University of Sydney Handbooks - 2014 Archive

Download full 2014 archive Page archived at: Fri, 04 Apr 2014 13:43:56 +1100

Welcome

Message from the Dean

Dean of Health Sciences, Kathryn Refshauge

A warm welcome to our new students and to those considering pursuing studies in health sciences in the future.

The University of Sydney’s Faculty of Health Sciences is a world leader in health sciences and allied health research and education. Our people are changing the health landscape and improving health and wellbeing for individuals, families and communities worldwide.

By joining us you are taking an important first step on the path to becoming part of this distinguished group. We have a network of more than 17,000 alumni working across all corners of the globe. Our alumni include CEOs of Commonwealth authorities and hospitals, founders and directors of leading not-for-profit organisations, government officials and presidents of professional associations – not to mention leading clinicians and researchers across the whole spectrum of allied health.

Depth and quality of our programs
This outstanding alumni group is in many ways a product of the depth and quality of the learning and teaching programs offered by the Faculty of Health Sciences. Our courses rigorously test and enhance our students’ abilities. They are transformative and challenging to ensure that we deliver the best possible graduates and prepare you for a rewarding career in health or related sectors.

To achieve these outcomes, we have a particular focus on fostering a learning environment that is inclusive and cross-disciplinary, and on attracting teachers who are world-leading researchers in their area of expertise.

For example, our specialist master’s programs in developmental disability and molecular imaging are taught by internationally regarded professors who will expose you to the latest thinking and research developments.

A diverse staff and student body
At the Faculty of Health Sciences we pride ourselves on the diversity of our faculty, with students drawn from across Australia and more than 112 countries worldwide. We are committed to building a health workforce appropriate for Australia’s social and cultural diversity and have a particular focus on increasing the participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people at every level of our study, work and research.

This diversity makes for a rich campus environment but also informs the way we teach and carry out our research. We know that ability and passion can’t always be measured by academic performance alone, so to ensure we are attracting the best people we offer you entry options such as the Early Offer Year 12, Cadigal and Broadway schemes.

Partnerships to prepare you for the real world
The Faculty of Health Sciences maintains a network of learning, teaching, research and corporate partnerships worldwide that will provide you with the best opportunities for hands-on training and professional contacts to advance your career, not to mention the opportunities that collaborations with other University of Sydney faculties, units and centres bring.

For clinical training we have a network of partnerships Australia-wide that will provide you with varied and challenging opportunities for hands-on training. From CBD hospitals to working with rural schools in Broken Hill – your clinical experiences with us will prepare you for the real world. We also offer opportunities to study and volunteer overseas through programs such as Faculty of Health Sciences Abroad that will differentiate you as a truly globally engaged graduate.

As you can see, we offer a vibrant study and extracurricular experience. I hope you will take up this challenge and join us for the first time as an undergraduate or continue to engage in a journey of lifelong learning as a postgraduate or higher degree research student with the faculty.

Professor Kathryn Refshauge
Dean