The dean of science at the University of Technology Sydney has been charged after she allegedly orchestrated a fake harassment campaign against herself, prompting a lengthy police investigation and the implementation of significant security measures.

Environmental chemist and toxicologist Professor Dianne Jolley faced a Sydney court on Wednesday over charges she allegedly sent threatening letters to herself between July and November.

She is the fifth dean in as many years to serve in the UTS science faculty. In June the department was rocked by a decision to stop offering its degree in traditional Chinese medicine after more than 25 years.

University sources have told The Sydney Morning Herald the charges against Professor Jolley are believed to be linked to the course closure.