Leadership in Science

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

170 hours

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Excellent scientific leadership is not only required in academic research groups, but also in technological industries and many areas of government. This subject will examine the nature and styles and consequences of leadership and decision making in academia, industry and government.

Students will examine, through a series of lectures, seminars and workshops, the roles of leadership in: motivation, ethics, risk and the development of a productive organisational culture drawing upon case studies, personal accounts from scientific leaders and their own personal experiences.

In addition, students will learn strategies to deal with staff and clients, build teams, make decisions, think strategically, develop self awareness, identify and manage conflict of interest, identify opportunity and value diversity.

The objectives are to develop an understanding of the:

• importance and consequences of excellent leadership
• responsibilities and ethical context of leadership
• consequence of various styles of leadership
• role of leaders
• how to identify risks, uncertainty and opportunity
• understand individual motivation and group behaviour.

A 2,000 word individual assignment, mid semester: 50%
A 4,000 word group assignment, end of semester: 50%

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Students will develop:

• initiate understanding and skills for the implementation of constructive change
• excellent interpersonal and decision-making skills
• develop a personal awareness of strengths and limitations
• value differences in personalities and cultures
• willingly accept social and professional responsibilities
• have a broad understanding and high regard for ethical conduct, colleagues and employees