Dr Liu-Fei Tan

Lecturer (Teaching Specialist (Acad))

College of Medicine and Public Health

+61 8 8201 2448
place Bedford Park
GPO Box 2100, ADELAIDE, SA, 5001

I am a Chinese-born Malaysian with a unique family history.  Like many, I witnessed my parents build and grow their business despite their lack of formal education. My brothers and I are the first generation in our family to attend university. While my three brothers have all become surgeons, I have pursued a career in academia—much to my father’s amusement, as he still jokingly refers to me as a “fake doctor.”

My passion lies in supporting students as they navigate their academic journeys. I am deeply passionate about science and committed to fostering a learning environment that encourages innovation and creativity. I strive to train my students to become innovative and creative scientists who can think critically and contribute meaningfully to their fields. 

 

Qualifications

I hold a PhD in Medicine (Research) from Flinders University, which I completed in 2017. Prior to that, I earned a Bachelor of Biotechnology (Honours) from Flinders University in 2009, graduating with first class honours and receiving the university medal.

 

Honours, awards and grants

2020: CMPH VPED Teaching Excellence Award

2022: Student-Led Teaching Awards, CMPH Honourable Mention

2023: Vice-Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching

 

Key responsibilities

I coordinate several biotechnology topics for both first-year and third-year students within the College of Medicine and Public Health. These topics not only emphasize theoretical content but also focus on developing practical skills essential for the field. This dual focus is crucial as it ensures that students are not only knowledgeable about the latest scientific theories and advancements but also proficient in applying these concepts in real-world settings. By integrating practical skills into the curriculum, we prepare students to meet the demands of the biotechnology industry, enhancing their employability and readiness to contribute effectively to scientific research and innovation.

Additionally, I coordinate a different kind of topic—STEM8001 Advanced Professional Skills. This core course within the College of Science and Engineering is designed for international Master’s students in science, biotechnology, mathematics, engineering, and computer science. Throughout the course, our students focus on developing a wide range of transferable skills essential for effectively communicating their scientific endeavors to diverse audiences. We emphasize continuous skill improvement to prepare them as future contributors and leaders in various fields, including community, industry, and government.

I am also the Academic Integrity Officer for the College of Medicine and Public Health, assisting staff and students with academic integrity matters across the college.

Topic coordinator
BTEC8003 Legal, Ethical and Social Aspects of Bioscience
BTEC2002 Legal, Ethical and Social Aspects of Bioscience
STEM8001 Advanced Professional Skills
BTEC3002 Medical Biotechnology
BTEC9008 Industrial and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology
STEM1001 The Nature of Science
BTEC3003 Industrial and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology
BTEC9010 Medical Biotechnology
Topic lecturer
BTEC1001 Introduction to Biotechnology