Evaluating cross discipline simulation

About the research project

Pharmacy Simulator is a computer-based 3D simulation of pharmacy practice, used to train pharmacy and now other healthcare students, primarily in patient counselling and communication skills. It is a University of Tasmania IP, commercialised both domestically and internationally by Imitated Environments Pty Ltd.

Recent research has suggested that it is feasible to expand the scope of Pharmacy Simulator such that it can be used to train other healthcare disciplines, such as medicine, nursing, speech pathology, physiotherapy, and paramedicine. However, data to date is limited.

We are seeking a student with a passion for healthcare education, and particularly the application of advanced technology to support education. The project will involve:

• Engaging relevant stakeholders from various healthcare disciplines to identify any current limitations in the Pharmacy Simulator product which may limit its application to new disciplines
• Helping design solutions to any current limitations which might limit Pharmacy Simulator's capacity to be used in new disciplines
• Design input into, and multi-disciplinary evaluation of, approaches that streamline workflows to create and edit scenarios
• Designing and evaluating new training scenarios for stakeholders in these disciplines

Primary supervisor

Meet Associate Professor Ivan Bindoff

Funding

Applicants will be considered for a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship (TGRS) which, if successful, provides:

• a living allowance stipend funded by University of Tasmania of $34,315 per annum for 3.5 years
• a relocation allowance of up to $2,000
• a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)

A tuition fee offset may be offered to eligible international applicants following competitive assessment 

As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.

Other funding opportunities and fees

For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees for undertaking a research degree, please visit our Scholarships and fees on research degrees page.

Eligibility

Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.

Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to our Key Dates.

Additional eligibility criteria specific to this project/scholarship:

• Applicants must be able to undertake the project on-campus

Selection criteria

The project is competitively assessed and awarded. Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.

Additional essential selection criteria specific to this project:

• Experience with healthcare education
• Experience with educational technology
• A Masters by Research or equivalent research and/or professional experience
• English language proficiency

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

• Experience with qualitative research
• Familiarity with health and healthcare systems
• Familiarity with the scholarship of learning and teaching

Application process

1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
2. Contact Associate Professor Ivan Bindoff to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
3. In your application:
   • Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
   • Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees and your project research proposal.
4. Apply prior to 1 October 2026.

Full details of the application process can be found under the ' How to apply ' section of the Research Degrees website.

Following the closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.

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