Dr Sue Pyke

Lecturer

College of Science and Engineering

+61 8 8201 2049
place Physical Sciences
GPO Box 2100, ADELAIDE, SA, 5001

Sue Pyke is a teacher-specialist Lecturer (Chemistry) and Teaching Program Director (Physical and Molecular Sciences) at Flinders University, Australia. Sue favours a student-centered approach to the teaching of Chemistry at all year levels, which promotes engagement and deep understanding. This is supported by innovative activities designed to support tranisition to the study of chemistry at University. This is informed by Sue's experiences as a first Year Director (2013-2016) and convenor of the Flinders First Year Community of Practice (FYCoP) (2014-2020). Mentoring students and young academics who may be new to teaching has long been an important part of Sue's role.

Qualifications

1989 - BSc Hons, University of Sydney

1991 - PhD (Synthetic Organic Chemistry), University of Sydney.

Honours, awards and grants

2022 (S1) Student Nominated Teaching Award, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University. (Runner-up)
2021 (S2) Student Nominated Teaching Award, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University.
2016 Faculty Innovation in Teaching and Learning Award, Flinders University
2016 Dean’s Award for Excellence in Teaching, Flinders University
2010 Faculty Scholar, Faculty of Science & Engineering, Flinders University

Key responsibilities

As Teaching Program Director for Physics and the Molecular Sciences Sue has the privilege of having input into the teaching direction across Physics, Chemistry, Forensic Science, Biotechnology and Environmental Health. This has been a great opportunity to exercise leadership, and assist with managing change across these areas. Most excitingly it allows working with a wider range of colleagues, and encouraging them to strive for excellence in their teaching.

Sue teaches into all of Flinders first year Chemistry topics, and enjoys topic coordination in CHEM1201 General Chemistry. This important topic enables students to have not studied chemistry beyond Year 10 level to gain access to a wide range of degrees across the University that require knowledge of Chemistry. Unique student support are needed to assist this journey. Sue also coordinates CHEM1011 Chemistry 1B, a topic which was redeveloped in 2023, which equips students with the skills they will need for success in second year Chemistry and beyond.

Sue has also taught into 3 different second year topics in the past, encompassing Physical Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry,and currently teaches into CHEM3711/8711 Organic synthesis and Mechanisms in third year.

Topic coordinator
CHEM1011 Chemistry 1B
CHEM1201 General Chemistry
Topic lecturer
ENGR8752 Engineering Materials and Systems GE
CHEM1010 Chemistry 1A (S1 & S2)
CHEM3711 Organic Synthesis and Mechanisms
CHEM8711 Organic Synthesis and Mechanism GE
ENGR1722 Engineering Materials and Systems