides leadership across all domestic enabling education offerings and line management of the enabling programs. The Deputy Director will assist with the development of strategic, planning, programmatic, and policy frameworks across PALS and works with colleagues to operationalize these frameworks. With a mentoring role, the deputy director coordinates workload and staffing issues, monitoring quality assurance in relation to teaching and learning, curriculum development in all modes across all campuses The deputy director also represents all centre activities, services, and programs at various high-level committees.	English Language and Foundation Studies Centre, University of Newcastle Australia
23/4/2010 -	Convenor of UONPREP/Bridging programs Catherine convenes the UONPREP/bridging programs for the University of Newcastle and reports to the English Language and Foundation studies Board. The UONPREP/bridging program consists of over 50 short preparation courses run across three campuses and involve 30 academic and three administrative staff. The courses are designed specifically to prepare students for undergraduate and enabling studies and are scheduled in the university breaks. The courses are attended by over 1000 students and follow up research indicates that students who complete these short preparation courses had a lower attrition rate and a higher success rate in the first year of their undergraduate study.	The University of Newcastle Australia

Awards

Award

Year	Award
2016	15 Year Service Recognition award The University of Newcastle
2006	Vice Chancellor's Award for Teaching Excellence The University of Newcastle

Nomination

Year	Award
2019	NUPREP. Nomination for the Australian Award for University Teachng (2019) Australian Awards for University Teaching, Universities Australia, Government of Australia

Teaching Award

Year	Award
2012	Citation for Outstanding Contribution to Student Learning The University of Newcastle

Teaching

Code	Course	Role	Duration
EPCHEM314	Introduction to Chemistry and the LIfe Sciences English Language and Foundation Studies Centre, University of Newcastle This course is designed to introduce essential concepts in physical and Life Sciences. There are two components. The Chemistry component includes an introduction to the study of the fundamental chemistry. The topics covered will include the concept of the atom, molecules and ions, the periodic table, chemical compounds and formulae, bonding and shapes of molecules, chemical quantities and the mole concept, solution studies, acids and bases, pH and buffers and some elementary biochemistry. The Life Sciences component includes cellular biology which consists of the structure and function of the cell, osmosis and cell division. Further topics will include the concept of homeostasis, body systems, tissues and organs, body functions and important biochemical reactions. Students will develop skills in observation, research and communication appropriate to further study in the Life Sciences.	Co ordinator/ Lecturer	1/7/2001 - 22/12/2018
Epchem137	Foundation Concepts for Chemistry and Life Sciences English Language and Foundation Studies Centre, University of Newcastle This course is designed to introduce the fundamental concepts in Chemistry. The topics covered include the concept of pure substances and mixtures, atoms, molecules, and ions, simple atomic models, the periodic table. Chemical compounds, formulae of inorganic and organic molecules and compounds of biological importance. Bonding and shapes of molecules, states of matter, the mole and stoichiometry, solution studies, acids and bases and simples chemical reactions. Utilising a range of approaches, students will develop skills in observation, research and communication modes appropriate for further study in the Health and Life Sciences, environmental and chemical sciences and chemical engineering.	Coordinator/LECTURER	24/2/2002 - 30/7/2018
EPBIOL259	Introduction to the Life Sciences English Language and Foundation Studies Centre, University of Newcastle Introduction to the Life Sciences builds on EPCHEM137 Foundation Concepts for Chemistry and the Life Sciences and introduces concepts in the Life Sciences. Topics include the basic concepts of cell biology, anatomy and physiology: the nature and practice of biology, applications and uses of biology, the components of the cell, osmosis, homeostasis, body systems, tissues and organs, body functions and important biochemical reactions. Utilising a range of approaches students will develop skills in observation, research and communication modes appropriate to further study in Life Sciences, Nursing, Environmental and Biological Sciences.	Coordinator/Lecturer Life Science	24/1/2000 - 30/12/2018
UONPREP7900	Foundation Chemistry The University of Newcastle	Coordinaotor/Lecturer	6/2/2018 - 9/2/2018

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Publications

For publications that are currently unpublished or in-press, details are shown in italics.

Journal article (3 outputs)

Year

Citation

Altmetrics

Link

2017

Atherton MA, Vazquez J, Shah M, Griffiths Z, Jackson B, Burgess C, 'Using learning analytics to assess student engagement and academic outcomes in open access enabling programmes', Open Learning: The Journal of Open, Distance and e-Learning, 32 119-136 (2017) [C1]

DOI	10.1080/02680513.2017.1309646
Citations	Scopus - 35Web of Science - 20
Co-authors	Zoe Griffiths, Mirella Atherton

2015

Burgess C, Yeung A, Sharma MD, 'Integrating assessment to promote engagement in an introductory chemistry laboratory', International Journal of Innovation in Science and Mathematics Education, 23 74-91 (2015) [C1]

Citations	Scopus - 3

2014

Burgess C, Relf B, 'Improving Academic outcomes of Enabling students in Undergraduate Nursing', Journal of Institutional Research South East Asia, 12 98-109 (2014) [C1]

Citations	Scopus - 1
Co-authors	Bronwyn Relf

Conference (9 outputs)

Year

Citation

Altmetrics

Link

2022

Relf B, Irwin J, Burgess C, ' Life-Ready Pathways Through Enabling Education', Life-Ready Pathways Through Enabling Education, Adelaide (2022)

Co-authors	Bronwyn Relf, Jennifer Irwin

2017

Jones DH, Burgess C, Irwin JA, Sciffer M, Vazquez J, Waters C, 'Building success upon student's decision to reengage with science as adult learners.', Building success upon student's decision to reengage with science as adult learners., SCU, Gold Coast (2017)

Co-authors	Colin Waters, Heath Jones, Murray Sciffer, Jennifer Irwin

2017

Bennett A, Motta S, Hamilton E, Burgess C, Relf B, Leroy-Dyer S, et al., 'Theorising enabling pedagogies', Theorising enabling pedagogies, SCU, Gold Coast (2017)

Co-authors	James Albright, Sara C Motta, Emma L Hamilton, Anna Bennett, Bronwyn Relf

2017

Burke P, Bennett AK, Burgess C, 'A CPD Resource for Recognising and Developing Capability in Higher Education', Sydney (2017)

Co-authors	Pennyjane Burke, Anna Bennett

2017

Bennett AK, Burke P, Burgess C, 'Re/cognising and Developing Student Capability', SCU Gold Coast (2017)

Co-authors	Anna Bennett, Pennyjane Burke

2014

Relf B, Burgess C, 'Using Student Feedback to Renew Courses in Open Access Programs', http://www.aairforum.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Relf-1530-1700-Laneway-Thurs.pdf, Melbourne, VIC, Australia (2014) [E3]

Co-authors	Bronwyn Relf

2014

Relf B, Burgess C, 'The challenges of curriculum design in a large enabling pre-nursing open access course', Foundation and Bridging Educators of New Zealand (FABENZ) Conference 2014, Tauranga, New Zealand (2014) [E1]

Co-authors	Bronwyn Relf

2013

Relf BL, Burgess C, 'A flexible response: Monitoring and researching the performance of enabling students in the first year undergraduate nursing', National Association of Enabling Educators of Australia Conference, Melbourne, VIC (2013) [E3]

Co-authors	Bronwyn Relf

2011

Bennett AK, Burgess CA, 'Challenges at the cultural interface: The hidden academic cultural curriculum', Proceedings of the 1st International Australasian Conference On Enabling Access To Higher Education, Adelaide, SA (2011) [E1]

Co-authors	Anna Bennett

Show 6 more conferences

Report (3 outputs)

Year

Citation

Altmetrics

Link

2018

Bennett AK, Motta S, Hamilton E, Burgess C, Relf B, Gray K, et al., 'Enabling Pedagogies: A participatory conceptual mapping of practices at the University of Newcastle, Australia', Centre of Excellence for Equity in Higher Education (2018)

Co-authors	James Albright, Emma L Hamilton, Sara C Motta, Anna Bennett, Bronwyn Relf

2018

Bennett A, Motta SC, Hamilton E, Burgess C, Relf B, Gray K, Leroy-Dyer S, 'Conceptualising Enabling Pedagogies at the University of Newcastle', Centre for Excellence in Education in Higher Education, 250 (2018)

Co-authors	Bronwyn Relf, Anna Bennett, Emma L Hamilton, Sara C Motta

2016

Burke PJ, Bennett AK, Burgess C, Gray K, Southgate E, 'Capability, Belonging and Equity In Higher Education: Developing Inclusive Approaches https://www.newcastle.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0011/243992/CAPABILITY-ONLINE.pdf', NCSEHE, 103 (2016)

Co-authors	Erica Southgate, Pennyjane Burke, Anna Bennett

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Grants and Funding

Summary

Number of grants	5
Total funding	$120,976

Click on a grant title below to expand the full details for that specific grant.

Highlighted grants and funding

Pedagogies which rebuild scientific curiosity and understanding to improve science outcomes for students in Higher Education$22,000

Funding body: Centre for Excellence in Equity in Higher Education (CEEHE)

Funding body	Centre for Excellence in Equity in Higher Education (CEEHE)
Project Team	Burgess,C.,Jones, H., Waters, C., Irwin, J., Sciffer,M.,Vazquez,J.
Scheme	CEEHE Commissioned Project
Role	Lead
Funding Start	2017
Funding Finish	2018
GNo
Type Of Funding	Internal
Category	INTE
UON	N

20172 grants / $24,000

Pedagogies which rebuild scientific curiosity and understanding to improve science outcomes for students in Higher Education$22,000

Funding body: Centre for Excellence in Equity in Higher Education (CEEHE)

Funding body	Centre for Excellence in Equity in Higher Education (CEEHE)
Project Team	Burgess,C.,Jones, H., Waters, C., Irwin, J., Sciffer,M.,Vazquez,J.
Scheme	CEEHE Commissioned Project
Role	Lead
Funding Start	2017
Funding Finish	2018
GNo
Type Of Funding	Internal
Category	INTE
UON	N

The MICHEL project:Redressing the imbalance between Mass and Individual communication in Higher Education Learning.$2,000

Funding body: English Language and Foundation Studies Centre, University of Newcastle

Funding body	English Language and Foundation Studies Centre, University of Newcastle
Project Team	Jones, H., Burgess,C., Burden,J., Sciffer, M.
Scheme	New Research Concept Programme
Role	Investigator
Funding Start	2017
Funding Finish	2018
GNo
Type Of Funding	Internal
Category	INTE
UON	N

20161 grants / $19,950

Enabling Pedagogies and Transitions$19,950

Funding body: Centre of Excellence for Equity in Higher Education

Funding body	Centre of Excellence for Equity in Higher Education
Project Team	Bennett,A., Motta,S., Burgess,C., Gray,K., Hamilton,E., Relf,B.,Leroy-Dyer,S.,and Albright,J.
Scheme	Centre of Excellence for Equity in Higher Education
Role	Investigator
Funding Start	2016
Funding Finish	2017
GNo
Type Of Funding	Internal
Category	INTE
UON	N

20151 grants / $29,690

Capability, Belonging and Equity in Higher Education: Developing Inclusive Approaches$29,690

Funding body: National Centre for Student Equity in Higher Education (NCSEHE)

Funding body	National Centre for Student Equity in Higher Education (NCSEHE)
Project Team	Professor Penny Jane Burke, Associate Professor Anna Bennett, Associate Professor Seamus Fagan, Mrs Catherine Burgess, Aprof JANE Maguire, Associate Professor Erica Southgate, Associate Professor Shamus Smith
Scheme	Research Grants Program
Role	Investigator
Funding Start	2015
Funding Finish	2015
GNo	G1500360
Type Of Funding	Other Public Sector - Commonwealth
Category	2OPC
UON	Y

20141 grants / $47,336

Overcoming limiting notions of academic capability:strategies to improve the participation and completion rates of students from non-traditional and low socioeconomic backgrounds.$47,336

Funding body: Centre for Excellence in Equity in Higher Education (CEEHE)

Funding body	Centre for Excellence in Equity in Higher Education (CEEHE)
Project Team	Prefessor Penny-Jane Burke. Doctor Anna Bennett,Associate Professor Seamus Fagan, Cathy Burgess, Associate Professor Ercia Southgate, AssociateProfessoR Jane Maguire Doctor Shamus Smith e
Scheme	Research Grants Program
Role	Investigator
Funding Start	2014
Funding Finish	2015
GNo
Type Of Funding	Internal
Category	INTE
UON	N

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Research Collaborations

The map is a representation of a researchers co-authorship with collaborators across the globe. The map displays the number of publications against a country, where there is at least one co-author based in that country. Data is sourced from the University of Newcastle research publication management system (NURO) and may not fully represent the authors complete body of work.

	Country	Count of Publications
	Australia	3

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