Kate Wilson

Associate Professor in Engineering
Associate Professor

A/Prof Kate Wilson convenes and teaches Engineering Mechanics (ZEIT1503).

Kate is an Education Focussed academic, and a member of the UNSW Scientia Education academy. She has a PhD in physics from Monash University, and has done research in computational physics and condensed matter physics, but most of her research has been on student learning and experience.  

Her current research interests include student learning, pedagogy and curriculum development.  

In particular:

      learning of physics concepts

      the transition from school to university

      identifying and supporting "at risk" students

      gender differences in performance on assessment

Kate is coauthor of an undergraduate physics textbook and four high school physics textbooks, and has also contributed to texts on chemistry and biology.

She is a past director of the Australian Science Olympiads Physics Program and member of the Sydeny University Physics Education Research group, where she she worked on the Workshop Tutorial Project.

Kate has worked on three discipline based ALTC/Carrick/CUTSD funded projects looking at physics education in Australian Universities.   

Books
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Cody G; Rose H; Champion N; Wilson K; Farr R, 2015, Nelson Physics Units 3 and 4 for the Australian Curriculum
2015
Cody G; Champion ND; Farr R; Mundy M; Wilson K, 2014, Nelson Physics Units 1 & 2 for the Australian Curriculum
2014
Serway R; Jewett J; Wilson-Goossens KF; Wilson A, 2012, Physics, 1, Cengage Learning Australia, Melbourne, Australia
2012
Mendez A; Kirkup L; Low DJ; Mills DR; Rayner A; Swan G; Zadnik M; Feteris S; Livett M; Merchant A; Pollard J; Sharma M; Wilson K, 2005, Snapshots - Good Learning and Teaching in Physics, Original, AUTC and the Carrick Institute, Vic
2005
Book Chapters
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Low DJ; Wilson K; Zadnik M, 2005, 'The changing nature of students: Implications for teaching', in Learning outcomes and curriculum development in Physics, edn. Original, AUTC (Aust. Universities Teaching Committee), School of Physics, Monash Uni VIC
2005
Conference Papers
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Hoke C; Smith W; Wilson K, 2018, 'Effectiveness of First Year Mentoring Program on Increasing Student Sense of Belonging and Correlation with Motivation', Hamilton, NZ, presented at 29th Australasian Association for Engineering Education Conference 2018, Hamilton, NZ, 09 December 2018 - 12 December 2018, https://search.informit.com.au/documentSummary;dn=168186903393100;res=IELENG
2018
Ranawake G; Wilson K, 2018, 'An Exploration of Gender Differences in Academic Writing in Science', Venice, presented at 20th International Conference on Gender Studies, Venice, 14 November 2018 - 15 November 2018
2018
Boyson T; Kasmarik K; Wilson K, 2018, 'Evaluating the Impact of the YoWIE Summer School on Girls’ Perception of Engineering', in Proceedings of the 29th Australasian Association for Engineering Education Conference, 2018, Hamilton, New Zealand, presented at 29th Australasian Association for Engineering Education Conference 2018, Hamilton, New Zealand, 09 December 2018 - 12 December 2018, https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/18aaee/proceedings/AAEE18_Proceedings_5Dec.pdf
2018
Wilson K, 2018, 'Supporting diversity: the emotional experience of different minority groups', in Proceedings of the 29th Australasian Association for Engineering Education Conference, 2018, Hamilton, New Zealand, presented at 29th Australasian Association for Engineering Education Conference 2018, Hamilton, New Zealand, 09 December 2018 - 12 December 2018, https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/18aaee/proceedings/AAEE18_Proceedings_5Dec.pdf
2018
Wilson KF; Low DJ, 2016, 'Reducing the gender gap in first-year physics performance', in Yeung A (ed.), Proceedings of the Australian Conference on Science and Mathematics Education 2016, UniServe Science, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia, The University of Queensland, pp. 246 - 253, presented at 2016 Australian Conference on Science and Mathematics Education (22nd Annual UniServe Science Conference), The University of Queensland, 28 September 2016 - 30 September 2016
2016
Low DJ; Wilson KF, 2015, 'Persistent Gender Gaps in First-Year Physics Assessment Questions', in Yeung A (ed.), Proceedings of the Australian Conference on Science and Mathematics Education, The Australian Conference on Science and Mathematics Education, Perth, Western Australia, pp. 118 - 124, presented at The Australian Conference on Science and Mathematics Education, Perth, Western Australia, 30 September 2015 - 01 October 2015, http://openjournals.library.usyd.edu.au/index.php/IISME/article/view/8775
2015
Wilson KF; Low DJ, 2015, 'Smart girls know how to use a screwdriver', in Yeung A (ed.), Proceedings of the Australian Conference on Science and Mathematics Education, The Australian Conference on Science and Mathematics Education, Perth, Western Australia, pp. 125 - 131, presented at The Australian Conference on Science and Mathematics Education, Perth, Western Australia, 30 September 2015 - 01 October 2015, http://openjournals.library.usyd.edu.au/index.php/IISME/article/view/8772
2015
Low DJ; Wilson KF, 2014, 'Teachability: It's harder to teach a young dog new tricks', in Sharma M; Yeung A (ed.), Proceedings of the Australian Conference on Science and Mathematics Education 2014, UniServe Science, University of Sydney, University of Sydney, pp. 120 - 126, presented at Australian Conference on Science and Mathematics Education, University of Sydney, 29 September 2014 - 30 September 2014, http://openjournals.library.usyd.edu.au/index.php/IISME/article/viewFile/7646/8071
2014
Wilson KF; Low DJ, 2014, 'Predicting Student Success in Statics', in Bainbridge-Smith A; Ziming TQ; Sen Gupta G (eds.), Proceedings of the AAEE2014 Conference, School of Engineering & Advanced Technology, Massey University, Turitea Campus, Palmerston North, New Zealand 4442, Wellington, New Zealand, pp. 130, presented at Australasian Association for Engineering Education Annual Conference 2014, Wellington, New Zealand, 08 December 2014 - 10 December 2014
2014
McAlpine I; Wilson-Goossens KF; Russell C; Cunningham M, 2004, 'An Online Diary as a Research and Evaluation Tool for First Year Physics', in 21st ASCILITE Conference, 21st ASCILITE Conference, Perth, WA, presented at 21st ASCILITE Conference, Perth, WA, 05 December 2004 - 08 December 2004
2004
Conference Posters
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Low DJ; Wilson KF, (ed.), 2016, 'Scaffolding laboratory skills', The University of Queensland, pp. 86 - 87, presented at 2016 Australian Conference on Science and Mathematics Education (22nd Annual UniServe Science Conference), The University of Queensland, 28 September 2016 - 30 September 2016
2016
Low DJ; Wilson KF, 2016, 'A scaffolded skills approach in the first-year physics laboratory', Brisbane, Australia, presented at 22nd Australian Institute of Physics Congress, Brisbane, Australia, 04 December 2016 - 08 December 2016
2016
Journal articles
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Townsend D; Wilson KF; Harvey M, 2022, 'Applying the principles of triage to support the rapid transition to online learning during the pandemic', Journal of Higher Education Policy and Management, vol. 44, pp. 563 - 579, http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/1360080X.2022.2089802
2022
Malik U; Low D; Wilson K, 2021, 'For Girls, "just" Just Isn't Scientific', Physics Teacher, vol. 59, pp. 19 - 21, http://dx.doi.org/10.1119/10.0003009
2021
Wilson KF; Wilson K, 2020, 'How do students in different minority groups experience first-year engineering?', Australasian Journal of Engineering Education, vol. 25, pp. 66 - 78, http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/22054952.2020.1796044
2020
Wilson KF; Wilson K, 2019, '‘Collaborate to graduate’: what works and why?', Higher Education Research and Development, vol. 38, pp. 1504 - 1518, http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/07294360.2019.1660311
2019
Dennis Z; Wilson K; Boyson T; Kasmarik K, 2019, 'Building girls' confidence in themselves as future engineers', Teaching Science, vol. 65, pp. 10 - 18
2019
Wilson K; Wilson KF, 2019, 'Student responses to a tough early assessment: A useful “kick up the bum”?', Student Success, vol. 10, pp. 1 - 15, http://dx.doi.org/10.5204/ssj.v11i3.1158
2019
Malik U; Angstmann EJ; Wilson K, 2019, 'Learning and conceptual change in thermal physics concepts: An examination by gender', International Journal of Innovation in Science and Mathematics Education, vol. 27, pp. 37 - 46
2019
Low D; Malik U; Wilson K, 2018, 'Up and down, but also forward: addressing gender differences in the understanding of projectile motion', Teaching Science, vol. 64, pp. 14 - 20, https://search.informit.com.au/documentSummary;dn=841495005532630;res=IELHSS
2018
Ranawake G; Gunawardena M; Wilson K, 2017, 'Teaching Academic Literacy in Disciplinary Contexts: Insights and Implications from a Discourse Study', International Journal of Learning and Teaching, pp. 222 - 225, http://dx.doi.org/10.18178/ijlt.3.3.222-225
2017
Low DJ; Wilson KF, 2017, 'Weight, the normal force and Newton's third law', Teaching Science, vol. 63, pp. 17 - 26
2017
Low DJ; Wilson KF, 2017, 'The role of competing knowledge structures in undermining learning: Newton's second and third laws', American Journal of Physics, vol. 85, pp. 54 - 65, http://dx.doi.org/10.1119/1.4972041
2017
Wilson KF; Low DJ; Verdon M; Verdon A, 2016, 'Differences in gender performance on competitive physics selection tests', PHYSICAL REVIEW PHYSICS EDUCATION RESEARCH, vol. 12, pp. 020111 - 020111, http://dx.doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevPhysEducRes.12.020111
2016
Wilson KF; Ranawake GS, 2016, 'Learning to do science: lessons from a discourse analysis of students’ laboratory reports', International Journal of Innovation in Science and Mathematics Education, vol. 24, pp. 71 - 81, http://openjournals.library.usyd.edu.au/index.php/CAL/article/view/10349
2016
Wilson KF; Low DJ, 2015, '"On second thoughts...": Changes of mind as an indication of competing knowledge structures', American Journal of Physics, vol. 83, pp. 802 - 808, http://dx.doi.org/10.1119/1.4928131
2015
Wilson A; Howitt S; Roberts P; Akerlind G; Wilson-Goossens KF, 2013, 'Connecting expectations and experiences of students in a research-immersive degree', Studies in Higher Education, http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/03075079.2011.633163
2013
Wilson A; Howitt S; Wilson-Goossens KF; Roberts P, 2012, 'Academics' perceptions of the purpose of undergraduate research experiences in a research-intensive degree', Studies in Higher Education, vol. 37, pp. 513 - 526, http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/03075079.2010.527933
2012
Howitt S; Wilson A; Wilson K; Roberts P, 2010, '‘Please remember we are not all brilliant’: undergraduates’ experiences of an elite, research‐intensive degree at a research‐intensive university', Higher Education Research & Development, vol. 29, pp. 405 - 420, http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/07294361003601883
2010
Hall SD; Wilson KF, 2006, 'Ballast water flushing of multiple tanks on board sea-going bulk carriers', Journal of Marine Environmental Engineering, vol. 8, pp. 309 - 318
2006
Goossens DJ; Wilson-Goossens KF; James M, 2005, 'Structure and magnetism in Ho1-xSrxCoO3-[delta]', Journal of Physics and Chemistry of Solids, vol. 66, pp. 169 - 175, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jpcs.2004.09.003
2005
James M; Wallwork KS; Withers RL; Goossens DJ; Wilson KF; Horvat J; Wang XL; Colella M, 2005, 'Structure and magnetism in the oxygen-deficient perovskites Ce 1-xSrxCoO3-δ (x ≥ 0.90)', Materials Research Bulletin, vol. 40, pp. 1415 - 1431, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.materresbull.2005.03.025
2005
James M; Wallwork KS; Withers RL; Goossens DJ; Wilson KF; Horvat J; Wang XL; Colella M, 2005, 'Structure and magnetism in the oxygen-deficient perovskites Ce1-xSrxCoO3-delta (x >= 0-90)', MATERIALS RESEARCH BULLETIN, vol. 40, pp. 1415 - 1431, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.materresbull.2005.03.025
2005
Goossens DJ; Wilson-Goossens KF; James M; Studer AJ; Wang XL, 2004, 'Structural and magnetic properties of Y0.33Sr0.67CoO2.79', Physical Review - Section B - Condensed Matter, vol. 69, http://dx.doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.69.134411
2004
James M; Cassidy D; Wilson-Goossens KF; Horvat J; Withers RL, 2004, 'Oxygen vacancy ordering and magnetism in the rare earth stabilisedperovskite form of `SrCoO3-delta`', Solid State Sciences, vol. 6, pp. 655 - 662, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.solidstatesciences.2003.03.001
2004
Goossens DJ; Wilson KF; James M; Studer AJ; Wang XL, 2004, 'Structural and magnetic properties of Y0.33Sr 0.67CoO2.79', Physical Review B - Condensed Matter and Materials Physics, vol. 69, http://dx.doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.69.134411
2004
Wilson KF; Goossens DJ, 2001, 'A computational model of gastro-intestinal motility', Computer Physics Communications, vol. 142, pp. 105 - 108, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0010-4655(01)00339-3
2001
Wilson KF; Goossens DJ, 2000, 'A neural network model of an Ising spin glass', Acta Physica Polonica A, vol. 97, pp. 983 - 986, http://dx.doi.org/10.12693/APhysPolA.97.983
2000
Other
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Keenihan S (ed.), 2017, Not taking the piss: why it’s important to examine how we teach and test physics to reduce gender bias, https://theconversation.com/not-taking-the-piss-why-its-important-to-examine-how-we-teach-and-test-physics-to-reduce-gender-bias-84262
2017

Senior Fellow, Higher Education Academy

Wilson AN; Wilson KF; Low DJ, 2017, Taking the pee out of physics: how boys are getting a leg-up, TES Global, London, UK, https://www.tes.com/news/school-news/breaking-views/taking-pee-out-physics-how-boys-are-getting-a-leg
2017
Organisational units
lensSchool of Engineering & Information Technology