Monash University Science handbook 1995

Copyright © Monash University 1995
Enquiries to publishing@udev.monash.edu.au

Mathematics

The department has graduate programs in applied mathematics, pure mathematics and mathematical statistics, and accepts students for work leading to the MSc and MA degrees (by coursework and minor thesis, or by thesis alone) and for the PhD degree. The programs reflect the research interests of staff, which at present include astrophysics, solar and planetary physics, geophysical fluid dynamics, numerical analysis, dynamical meteorology, climate dynamics, radiation and remote sensing, oceanography, general relativity, geophysics, biomathematics, symmetries of differential equations, optimisation, control theory, computer algebra, history of mathematics, logic, model theory, algebra, group theory, semigroup theory, functional analysis, number theory, differential geometry, measure theory, probability, quantum logic, population genetics, dam theory, branching processes, statistical inference, medical statistics, industrial statistics, time series analysis, stochastic matrices. There are regular specialist and general seminars. More detailed information can be obtained from the postgraduate and research booklet available from the department.

Applied mathematics

Research supervision is available in the applied mathematics fields listed above. If there is sufficient demand, advanced topics may be offered in these areas. Support for some research activities is provided by the Centre for Dynamical Meteorology and Oceanography, the Centre for Computational Mathematics and the Cooperative Research Centre for Southern Hemisphere Meteorology.

An MSc course in meteorology is offered by coursework and minor thesis on a full-time or part-time basis. Those interested should consult either the director of the Centre for Dynamical Meteorology and Oceanography or the director of the applied mathematics section.

An MSc course in mathematical modelling is offered by coursework and minor thesis on a full-time or part-time basis. Part-time candidates supported by their employers are welcome and are encouraged to bring industrial or other problems as a basis for their thesis.

The following units may be offered in 1995 at graduate level (further details concerning syllabus, textbooks etc. are available from the director of the applied mathematics section):

* A5020 Mathematical modelling

* A5040 Special topics in astrophysics

* A5110 Special topics in general relativity

* A5120 Supercomputing

* A5500 Synoptic meteorology laboratory

* A5511 Dynamical meteorology of the tropics

* A5521 Atmosphere boundary layer

* A5532 Numerical weather analysis and prediction

* A5542 Cloud physics and convection

* A5552 Radiative transfer and remote sensing

* A5642 Air pollution meteorology and modelling

Pure mathematics

Research supervision is available in the pure mathematics fields listed in the opening paragraph above. Students interested in enrolling for the MSc or PhD degree should contact the director of the pure mathematics section preferably no later than August in the year before they wish to start work on a higher degree.

Mathematical statistics

Two broad choices are available for research work in statistics. The first possibility is in research leading to a written thesis in some area of probability theory, stochastic processes, statistical theory or applied statistics. The second possibility is a coursework MSc in applied statistics. Details may be obtained from the director of the mathematical statistics section.

Centre for Computational Mathematics

The Centre for Computational Mathematics has been formed to assist in, and provide focus for, the application of computing, mathematics and scientific theory to complex scientific problems. The members of the centre, who are mainly drawn from Monash University, include engineers, physicists, chemists, biochemists, mathematicians and computer scientists. Further information concerning the centre can be obtained by contacting the director, Professor J J Monaghan.

Centre for Dynamical Meteorology and Oceanography

The Centre for Dynamical Meteorology and Oceanography provides opportunities for research and postgraduate study in meteorology, oceanography and geophysical fluid dynamics. The program is based broadly on theoretical work, numerical simulation, laboratory modelling and field observation.

The centre is also involved in a program of field observation carried out jointly with the Bureau of Meteorology and the CSIRO Division of Atmospheric Research. Information about research in this field and other activities of the group may be obtained from the director, Dr M J Reeder

Cooperative Research Centre for Southern Hemisphere Meteorology

The Cooperative Research Centre for Southern Hemisphere Meteorology (CRC SHM) was established in 1992, and brought together Monash University, the Bureau of Meteorology (Australia) Pty Ltd, CSIRO divisions of Atmospheric Research and of Applied Physics, and Cray Research (Australia) Pty Ltd in a collaborative program of meteorological research. Based on the main Clayton campus of Monash University, the CRC is the largest university-based institute in Australia for research and graduate training in the meteorological sciences. The educational program, of which the MSc in meteorology is a part, greatly extends and enriches postgraduate training in Australia, making the program one of the most comprehensive in the world.

CRC research is aimed at meeting Australia's needs in three key areas that, at present, are not being adequately addressed within existing institutions. Specifically, there are three research programs:

(i) stratospheric ozone

(ii) global transport modelling and

(iii) Southern Hemisphere climate dynamics.

For further in information, contact the director, Professor Graeme Stephens.



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