Profiles
Mark Symes
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Mark Symes
Lecturer & Course Coordinator Associate Degree (Engineering)
Course coordinator Cooperative Education (Engineering)
Coordinator Engineering Pathways
Centre for Maritime Engineering and Hydrodynamics, Australian Maritime College (AMC)
Room G67 , Swanson Building
+61 3 6324 9349 (phone)
Mark Symes is a Lecturer and Course coordinator for the Cooperative Education and Associate degree programs in the National Centre for Maritime Engineering and Hydrodynamics
Biography
Mark Symes received a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Naval Architecture from the Australian Maritime College (AMC). Mark is a lecturer within the National Centre of Marine Engineering and Hydrodynamics. His research interest includes Engineering Education with a particular focus on project/problem-based learning.
Career summary
Qualifications
- BEng (2008), University of Tasmania, Australia
- CertIV Training and Assessment (2014), Australia
- NZ Technicians Certificate (Electrical) (1985), New Zealand
Memberships
Professional practice
- Royal Institution of Naval Architects
- Australasian Association of Engineering Education
Teaching
Engineering Design, Problem based learning Computer aided drafting Electrical fundamentals
Teaching responsibility
- 23A - Bachelor of Engineering (Naval Architecture Co-operative Education)
- 23B - Bachelor of Engineering (Marine and Offshore Engineering - Co-operative Education)
- 23C - Bachelor of Engineering (Ocean Engineering Co-operative Education)
- 22A1 - Associate Degree in Engineering (Naval Architecture)
- 22A2 - Associate Degree in Engineering (Ocean Engineering)
- 22A3 - Associate Degree in Engineering (Marine and Offshore Systems)
- 22A5 - Associate Degree in Engineering (Mechanical)
- 22A6 - Associate Degree in Engineering (Civil)
- 22A7 - Associate Degree in Engineering (Electrical)
View more on Mr Mark Symes in WARP
Expertise
- Engineering Education
- Peer Assessment
- Problem Based Learning
- Quality Assurance in Higher Education
Research Themes
Mark's research aligns to the University's research theme of Creativity, Culture and Society. His research highlights the importance of aligning learning outcomes and quality assessment strategies with authentic real world projects that cater for a wide range of learning styles that promote deep learning. More specifically, his work examines the obtainment of Engineers Australia's stage one graduate competencies.
Collaboration
Mark is currently involved with two national OLT projects, which address the area of student engagement and reskilling the work force
Current projects
Para professional & professional engineering pathways for regional Australia.
The first aim is to design blended curriculum and share learning resources, modules and WIL practice to inform the Para-professional-professional engineering pathways (and associated options).
The second aim is to design paraprofessional – professional engineering pathways which:
- are viable (and sustainable) in thin and geographically scattered markets
- are broadband assisted and work integrated,
- afford a trades (VET) to professional engineering qualification, and
- set down alternative exit points with industry ready options and relevant qualifications.
The third aim is to reduce the institutional barriers between the participating providers enabling a student and their employer to make informed choices as best suits specific study and / or industry needs and to enrol and seamlessly complete studies.
Reskilling the manufacturing workforce and developing capabilities for the future
In this project, higher education (HE) and vocational education and training (VET) providers, and industry partners, will identify what pathways, both existing and those requiring development, are required to supply the future growth of the maritime sector by re-skilling and/or up-skilling the current advanced manufacturing workforce.
Fields of Research
- Maritime engineering (401599)
- Higher education (390303)
- Naval architecture (401502)
- Engineering education (401002)
- Vocational education and training curriculum and pedagogy (390114)
- Other engineering (409999)
- Marine engineering (401501)
- Applied statistics (490501)
- Risk engineering (401005)
- Agricultural engineering (409901)
- Ocean engineering (401503)
- Agricultural biotechnology (300199)
- Other education (399999)
- Education systems (390399)
- Education assessment and evaluation (390402)
- Curriculum and pedagogy theory and development (390102)
- Technical, further and workplace education (390308)
- Urban geography (440612)
- Urban and regional economics (380118)
- Research, science and technology policy (440710)
- Manufacturing engineering (401499)
Research Objectives
- Assessment, development and evaluation of curriculum (160301)
- Workforce transition and employment (160206)
- Expanding knowledge in engineering (280110)
- International sea freight transport (excl. live animals, food products and liquefied gas) (270405)
- Learner and learning (160199)
- Management, resources and leadership (160204)
- Other education and training (169999)
- Teaching and curriculum (160399)
- Teaching and instruction technologies (160304)
- Expanding knowledge in the agricultural, food and veterinary sciences (280101)
- Expanding knowledge in the environmental sciences (280111)
- Higher education (160102)
- Coastal sea freight transport (270402)
- Other manufacturing (249999)
- Policies and development (160205)
- Environmentally sustainable manufacturing activities (240699)
- Institutional arrangements (190206)
Publications
My research has been instrumental in bringing about change in how peer assessment is implemented in our undergraduate engineering program, an example of this is the implementation of an online peer assessment process in the final year-long design unit, providing both summative and reflective formative feedback to students allowing student lead change in how they approach team work and attainment of professional skills. Some of my research activities and impact have been in undertaking collaborative research with other education researchers and students within UTAS and at other national institutions.
Total publications
33
Journal Article
(5 outputs)| Year | Citation | Altmetrics |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Nikolova N, Rodriguez RM, Symes M, Toneva D, Kolev K, et al., 'Outlier detection algorithms over fuzzy data with weighted least squares', International Journal of Fuzzy Systems, 23, (5) pp. 1234-1256. ISSN 1562-2479 (2021) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1007/s40815-020-01049-8 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 4Web of Science - 2 Co-authors: Nikolova N; Tenekedjiev K | |
| 2017 | Penesis I, Katersky Barnes R, Kilpatrick S, Symes M, Leon de la Barra BA, 'Reskilling the manufacturing workforce and developing capabilities for the future', Australasian Journal of Engineering Education, 22, (1) pp. 14-22. ISSN 1325-4340 (2017) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1080/22054952.2017.1338228 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 4 Co-authors: Penesis I; Katersky Barnes R; Kilpatrick S; Leon de la Barra BA | |
| 2014 | Symes M, Carew A, Ranmuthugala D, 'Interpersonal variables and their impact on the perceived validity of peer assessment in engineering PBL', International Journal of Quality Assurance in Engineering and Technology Education, 3, (2) pp. 1-11. ISSN 2155-496X (2014) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.4018/ijqaete.2014040101 [eCite] [Details] Co-authors: Carew A; Ranmuthugala D | |
| 2012 | Symes M, Ranmuthugala D, Carew A, 'A sequential project based leaning programme designed to meet the graduate attributes of engineering students', Journal of Modern Education Review, 2, (1) pp. 30-37. ISSN 2155-7993 (2012) [Refereed Article] Co-authors: Ranmuthugala D; Carew A | |
| 2011 | Symes M, Ranmuthugala D, Chin C, Carew A, 'An integrated delivery and assessment process to address the graduate attribute spectrum', US-China Education Review A, 1, (7) pp. 1-11. ISSN 1548-6613 (2011) [Refereed Article] Co-authors: Ranmuthugala D; Chin C; Carew A |
Chapter in Book
(2 outputs)| Year | Citation | Altmetrics |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Lee P, Crosthwaite C, Reidsema C, Burnett I, Foley B, et al., 'Preparing engineers for 2035: transforming Australia's engineering education for emerging roles and expectations', Applied Degree Education and the Future of Learning, Springer Nature, C Hong and WWK Ma (ed), Singapore, pp. 29-52. ISBN 9789811698118 (2022) [Other Book Chapter] | |
| 2021 | Nikolava N, Tenekedjiev K, Fan G, Symes M, Nguyen O, 'Simulation Algorithms to Assess the Impact of Aging on the Reliability of Standby Systems with Switching Failures', Advances in Intelligent Systems Research and Innovation, Springer, V Sgurev, V Jotsov, and J Kacprzyk (ed), Switzerland, pp. 463-496. ISBN 978-3-030-78123-1 (2021) [Research Book Chapter] DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-78124-8 [eCite] [Details] Co-authors: Nikolava N; Tenekedjiev K; Nguyen O |
Review
(1 outputs)| Year | Citation | Altmetrics |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Burnett I, Crosthwaite C, Foley B, Hargreaves D, King R, et al., 'Engineering change: The future of engineering education in Australia', Engineering 2035 Project pp. 5-15. (2021) [Substantial Review] |
Conference Publication
(22 outputs)| Year | Citation | Altmetrics |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Nikolova N, Fan G, Symes M, Tenekedjiev K, 'Simulating state-dependent systems with partial aging in standby', Proceedings of the 10th International Conference on Intelligent Systems (IS), 28-30 August 2020, Virtual Conference, Online (Varna, Bulgaria), pp. 51-60. ISBN 978-1-7281-5456-5 (2020) [Refereed Conference Paper] DOI: 10.1109/IS48319.2020.9200193 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 2 Co-authors: Nikolova N; Tenekedjiev K | |
| 2017 | Chandrasekaran S, Littlefair G, Allison J, Symes M, 'A collaborative mapping approach - framing an engineering pathway', Proceedings of the 5th International Problem-based Learning Symposium 2017, 15-17 March 2017, Singapore, pp. 1-5. (2017) [Non Refereed Conference Paper] Co-authors: Allison J | |
| 2016 | Missingham D, Cheong M, Serfas L, Phadke D, Symes M, 'Validating student-led learning initiatives in problem solving: a cross institutional case study', Proceedings of the 27th Annual Conference of the Australasian Association for Engineering Education, 4-7 December 2016, Coffs Harbour, Australia, pp. 598-609. ISBN 978-0-9941520-4-6 (2016) [Refereed Conference Paper] | |
| 2016 | Penesis I, Katersky Barnes R, Kilpatrick S, Symes M, Leon de la Barra BA, 'Reskilling the manufacturing workforce and developing capabilities for the future', Proceedings of the 27th Annual Conference of the Australasian Association for Engineering Education, 4-7 December 2016, Coffs Harbour, Australia, pp. 647-656. ISBN 978-0-9941520-4-6 (2016) [Refereed Conference Paper] Co-authors: Penesis I; Katersky Barnes R; Kilpatrick S; Leon de la Barra BA | |
| 2016 | Symes M, 'Skills and assessment necessary in a co-operative education maritime engineering program', Proceedings of the 2016 International Conference on the Educational & Professional Development of Engineering in the Maritime Industry, 20-21 September 2016, Singapore, pp. 1-4. ISBN 978-1-909024-58-8 (2016) [Refereed Conference Paper] | |
| 2014 | Edwards C, Orphin J, Forrest A, Symes M, 'Optimising a route finding strategy for coordinated autonomous maritime platforms', Proceedings of the 3rd International Symposium of Maritime Sciences, 10 - 14 November, Kobe University, Japan, pp. 167-172. (2014) [Non Refereed Conference Paper] Co-authors: Edwards C; Orphin J; Forrest A | |
| 2014 | Edwards C, Orphin J, Forrest A, Symes M, 'Optimising a route finding strategy for coordinated autonomous maritime platforms', Proceedings of the 3rd International Symposium of Maritime Sciences, 10-14 November, Kobe, Japan, pp. 167-172. (2014) [Non Refereed Conference Paper] Co-authors: Edwards C; Orphin J; Forrest A | |
| 2014 | Harte D, Symes M, 'Alternative approaches to skill and assessment development in a co-operative education program', Proceedings of the 25th Annual Conference of the Australasian Association for Engineering Education, 7-10 December, Wellington, New Zealand, pp. 1-7. ISBN 978-0-473-30428-7 (2014) [Refereed Conference Paper] Co-authors: Harte D | |
| 2014 | Nash RE, Bill AF, Kelder J-A, Walls JT, Rundle NC, et al., 'Community of Practice finding common inner space through Quality Pursuit', Teaching Matters 2014 - 'Spaces and Places', 2 December 2014, Tasmania (2014) [Keynote Presentation] Co-authors: Nash RE; Bill AF; Kelder J-A; Walls JT; Rundle NC; Ellis L; Quentin-Baxter M; Ennever ER; Williams A-MM; De Silva EC | |
| 2014 | Symes M, Allison J, Dowling D, Ranmuthugala D, Broun D, 'Engineering pathways for regional Australia built through knowledge partnering', Proceedings of the 25th Annual Conference of the Australasian Association for Engineering Education, 7-10 December, Massey University, New Zealand, pp. 1-9. ISBN 978-0-473-30428-7 (2014) [Refereed Conference Paper] Co-authors: Allison J; Ranmuthugala D; Broun D | |
| 2014 | Thompson F, Wilson S, Waterhouse A, Armstrong C, Keane J, et al., 'Empowering undergraduate education through support of student societies', Proceedings of the 25th Annual Conference of the Australasian Association for Engineering Education, 8-10 December 2014, Wellington, New Zealand, pp. 1-8. ISBN 978-0-473-30428-7 (2014) [Conference Extract] Co-authors: Thompson F; Wilson S; Waterhouse A; Armstrong C; Keane J; Forrest AL | |
| 2013 | Allan C, Symes MF, Downing JJ, 'Identifying e-learning principles for Maritime Education through the e-initiatives project: A design-based approach', Electric Dreams - Proceedings of the 2013 Australian Society for Computers in Learning and Tertiary Education Conference, 1-4 December 2013, Sydney, Australia, pp. 18-22. ISBN 978-1-74138-403-1 (2013) [Refereed Conference Paper] Co-authors: Downing JJ | |
| 2013 | Armstrong CJ, Brick M, Symes MF, Forrest AL, 'Student society based learning', Proceedings of the 24th Annual Conference of the Australasian Association for Engineering Education AAEE2013, 8-11 December 2013, Gold Coast, Queensland, pp. 1-8. ISBN 978-0-9924099-0-6 (2013) [Refereed Conference Paper] Co-authors: Armstrong CJ; Brick M; Forrest AL | |
| 2013 | Carew ALJ, Doe PE, Hadgraft R, Symes MF, Henderson AD, 'Engineering curriculum structure and mapping: Accreditation and beyond', Proceedings of the 24th Annual Conference of the Australasian Association for Engineering Education, 8-11 December 2013, Gold Coast, Queensland, pp. 1-11. ISBN 978-0-9924099-0-6 (2013) [Refereed Conference Paper] Co-authors: Carew ALJ; Doe PE; Henderson AD | |
| 2013 | Edathil S, Ranmuthugala SD, Symes MF, 'Mathematics in Marine Engineering: Significance of Formative-Feedback within a Diverse Student Cohort', Enhancing Global Engineering and Technology Education: Meeting the Future - Proceedings of the 2013 International Engineering and Technology Education Conference, 3-6 November 2013, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam, pp. 1-10. ISBN 978-0-646-59658-7 (2013) [Refereed Conference Paper] Co-authors: Edathil S; Ranmuthugala SD | |
| 2013 | Harte D, Symes MF, 'Challenges of developing and sustaining a co-operative education program in Maritime Engineering', Proceedings of the 24th Annual Conference of the Australasian Association for Engineering Education, 8-11 December 2013, Gold Coast, Queensland, pp. 1-8. ISBN 978-0-9924099-0-6 (2013) [Refereed Conference Paper] Co-authors: Harte D | |
| 2013 | Hubbert HR, Bowden-Floyd IF, Forrest AL, Symes MF, 'Inter-Institutional Student Developed Team Based Project', Proceedings of the 24th Annual Conference of the Australasian Association for Engineering Education, 8-11 December 2013, Gold Coast, Queensland, pp. 1-9. ISBN 978-0-9924099-0-6 (2013) [Refereed Conference Paper] Co-authors: Hubbert HR; Bowden-Floyd IF; Forrest AL | |
| 2013 | Nash RE, Kelder J-A, Ennever ER, Williams A-MM, De Silva EC, et al., 'Sharing Practice Peer Learning Circle (PLC) 360 Curriculum', Teaching Matters 2013 - Open UTAS to the World, 28 - 29 November, 2013, Tasmania (2013) [Keynote Presentation] Co-authors: Nash RE; Kelder J-A; Ennever ER; Williams A-MM; De Silva EC; Kertesz JLB; Downing JJ; Ellis L; Dermoudy J; Osborne John; Linquist SG; Rundle NC; Booth S | |
| 2013 | Symes MF, Carew ALJ, Ranmuthugala SD, 'The effects of interpersonal variables on the validity of peer assessment', Enhancing Global Engineering and Technology Education: Meeting the Future - Proceedings of the 2013 International Engineering and Technology Education Conference, 3-6 November 2013, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam, pp. 1-10. ISBN 978-0-646-59658-7 (2013) [Refereed Conference Paper] Co-authors: Carew ALJ; Ranmuthugala SD | |
| 2013 | Symes MF, Thomas GA, Ranmuthugala SD, 'Graduate Attributes: Industry and Graduate Perceptions', 2nd International Conference on the Education and Professional Development of Engineers in the Maritime Industry, 26-27 February 2013, Bukit Timah, Singapore, pp. 80-86. ISBN 9781909024120 (2013) [Refereed Conference Paper] Co-authors: Thomas GA; Ranmuthugala SD | |
| 2011 | Symes M, Ranmuthugala D, Carew A, 'A sequential project based learning programme designed to meet the graduate attributes of engineering students', Proceedings of the 22nd Annual Conference for the Australasian Association for Engineering Education, 5-7 December 2011, Fremantle, Western Australia, pp. 279-285. (2011) [Refereed Conference Paper] Co-authors: Ranmuthugala D; Carew A | |
| 2011 | Symes M, Ranmuthugala D, Chin C, Carew A, 'An integrated delivery and assessment process to address the graduate attribute spectrum', Proceedings of the IETEC'11 Conference, 16-19 January 2011, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, pp. 1-16. ISBN 978-0-646-54982-8 (2011) [Refereed Conference Paper] Co-authors: Ranmuthugala D; Chin C; Carew A |
Contract Report, Consultant's Report
(2 outputs)| Year | Citation | Altmetrics |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Burnett I, Foley B, Goldfinch T, Hargreaves D, King R, et al., 'Engineering Futures 2035: A scoping study', Australian Council of Engineering Deans, Australia, April (2019) [Contract Report] | |
| 2016 | Broun D, Doe PE, Symes MF, Patil A, Ahfock T, et al., 'Engineering pathways for regional Australia: viable learning platforms built by knowledge partnering', Engineering Pathways for Regional Australia. Final Report Draft Version 2.1, Canberra, Ref ID13-2984 (2016) [Contract Report] Co-authors: Doe PE |
Other Public Output
(1 outputs)| Year | Citation | Altmetrics |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Penesis I, Kilpatrick S, Allison J, Harte D, Symes M, et al., 'Reskilling the manufacturing workforce and developing capabilities for the future', Final Report, Office for Learning and Teaching, Department of Education and Training, Australia, Australia (2016) [Government or Industry Research] Co-authors: Penesis I; Kilpatrick S; Allison J; Harte D; Leon de la Barra BA; Katersky Barnes R; Broun D |
Grants & Funding
Funding Summary
Number of grants
4
Total funding
$599,000
Projects
Industry 4.0 Higher Education Apprenticeships Project (2018 - 2021)$200,000
- Description
- The objective of the Industry 4.0 Higher Apprenticeships Project is to create an integrated apprenticeship model that supportsthe higher skills needed for the emerging fourth industrial revolution, including Industry 4.0 and IoT, which involves the increasing adoption ofautomation, artificial intelligence, big data and digitalisation, as well as new forms of machine-to-machine and human-to-machine communication.The University College will oversee the development, implementation and the first 4 years delivery of a new Higher Apprenticeship to equip thesefuture industry leaders. This project in partnership with industry and the Tasmanian VET sector. The University College will develop through the currentuniversity college Applied Technologies course and the VET training package a framework to meet the particular needs of industry, with a focus on theadoption of high-level technical skills and the tools required for the future workforce. The Higher Apprenticeship model being proposed for theIndustry 4.0 higher apprenticeship project will be designed to include the current VET discipline training package with the addition of HE subjectsthereby developing higher level technical engineering, information technology and professional skills.The Pilot will also showcase the exciting career opportunities that modern higher education apprenticeships pathways have to offer. The focus oncutting-edge technologies and higher-level qualifications is expected to appeal to a broader range of stakeholder. Students who otherwise may nothave considered an apprenticeship or indeed higher education qualifications and industry wishing to either upskill their current tradespersons ordevelop a higher skilled workforce through new or current apprentices. The Higher Apprenticeship will be delivered co-operatively with the UniversityCollege and the Tasmanian VET sector and will enrol up to 25 User Choice-subsidised apprentices each year between 2018 and 2021
- Funding
- Department of State Growth (Tas) ($200,000)
- Scheme
- Grant-Workforce Development Grant Program
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Whiteley L; Shelton MD; Symes MF
- Period
- 2018 - 2021
Reskilling the manufacturing workforce and developing capabilities for the future (2015)$50,000
- Description
- Australia's future in the next three to five years depends on a stronger workforce with more qualified engineers and associated professionals with the high level skills capable of delivering the needs of growing industries such as advanced manufacturing and the maritime sector. In recent years, Australia's 'traditional' manufacturing industries like construction, automotive and forestry have seen a decline in business leaving much of the current workforce looking to utilise their technical skills and knowledge elsewhere. Hence, providing pathways that allow the reskilling or upskilling of the current workforce, to develop more complex skills required for future industries becomes essential. This project will initially focus on the engineering and associated skills required for the growing Tasmanian advanced manufacturing and maritime industry. It will investigate what pathways exist or may be required in higher education and vocational education and training to meet these needs and will serve as a pilot for a full application examining this nationally.
- Funding
- Office for Learning & Teaching ($50,000)
- Scheme
- Grant-Seed
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Penesis I; Kilpatrick SI; Allison J; Harte DJ; Symes MF; Leon de la Barra BA; Katersky Barnes RS; King DJ; Sammut K
- Year
- 2015
Engineering pathways for regional Australia:viable learning platforms built by knowledge partnering (2014)$324,000
- Description
- This project will collaborate with partners to develop a new learning platform for engineering students.
- Funding
- Office for Learning & Teaching ($324,000)
- Scheme
- Grant-Innovation and Development Grants Program
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Allison J; Chai S; Kilpatrick SI; Jarvis LM; Ranmuthugala SD; Bowles M; Symes MF; Chin CKH; Olivier JC; Holloway DS; King DJ; Thomas GA
- Year
- 2014
Potential failure mechanisms of bulk iron ore cargoes; relevance of current Transportable Moisture Limit (TML) test methods to any failure (2013)$25,000
- Description
- The aim of the project is to produce data in relation to potential failure mechanisms of bulk iron ore cargoes. To date little is understood on the response of iron ore in a sea state, there is interest in the effect of moisture content on the risk of dangerous behaviour of an iron ore load in a bulk carrier under various sea states and routes. This research sets out to produce RAO response data on selected vessels in a worst and best case voyage. The project will assess the relevance of current Transportable Moisture Limit (TML) test methods to any failure at the request of AMIRA as specified below: 1. Produce data on the classes of ships carrying iron ore fines on major shipping routes around the world - to include shipments in smaller vessels from India, Africa etc. as well as the major exporters like Australia and Brazil. Specify the most common ship classes carrying iron ore fines. 2. Produce scatter diagrams of likely sea states to be considered given the global routes for each of the classes of vessels described above, and a distribution of forward speeds. 3. Cut down the number of cases for analysis based on mariners' experience. Define a 'typical voyage' and 'worst case voyage' for three dry bulk carrier classes: Large Cape Size; Medium Cape Size; Handy Size. 4. Produce motion RAOs at CG and offsets of several points of interest for the chosen vessels. RAOs to be computed for four encounter angles: head, bow, beam, and quartering, and nominal forward speed or speeds. It addresses the research question: What are the RAO responses of bulk carriers in a typical and worst case voyage?
- Funding
- AMIRA International Ltd ($25,000)
- Scheme
- Contract Research
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Ranmuthugala SD; Symes MF
- Year
- 2013