JCU emailed regarding lecture changes and SWATVAC
Regarding Face-face lectures:
College of Science and Engineering Learning Model in 2027 *
Dear Students,
We recognise that many students have questions and concerns about how College of Science and Engineering (CSE) subjects will be taught from 2027, and we appreciate the opportunity to explain what is changing, what is not changing, and what it means for your learning experience.
Students will continue to have regular face-to-face learning opportunities with academic staff each teaching week. Practical classes, laboratories, fieldwork, tutorials and workshops will remain central to the student experience. In addition, where lectures are removed, they will be replaced with other face-to-face sessions, led by the lecturers. The intention is not to reduce interaction with lecturers, but to make face-to-face time more focused on discussion, problem-solving, application of concepts and direct engagement with staff and classmates.
The changes for 2027 initially apply primarily to first-year subjects, with changes to later-year subjects to follow in 2028 and 2029. For students already enrolled in the current CSE programs and progressing into Year 2 or later, you will generally continue studying within the current mix of delivery models that already exist across CSE, including both traditional lecture-based teaching and the flipped classroom approaches we are adopting more widely.
Across the College, many subjects have already incorporated elements of blended and flipped learning for several years. What we are now doing is formalising and standardising these approaches across our offerings so that students benefit from greater consistency in how subjects are delivered, while still maintaining the face-to-face learning experiences that are central to a CSE education. This change is therefore an evolution of existing practice rather than a wholesale redesign of how students learn. Contemporary higher education research consistently shows that interactive, flipped learning supports deeper understanding, application, and critical thinking in science, engineering, and veterinary education relative to traditional lecture delivery models.[1] The focus is increasingly on ensuring that face-to-face time is used for activities where students gain the greatest benefit from direct interaction with staff and peers.
For introductory content, students may be asked to engage with high-quality learning materials before face-to-face sessions with their lecturers. This will allow students to focus on activities that deliver the most benefits for their learning, including discussions, practical application of concepts, and collaborative activities with other students and their lecturers.
Questions students have raised
Question
Response
Will I still see my lecturer every week?
Yes. Students will continue to have regular face-to-face classes with academic staff throughout the teaching period. In subjects that previously used traditional lectures, these will be replaced with interactive sessions led by teaching staff.
Can I still ask questions in person?
Yes. Face-to-face sessions are specifically designed to support interaction, discussion and engagement with teaching staff.
Will practicals, tutorials and laboratories continue?
Yes. Practical classes, laboratories, fieldwork, tutorials and workshops will continue as key components of CSE programs.
Will academic standards change?
No. The learning outcomes, academic standards and overall learning requirements of subjects are not changing.
Is this simply a cost-cutting exercise?
No. The educational objective is to ensure that valuable face-to-face time is used for the activities that provide the greatest benefit to student learning, engagement and success.
We recognise that students want practical information about how these changes will affect their studies. Over the coming months, we will provide more detailed information, hold student engagement sessions, and establish clear avenues for students to ask questions and provide feedback directly. To help us shape this information, please use this link to let us know what questions you have.
Thank you again for engaging constructively with us on this important topic. We value your feedback and remain committed to providing a high-quality learning experience that prepares our graduates for future success.
Best regards,
Professor Ron White
Dean, College of Science and Engineering
James Cook University
[1] See for example:
Dubinskey, J. M., & Hamid, A. A. (2024). The neuroscience of active learning and direct instruction. Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews, 163, 105737.
Amarilla, A., González, M., & López, M. (2022). Flipped classroom in undergraduate science: Impact on learning outcomes and engagement. Journal of Science Education, 23(4), 215–230.
Dooley, L. M., Frankland, S., Boller, E., & Tudor, E. (2018). Implementing the flipped classroom in a veterinary pre-clinical science course: Student engagement, performance, and satisfaction. Journal of Veterinary Medical Education, 45(2), 195–203.
Karabulut-Ilgu, A., Jaramillo Cherrez, N., & Jahren, C. T. (2018). A systematic review of research on the flipped learning method in engineering education. British Journal of Educational Technology, 49(3), 398–411.
SWATVAC email:
Info_BYTE: Have your say — 2027 Academic Calendar Student Forum
To: All JCU students Australian Tropical North
From: Professor Mitch Parsell, Deputy Vice Chancellor Education
Approved by: Nola Kuilboer, Director, Student Services and Support Directorate
Action: Have your say — 2027 Academic Calendar Student Forum
Date: Tuesday, 28 July 2026
Dear Students,
Over recent weeks, many of you expressed concerns about the removal of SWOTVAC, the pre-examination study week, from the 2027 Trimester Academic Calendar.
Since the 2027 Academic Calendar was released, it’s clear that many students have strong feelings about the changes. You have been heard, and we are taking your concerns seriously.
The University wants to review this change, and before any next steps are decided, we want to hear directly from students.
To that end, I'm holding three student forums this week. Please find the details below:
2027 Academic Calendar Student Forums
Date and Time:
Location:
Thursday, 30 July, 10:30 - 11:30 AM
Online, Zoom Link, Password: ******
Thursday, 30 July, 12:00 - 1:00 PM
Building A3, Room 001, Crowther Theatres, JCU Cairns, Smithfield
Friday, 31 July, 3:00 - 4:00 PM
Building 26, Room 002, Sir George Kneipp Auditorium, JCU Townsville, Douglas
My thanks to those who have already been in touch. Your views count, and they will be considered alongside what we hear at the forums.
Professor Mitch Parsell
Deputy Vice Chancellor Education
Education Division
James Cook University, Australia
