Higher Degree by Research Application Portal

Einstein-First aims to bring the revelations of modern scientific discoveries to everyone through radical restructuring of the science education curriculum from primary to middle school. 

The project aims to evaluate and optimise Einsteinian physics professional development and obtain evidence that the modern program introduced by Einstein-First improves student knowledge of contemporary physics and attitudes to science, leading to increased numbers of students choosing STEM career pathways.

Three Research projects will involve 

(i) Evaluation and optimisation of our professional development programs: The postgrad student will examine factors that influence the impact of professional development and its dissemination to other teachers in Einsteinian physics that take place through micro-credential courses using selected assessment instruments. The postgrad student will research teachers’ views of the professional development in Einsteinian physics that takes place through micro-credential courses and whether these influence their teaching efficacy and attitudes towards teaching science using selected assessment instruments. 

(ii) Evaluation of Primary or Secondary students’ conceptual understanding of and attitudes towards modern physics concepts: The postgraduate student will analyse how Year 3 to Year 10 students respond to learning Einsteinian physics when it is delivered by a teacher who is upskilled in this area. 

(iii) Tracking subject choices beyond Year 10 of students who undertake Einstein-First programs: The postgraduate student will track primary and secondary students to evaluate how their attitudes change as they advance through year levels. The postgraduate student will also assess students’ choice of subjects to determine whether teaching Einsteinian physics impacts their career choices in STEM, using the validated STEM Career Interest Survey Tool. Additionally, the postgraduate student will identify barriers to girls’ participation in physics and STEM and examine how teachers upskilled in Einsteinian physics can attract more girls, including those from minority groups and diverse cultural backgrounds, into physics.

Australian Research Council

Jyoti Kaur (tejinder.kaur@uwa.edu.au)

Li Ju (Li.Ju@uwa.edu.au)

David Blair (David.Blair@uwa.edu.au)

We are seeking PhD and Master’s students with a background in modern physics (including
quantum physics and relativity), strong interest in science communication, experience in
science teaching and aptitude in quantitative and qualitative data analysis.

Australian permanent residents need to satisfy entrance requirements for postgraduate enrolment which ideally will include ability to secure a scholarship at UWA or the other participating universities. Part-time Master’s, EdD or PhD positions will be available to teachers who wish to conduct research in conjunction with their classroom teaching. Non-Australian residents are liable for high cost international student fees. Only exceptional students (top 5% category) with several international publications have the chance of securing an IPRS scholarship. Students outside of the top 10% category have little chance unless their research experience and publications are exceptionally well aligned with the project.

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is a program of independent, supervised research that is assessed solely on the basis of a thesis, sometimes including a creative work component, that is examined externally. The work presented for a PhD must be a substantial and original contribution to scholarship, demonstrating mastery of the subject of interest as well as an advance in that field of knowledge. 

Visit the course webpage for full details of this course including admission requirements, course rules and the relevant CRICOS code/s.