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MSc and PhD programs are offered by all the departments of the Faculty of
Science.
In the Faculty of Medicine, prospective graduate students will also find many
research fields from where they may be able to choose a program for a MSc (or
other higher) degree. The main disciplines are anatomy, biochemistry, community
medicine, forensic medicine, medicine, microbiology, obstetrics and
gynaecology, paediatrics, pathology and immunology, pharmacology, physiology,
psychological medicine, social and preventive medicine, and surgery. Programs
may be offered in research carried out at the Centre for Early Human
Development, the Centre for the Study of Mothers' and Children's Health and the
Institute of Reproduction and Development.
Prospective MSc students are also referred to the handbooks for the Faculty of
Arts. Below are outlines of the principal areas of research and/ or coursework
programs.
Coordinator:
Professor D H Barkla
Areas of research available in the department include: molecular regulation of
kidney development; renal disease in Australian Aborigines and African
Americans; the renal basis of hypertension; remodelling of the cardiovascular
system in hypertension; medical genetics, molecular haematology, and inherited
disorders of the red blood cell; reproductive function in humans and other
mammals with emphasis upon the hormonal control of spermatogenesis, foetal and
postnatal testicular development and the cell- cell interactions within the
testis; neurodegenerative diseases, in particular motor neuron disease;
identification of novel genes associated with neurodegeneration; the molecular
regulation of neuronal birth and death; diabetic and chemotherapy-induced
neuropathy; the structure and function of connective tissues, including
cartilage, ligaments and bone; approaches to connective tissue replacement.
In addition to specialised techniques in individual laboratories, the
department contains core facilities for transmission and scanning electron
microscopy, fluorescence microscopy, quantitative light microscopy
(morphometry, stereology), tissue culture, and molecular biology. An SPF
facility for housing transgenic and knockout mice is under construction.
Coordinator: Associate Professor R J Devenish
Autoimmune
diseases - The molecular biology and immunology of autoimmune diseases,
particularly insulin-dependent diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and primary
biliary cirrhosis; molecular cloning and expression of autoantigens;
determination of subcellular localisation of target autoantigens in cells and
tissues; examination of the effects of environmental agents on autoantigen
expression; use of phage display to identify mimotopes reactive with
autoantibodies; development of tests for early diagnosis and monitoring
treatment.
Bioprocess technology - Analytical and process aspects of biotechnology
and biopharmaceutical developments; separation science and novel adsorbent
development; peptide molecular design and analogue synthesis; development of
computer software for biomolecular simulations and purification process
optimisation; peptide and protein analysis, purification and characterisation;
synthesis of combinatorial peptide and non-peptide libraries for drug candidate
discovery; conformational, spectroscopic and functional aspects of
structure-function determination; protein-receptor and protein-ligand
interactions; surface modification of polymeric and ceramic materials;
molecular biological applications in cancer research and diagnosis; development
of peptide-based constructs as vaccine candidates for viral diseases; growth
factors and related proteins important in the control of reproduction, blood
vessel development and cancers of the gonads and prostate.
Connective tissue - Physico-chemical behaviour of the extracellular
components in connective tissues with reference to complex macromolecular
interactions and the pathology of arthritis; roles of polysaccharides in
binding interactions with proteins in the extracellular matrix; biosynthesis,
structure and function of proteoglycans in cartilage and the endometrium.
Cyclosporins/immunophilins and apoptosis - Biosynthesis and mechanisms
of action of cyclosporins, immunophilins and peptidyl-prolyl-cis/ trans
isomerases; plasma membrane NADH-oxidoreductase; apoptosis; mechanism of action
of the anticancer drug Didemnin B; analysis of the involvement of protein
kinases/phosphatases and peptidyl-prolyl-cis/trans isomerases in the
formation of long-term memory (in association with the Department of
Psychology).
Extracellular matrix/kidney - Biochemistry and biophysics of basement
membranes and capillary walls; extracellular matrix structure and function in
the glomerular capillary wall; mechanisms of proteinuria in kidney disease
including diabetes; urine markers for renal disease; drug development for renal
disease in diabetes; biotechnology of filtration devices.
Hyaluronan metabolism - Cellular and genetic control of hyaluronan
synthesis; investigation of congenital overproduction of hyaluronan in a
newborn infant and in a canine model; isolation of cDNA clones and the gene for
hyaluronan synthase in both species; development of probes for the study of
congenital hyaluronosis and numerous pathological states in which secondary
hyaluronosis is an important feature; medical uses of hyaluronan, particularly
in drug delivery.
Interferons - Mechanism of action, particularly signal transduction
pathways controlling cell growth and the cell cycle; cellular basis for
sensitivity/resistance of melanomas to interferons; interferons and Epstein
Barr virus immortalisation of B-lymphocytes; identification of
interferon-regulated genes involved in establishing the growth-inhibitory or
anti-viral states in cells; cancer immunotherapy and gene therapy based on
interferons.
Mammalian mitochondria - Role of mitochondria in human ageing and
disease; the contribution of mitochondrial DNA mutation to impaired organelle
function; use of photosensitisers to induce reactive oxygen species to study
mitochondrial disorders and in relation to photodynamic therapy of cancer; role
of mitochondria in calcium homeostasis and in cell death; use of green
fluorescent protein to study events in mitochondria.
Molecular parasitology - Molecular biochemistry of parasites; parasite
vaccines and diagnostic tests; analysis of immune responses to parasites; use
of DNA vaccine technology for parasites (malaria, Fasciola); mechanisms
of resistance (immunologic and genetic) to Fasciola in sheep;
biochemistry of proteases in parasite infection and fecundity.
Neutrophils - The biology of polymorphonuclear neutrophils in
inflammatory disease; the role of calgranulins A, B and C in the activation and
function of neutrophils and their involvement in sulphite formation; the role
of inorganic sulphite in inflammation and autoimmunity.
Obesity and diabetes - Aetiology and diagnosis of obesity and diabetes;
development of novel therapeutic agents of biological origin for the treatment
of metabolic disorders; nutritional management in the prevention of obesity and
diabetic complications (in association with the Department of Medicine).
Peptide/protein structure and design - Antimicrobial peptide action;
development of novel protease inhibitors for the treatment of stroke; analysis
of protein-folding pathways; de novo design of proteins; spectroscopic
analysis of peptide-protein conformation using circular dichroism and nuclear
magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy; mechanism of peptide and protein
retention in HPLC and capillary electrophoresis; biosensor analysis of
peptide/protein interactions.
Proteases - The role of proteases in health and disease; mechanistic
studies on the interactions of proteases (particularly thrombin) with
substrates, inhibitors and receptors; protein engineering and protein
structure; molecular forces involved in the interaction of proteins; enzyme
kinetics; development of novel inhibitors of proteases, particularly for use as
antithrombotic agents; the role of cysteine proteases from P. gingivalis in
causing periodontal disease; biochemical and biophysical analysis of protein
folding and misfolding pathways; molecular modelling.
Signal transduction - The function of phosphoinositide-derived second
messengers as signalling molecules in the regulation of secretion, cytoskeletal
rearrangement and cellular proliferation; metabolism of
phosphoinositide-derived messengers mediated by the inositol polyphosphate
5-phosphatase (5-phosphatase) enzyme family; characterisation of cloned
mammalian and yeast 5-phosphatases focusing on their intracellular location,
substrate specificity and role in controlling cellular proliferation.
Yeast - Application of recombinant DNA technology to gene expression and
protein engineering in relation to protein structure and assembly of protein
complexes; the molecular genetics, biosynthesis and assembly of
membrane-associated mitochondrial ATP synthase; biosynthesis of the
mitochondrial organelle; relocation of genes between organelles; imaging of
mitochondrial events with green fluorescent protein.
A booklet is available from the department that specifically details honours and postgraduate studies. Prospective students should seek additional information from Associate Professor R J Devenish.
Facilities
are available for graduate candidature in the Department of Biological Sciences
leading to the degrees of MSc and PhD. The degrees are awarded for the
successful completion of a supervised research program, though some coursework
may be prescribed to meet the needs of individual students.
The department maintains electron microscopes, analytical equipment,
constant-temperature rooms, experimental areas and a field station. Research
may be undertaken in ecology, genetics and plant or animal biology in the
following areas: freshwater and marine ecology, plant molecular and
developmental genetics, plant physiology and cell biology, animal behaviour,
neurone development, ecology of plants, vertebrates and communities, invasion
biology, biology of algae, evolution and conservation genetics, animal
physiology and biochemistry. A brochure providing more detailed information is
available from the head of the department or other academic staff members in
charge of individual projects.
The Department of Chemical Engineering has an academic staff of 17, and includes the Australian Pulp and Paper Institute (APPI) and the Dairy Process Engineering Centre (DPEC). APPI was set up with very substantial support from the Australian pulp and paper industry, and undertakes teaching and research into aspects of the chemical and process engineering of pulp and paper manufacture. DPEC is supported by the DRDC (Dairy Research and Development Corporation) and undertakes research and technology transfer that addresses the needs of the Australian dairy industry.
Adsorption
engineering - The department has established a strong research emphasis on
the application of adsorption processes to the separation of gases.
Experimental pressure and vacuum swing adsorption processes are being developed
for a wide range of gas systems. Process research includes development of novel
cycle configurations for gas separation as well as effective control for
optimal product yield. Numerical modelling and optimisation studies are also
being undertaken to facilitate the design and optimisation of adsorption
processes. Experimental adsorbent characterisation equipment is available to
accurately determine equilibrium and kinetic information for adsorbents.
Biotechnology and environmental engineering - The department has
substantial on-going interests in aspects of waste treatment and biochemical
engineering. It has expertise and facilities suitable for studies in
fermentation technology (microbial kinetics and product synthesis, novel
fermenter design and analysis, biological process analysis and development).
Recent studies have involved yeasts (ethanol), bacteria (Bacillus for enzyme
synthesis) and algal culture. Downstream processing including isolation and
purification of biological products - analysis; optimisation and scaleup
of affinity chromatography; supercritical gas extractions; process analysis and
development is also studied. Wastewater treatment studies include kinetics and
mass transfer in anaerobic digesters; trickling filters; sulphide generation
and corrosion problems in sewers; analysis and development of wastewater
treatment arrangements for specific wastes; disposal of sludges from treatment
facilities. A new research area in environmental engineering currently being
explored is the oxidation of hazardous chemical wastes in a supercritical water
environment. Experimental and theoretical studies are being conducted to
elucidate the reaction pathways for the oxidation of simple model compounds in
supercritical water.
Food engineering - Research is an important component of the activities
of the Dairy Process Engineering Centre. The centre has strong industry links
and many of its programs are undertaken collaboratively with industry. Present
research programs focus on biofouling and control of biofilm development
through equipment design and operation; conceptual design and process plant
utilisation within the dairy industry; the influence of process design and
operation on the characteristics of dairy foods.
Energy conservation and reaction engineering - The department has had a
long standing interest in the area of reaction engineering, especially in
fluidised bed reactors and gas-liquid reactors. Projects in this area include
drying of brown coal and other mineral products; hydroliquefaction of coal;
catalytic oxygen removal from low rank coals; catalyst development;
polymerisation reactions and mechanisms; fluidised bed reactors; gas-liquid
oxidations.
Extractive metallurgy and mineral processing - Modelling of unit
operations used in mineral processing includes screens; hydrocyclones; sluices
and spirals; jigs and shear flocculation. Thermodynamic modelling involves
complex metallurgical systems; the electrochemistry of sulphide surfaces in
flotation; the treatment of refractory gold ores; the solvent extraction
separation of metal ions; the kinetics of leaching nonferrous sulphide
materials; the recovery of cyanide ions from gold tailings streams; the
fixation of arsenic.
Process modelling and control - Research is being conducted on the
dynamic modelling of complex counter-current transfer processes, and their
control. Also of current interest are modelling behaviour of fluid-particle
systems. The control of batch reaction processes is being studied, with
particular emphasis on the role of model-based controls.
Pulp and paper technology - Particular research emphasis is placed on
pulping, bleaching, chemical recovery, fibre suspension, fibre and paper
properties, stock preparation and papermaking. Present research programs focus
on effects of fibre properties on kinetics of pulping; bleaching and washing;
understanding the effect of recycling on paper properties; development of
techniques for measuring the properties of single fibres and determination of
the effects of species, refining, humidity and temperature on these properties;
increasing our understanding of the effect of fibre properties on the
properties of paper; analysis of sheet structure and determination of its
contribution to paper properties; modelling of paper mechanical properties and
of papermaking processes; characterising the drainage properties of fibre
suspensions with and without additives; fractionation of fibre suspensions.
Rheology and non-Newtonian fluid mechanics - Current projects include
rheology of polymer solutions and liquid crystalline polymers; suspensions
including mineral and food products; effect of rheology on roll coating;
measurement of elongational viscosity; relationship between the molecular
structure in dilute polymer solutions and rheology.
Process industry economics/management - The following research projects
are typical of those available in this area: impact of greenhouse gas reduction
on process industries; analysis and modelling of performance trends for process
technologies; evaluating scale economies; design and costing of cooling-water
systems within Australia; capital cost estimation at the R and D phase of a
project.
Particle technology - Research is being done into the physical modelling
of bubbling fluidised beds and circulating fluidised beds with reference to
such processes as gasification, combustion and gas-phase catalytic reactions.
Experimental work and theoretical modelling concerning the upward flow of
gas-particle suspensions is in progress. Research into the imaging of fluidised
bed processes; the dispersion of fine powders in air with applications to drug
delivery to the lung and the measurement of particle size is also part of this
area. Studies of the influence of humidity on interparticle forces and the
relationship with changes in the bulk properties of powders are being carried
out.
Analytical
and instrumentation - New techniques for separating and sizing industrial,
environmental and biological particles and macromolecules (field-flow
fractionation); methods for real-time monitoring of waters and wastewaters
based on flow injection analysis; microwave instrument development
('millijet'); analysis of gas molecules using fluorescence spectra; rare earth
elements in minerals using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry.
Chemical biology and medicinal chemistry - Elucidation of enzyme
mechanisms through the study of model reactions and by the design of mechanism
based inhibitors; modelling metalloproteins and metal-induced biological
processes; anchored complexes in protein separation; design and testing of
pharmaceuticals including anti-cancer and anti-ulcer agents.
Electrochemistry and electroanalytical chemistry - Fabrication and
properties of microelectrodes and chemically modified electrodes; on-line
monitoring of metals in process streams; theory of voltammetry - electrode
kinetics; development of electrochemical instrumentation; redox properties of
organometallic and coordination compounds; electrochemical synthesis;
spectroscopic identification of electrochemically generated intermediates in
unusual oxidation states; bioinorganic electrochemistry; photoelectrochemistry
and electrochemical catalysis; solar cells.
Environmental and green chemistry - Nutrient cycling in aquatic systems;
aquatic colloid chemistry; microbial ecology of lowland rivers; new processes
with less energy requirements, less waste, less or no solvents and developing
new synthetic pathways.
Industrial applications - Structure and reactivity of coals, controlled
release technology, non-linear optical materials; molecular recognition used in
the extraction and purification of sugars; purification of fullerenes.
Materials chemistry - Sol-gel precursors for ceramic oxides with
applications as electrochromics, protective coatings, sensors and optical
films; organometallics and related complexes as precursors for semiconductor
and microelectronic materials; microporous materials including zeolites and
pillared clays; metal fullerides and supramolecular complexation of
fullerences; inorganic glasses (non-oxide); liquid crystals for opto-electronic
devices, buckminster-fullerenes; new conducting polymeers, recyclable
polymers.
Nano-chemistry - Self-assembly of multicomponent systems based on
host-guest chemistry; molecular recognitions of fullerenes and other golubular
molecules; supramolecular indicated transport of molecules across membranes;
molecular and supramolecular photonic devices.
Polymer chemistry - Novel ions conducting polymers for applications in
batteries, capacitors and electrochromic windows; improving the properties of
polymer blends; polyurethane elastomers and foams.
Spectroscopy and molecular properties - Spectroscopy in supersonic jets;
laser detection of gases released in coal gasification; high resolution FTIR
spectroscopy of trnasients and atmospheric species; IR spectroscopy of
biological molecules, mircowave investigation of the molecular processes of
interstellar masers; molecular structures of small molecules and highly
reactive compounds from spectroscopy and computational chemistry; x-ray
crystallography, magnetochemistry, solution and solid state spectroscopy and
electron microscopy in structural evaluation.
Synthetic and catalytic chemistry - Total synthesis of biologically and
clinically important molecules, including antiobiotics, antifungals,
antivirals, marine toxins and steroids; heterocyclic synthesis, including a
wide variety of oxygen and nitrogen-containing heterocycles, many of which are
found in important, bio-active molecules; stereoselective methods, design of
new reactions using enzymes and organotransition metal catalysts, ring
expansion and contraction reactions, conjugate additions; invention of chemical
reagents and new chemical reactions, including metal-based systems; synthetic
methods for organometallics, coordination complexes, clusters, heterometallic
species, metallopolymers and fluorocarbon compounds; organometallics of main
group elements, d-block metals, rare earths including catalysts, reagents for
organic synthesis, and novel clusters; metal complexes, including amides,
imides, oxides, alkoxides, divergent receptor molecules; metal ion hydrolysis
products, corrosion inhibitors; catalysis of polymerisation and
hydroformylation; element-carbon bond activation.
Theoretical and computation chemistry - New ligands for asymmetric
synthesis; investigation of reaction mechanisms by application of
semi-empirical and ab-initio calculations; ab-initio calculations in
supramolecular chemistry.
Coal product development - Development of coal dewatering processes;
characterisation of coal structure and coal-water interactions; humic acids for
soil improvement; bitumen from coal; liquid fuels from coal; active carbon
manufacture and applications; catalytic processes in fuel science; applications
of molecular modelling to fuel science.
Coordinators:
Dr Mark Jessell and Dr Patrice Rey
The PhD program is a research program but also involves participation in
seminar series and, where relevant, recommended short courses (not for credit).
The MSc may also be completed as a research program but may be undertaken as a
combination of coursework and research. See the section 'Graduate studies by
coursework' for a description of the MSc by coursework and the areas of
research offered by the department.
Coordinator: Associate Professor Kevin O'Connor
The
diverse research interests of the teaching staff and the variety of facilities
available offer a wide range of research possibilities to students in physical
geography and environmental science. Many of the graduate theses already
completed have been concerned with research problems in Australia but there is
increasing research interest in the Asian region and depending on available
research funds, research outside Australia may also be possible. Strong
research interests include geomorphic process studies, basic and applied
climatology, environmental history, palaeoecology, landscape evolution,
geographical information systems and remote sensing, environmental conflicts
and the interpretation of changing attitudes to the environment.
Candidates for the PhD degree normally should have a masters degree in
geography or allied environmental discipline for which the major requirement is
substantial research accomplishment. Normally, graduate students without a
masters degree are enrolled in the first instance for the MSc. If the research
topic appears to have PhD potential and if the candidate's progress warrants
promotion, a recommendation may be made to the PhD and Scholarships Committee
to change the candidature to that of PhD.
Further information can be gained from the Arts entry in this handbook and the
School of Geography and Environmental Science graduate studies handbook.
Inquiries should be referred to the head of the department.
The
school's purpose is to promote understanding of the interactions of ecological
and social processes, leading to action to facilitate a sustainable world. It
emphasises the value of understanding the environment through practical
projects undertaken within a framework of social and philosophical theory,
thereby encouraging an understanding of how environmental action can be
achieved.
Coursework and research involve multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary
approaches, and there is an emphasis on collaborative and applied team
projects.
Students with an honours degree in any discipline may apply for enrolment in
masters programs in environmental science. Students with H2B honours may enrol
in the MEnvSc by coursework and students with H2A honours may enrol in either
the MEnvSc by coursework or the MEnvSc by research combined with coursework.
Students with a bachelors degree without honours may enrol in the masters
qualifying in environmental science by either coursework or by research or in a
Graduate Diploma in Environmental Science.
Further information on the environmental science programs can be gained from
the Arts section in this handbook. The Details of Courses handbook is
available from the School of Geography and Environmental Science. Inquiries
should be referred to the head of the School of Geography and Environmental
Science.
The department has graduate programs in mathematics and statistics, and accepts students for work leading to the MSc and MA degrees (by coursework and 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, computational fluid dynamics, numerical analysis, dynamical meteorology, climate dynamics, radiation and remote sensing, physical oceanography, nonlinear dynamics, curve motion, general relativity, geophysics, biomathematics, optimisation, control theory, computer algebra, history of mathematics, logic, algebra, group theory, semigroup theory, functional analysis, number theory, differential geometry, nonlinear partial differential equations, geometric analysis, applied probability, branching processes, statistical inference, medical statistics, industrial statistics and statistical computing. There are regular specialist and general seminars. More detailed information can be obtained from the director of postgraduate studies in the department.
Research
supervision is available in the applied mathematics fields listed above. If
there is sufficient demand, advanced lecture 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 and
Industrial Mathematics and the Cooperative Research Centre for Southern
Hemisphere Meteorology.
An MSc course in meteorology is offered by thesis and coursework on a full-time
or part-time basis. Those interested should consult the director of the Centre
for Dynamical Meteorology and Oceanography.
Some of the following units may be offered in 2000 at graduate level:
Research supervision is available in the pure mathematics fields listed in the opening paragraph above. Interested students should contact the director of postgraduate studies preferably no later than August in the year before they wish to start work on a higher degree.
Two broad choices are available for research work in statistics. The first possibility is either an MSc or a PhD degree involving 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 postgraduate studies.
The Key Centre for Statistical Science is a cooperative venture established in 1984 between Monash University, the University of Melbourne, La Trobe University and RMIT. The centre offers courses leading to a masters degree in statistical science. More details of the centre's activities may be obtained from Dr Malcolm Clark.
The Centre for Computational and Industrial 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. The centre's research activities are primarily concerned with computational problems in industry. Further information concerning the centre can be obtained by contacting the director, Professor J J Monaghan.
The
Centre for Dynamical Meteorology and Oceanography provides opportunities for
research and postgraduate study in meteorology, physical oceanography and
geophysical fluid dynamics. The program is based broadly on theoretical work,
numerical simulation 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, Professor R Grimshaw.
The
Cooperative Research Centre for Southern Hemisphere Meteorology (Meteorology
CRC) was established in July 1993 as a cooperative venture between Monash
University, the Bureau of Meteorology (Australia) Pty Ltd, Silicon Graphics
(Aust.) Pty Ltd, CSIRO Division of Atmospheric Research and the supporting
party of CSIRO Division of Telecommunications and Industrial Physics. The goal
of the Meteorology CRC is to conduct research leading to improvements in our
understanding of some key processes that govern the current state of the
atmosphere and its variability.
The centre has five main programs: three in research, one in education and the
remaining one in technology transfer and communication. The Meteorology CRC
seeks to build an understanding of the key mechanisms governing the
distribution and variability of stratosphere ozone and greenhouse gas
concentrations and the processes responsible for the climate variation observed
in the Southern Hemisphere. The research falls into three areas: ozone
(program A), transport modelling (program B) and Southern Hemisphere
climate dynamics (program C).
The education program includes graduate student research opportunities leading
to MSc and PhD degrees across the whole field of atmospheric sciences, a
comprehensive MSc in meteorology by thesis and coursework, links to
undergraduate courses, schools-based units and continuing professional
education activities in meteorology. The technology transfer and communications
program is to communicate the centre's research outcomes in such a manner as to
ensure that the maximum benefit accrues to Australia, including Australian
industry, the environment and the economy generally.
For further information, contact the director of the Meteorology CRC.
Graduate coursework and research programs in meteorology are offered through the Centre for Dynamical Meteorology and Oceanography and the Department of Mathematics and Statistics. An MSc by thesis and coursework in meteorology is available on a full-time or part-time basis. For further information, see the Centre for Dynamical Meteorology and Oceanography entry above or contact the director, Professor R Grimshaw.
Coordinator:
Professor Ben Adler
Microbiology is at the forefront of some of the most exciting recent
developments in medical research and biotechnology. The Department of
Microbiology is located in a modern building with fully equipped laboratories
and provides the opportunity to carry out innovative research under the
supervision of staff who are recognised as international experts in their
fields. The accent is on the use of molecular biology and recombinant DNA
technology to investigate the interaction of microorgansims with humans,
animals plants and the environment at the molecular and cellular level.
Opportunities exist for suitably qualified graduates to undertake postgraduate
studies in one of the following areas:
Specific
infectious diseases under investigation include malaria, tuberculosis,
dysentery, viral gastroenteritis, gonorrhoea, gas gangrene, dengue,
leptospirosis, footrot, fowl cholera and plant viral diseases.
Further information on specific research projects may be obtained from the
coordinator (telephone +(03) 9905 4815, fax
+(03) 9905 4811; email Ben.Adler@med.monash.edu.au) or the department
web page at http:// www.med.monash.edu.au/ micro/department/research.htm
Coordinator:
Dr Richard Boyd
The following fields of research are available. Structure-function studies of
surface membrane proteins on plasma cells. Molecular basis of systemic and
organ-specific autoimmune diseases, identification and molecular cloning of
target autoantigens, delineation of the role of T lymphocytes in the
immunopathogenesis of autoimmune gastritis and mechanisms of tolerance to extra
thymic gastric autoantigens. Allergy: role of T cells in the genesis of
allergic responses including hay fever and asthma. Developmental molecular
biology: regulation of gene expression of a defined gastric mucosal gene, the
gastric proton pump. Molecular biology of the Golgi complex: identification and
cloning of Golgi autoantigens; identification and definition of the molecular
signals which retain proteins in the Golgi. Cytokines: role in diseases. Thymus
biology: the role of the thymic stroma in the inthrathymic development of
T lymphocytes; generation, identification, and functional characterisation
of monoclonal antibodies to the thymic stroma, homeostasis of T-dependent
immune system. The role of MHC molecules in antigen presentation and
immunological tolerance; structure and function of T cell receptors; fine
specificity of T cell receptors; immunopathogenesis of bacterial
infections.
Inquiries should be directed to the coordinator (telephone
(03) 9276 2738, fax (03) 9529 6484, email Richard.Boyd@med.
monash.edu.au) or the department web page at http://www.path. monash.edu.au
Research
areas are offered which include studies on the properties of drugs which affect
the cardiovascular system, particularly those which affect autonomic reflexes
and vascular smooth muscle; the pharmacology of antihypertensive agents and
eicosanoids; vascular complications of diabetes; studies of the effects of
pregnancy on cardiovascular reflexes and the uterine vasculature;
pharmacological and biochemical investigations of the effects of drugs on
smooth muscle within the reproductive tract; the effects of drugs on vascular
function and transport in the human placenta; drug receptors as membrane-bound
enzyme systems; molecular pharmacology of receptors; hormonal modulation of
drug receptors; studies of the properties of newly synthesised novel compounds
of potential therapeutic use (eg anti-arrhythmic agents, neuroprotective
drugs), in collaboration with chemists; studies on the pharmacological
properties of novel compounds extracted from marine organisms; pharmacology of
Australian animal venoms; pharmacological applications of confocal microscopy;
neurochemical studies of neurotransmission; pharmacology of novel
neuroprotective agents; potassium ion channels, applications of cell culture
for studying drug action; molecular pharmacology of G-protein coupled receptors
and signalling pathways.
For up-to-date information regarding our course offerings, see the web page at
http://www.med.monash.edu.au/pharmacology/, or contact our general office on
telephone (03) 9905 4868, fax (03) 9905 5851, or email
pharmacology@med.monash.edu.au
The
Department of Physics offers opportunities for postgraduate work in
experimental, applied and theoretical physics and materials science. A student
enrolling for an MSc, MAppSc or PhD degree, under the guidance of an assigned
supervisor, pursues an individual research project. All postgraduate students
are expected to attend departmental colloquia and other research seminars, and
are required to contribute to a postgraduate seminar series.
Research projects are currently offered in the five broad areas listed below.
Areas of research strength have been identified as (a) x-ray physics and
imaging, (b) novel materials: development and characterisation, and (c)
condensed matter physics. A detailed listing of research projects is published
annually.
Electron
scattering in materials - Inelastic electron scattering in Si and GaAs.
Propagation of waves in disordered systems, phase transitions from extended to
localised states.
Condensed matter physics - Field theoretical studies in condensed
matter, electronic properties of graphite. Models of high temperature
superconductivity. Itinerant magnetism, effective medium theories. Theoretical
studies of nanostructures.
Foundations of quantum mechanics - Multiparticle interference using
entangled states, quantum chaos, quasiprobability distributions in quantum
mechanics, non-linear extensions to quantum mechanics.
Computational physics - Wavelet transforms and the renormalisation
group. Computational models of memory, neural nets, foundation studies in
mathematical morphology. Monte Carlo studies of diffraction and scattering,
x-ray and microwave tomography. Reconstruction algorithms in diffraction
tomography. Cellular automata and physics models, thermodynamics and complex
systems. Large-scale computer simulations of topological defects in the early
universe.
Geometrical and topological methods in theoretical physics - The
gravitational Aharonov-Bohm effect. Topological defects, cosmic strings and
loops in cosmology, studies of geometric phases in physical systems, topology
on discrete lattices, holonomy and path space formulation of gauge theories.
Electron
paramagnetic resonance - Pulsed and continuous-wave EPR studies of free
radicals and transition metal ions in crystals, minerals, chemical complexes
and biological materials. Theoretical studies of lineshapes, asymmetries and
computer simulation of disordered and partially ordered systems. Electron spin
echo envelope modulation, FT-EPR, 2-D EPR and other multiple pulse sequence
techniques. Spin dynamics using time domain spectroscopy. Spin lattice
relaxation of glasses.
Magnetic studies - Magnetism in disordered systems including spin glass
phases, frustration, disordered antiferromagnets and random fields.
Measurements of magnetic susceptibility and magnetic neutron scattering.
Studies by SQUID magnetometry, polarised neutron diffraction, and spectroscopy
with polarisation analysis. The focus is on the stability of spin glasses and
low dimensional magnetic structures through measurements of magnetic
correlations at the atomic level.
Mössbauer spectroscopy - Studies of the magnetic and
crystallographic properties of solids containing iron, rare earths or gold and
their relation to materials development and mineral processing. Areas of
interest include adsorption of gold and other metals onto activated carbon and
polyurethane foams, magnetic properties of invar and iron-nickel meteorites,
exchange-spring magnets, martensite materials, layered magnetic materials,
poorly crystalline iron oxide and related minerals, coal and coal products.
Some studies utilise the unique imaging Mössbauer spectrometer in the
Department of Physics.
Polymer physics - Studies of charge transport and storage in polymeric
dielectrics using thermally stimulated conductivity and depolarisation current
measurements. Mapping of the spatial distribution of excess charge in
dielectrics using the laser-induced pressure pulse technique. Computer
simulation of charge transport in insulators containing traps with a
distribution of charge trapping and release times.
Thin films - Studies of the electronic, magnetic and structural
properties of rf-magnetron sputtered thin films. Currently under study are
materials exhibiting martensite transformations having shape-memory
characteristics, materials suitable for exploitation as thin film solar cells
and flat panel displays. This falls in the research strength area of 'Novel
materials: development and characterisation'.
Materials
science - Studies of flux pinning in type II superconducting
materials. Electromagnetic properties of C60-based materials. Thermal expansion
and related properties for martensitic alloy systems. Studies of martensite
interfaces using optical, scanning, tunnelling and atomic force microscopies.
Dimensional stability of ceramics. Materials for hollow cathode
applications.
Diffraction studies - X-ray and neutron diffraction studies of crystal
structure. Residual stress measurements in engineering materials. Scanning
microscopy and associated EDAX studies of materials.
Acoustics
- Acoustic impulses applied to a variety of environmental problems
including propagation through an atmosphere with wind and temperature
gradients, the effect of atmospheric turbulence, shielding of sound by
barriers, measurement of ground impedance and the effect of moisture on the
acoustic properties of soil. Development of an acoustic landmine detector.
Computed tomography - Low energy x-ray transmission microtomography
studies for the non-destructive evaluation of low atomic number materials,
development of low-energy elastic scatter-computed tomography (CT) using
synchrotron quality x-rays, high energy x-ray and gamma-ray CT system
development for industrial materials such as ceramics and advanced materials.
X-ray densitometry for moisture and density distribution studies in wood,
strain measurements in materials using CT and image-warping methods, automated
feature extraction and classification in CT images. Modelling and
reconstruction algorithm development, particularly for fan-beam and cone-beam
systems, and diffraction techniques.
Computer image processing - Mathematical morphology, design of optimal
filters, feature recognition. Subjective assessment of texture, co-occurrence
matrices, fractal and covariance analysis of texture. Texture and edges in
colour or multiband images. Microwave imaging of defects. Machine vision
applied to industry and agriculture. Neural networks and cellular automata for
image processing.
Search for new physical effects and their application to development of diffraction and imaging techniques for unique characterisation of technologically important materials. Studies of fundamental properties of the complex diffraction amplitude of x-ray and synchrotron radiation. Development of novel theoretical and numerical formalisms for the diffraction and imaging data analysis including the x-ray phase retrieval in one and two-dimensional cases.
The department has a range of sophisticated research equipment, including superconducting magnets producing fields up to 14 tesla, a variety of 4He and 3He cryostats, high pressure-low temperature facilities, 10 Mössbauer spectrometers, Varian CW and Bruker FT/CW electron paramagnetic resonance spectrometers, Quantum Dynamics 7 tesla SQUID magnetometer, Varian and Cary spectrophotometers, Hitachi scanning electron microscope with a Kevex energy dispersive x-ray analysis unit, Scintag x-ray powder diffractometer with automated search-match capabilities, a number of x-ray and gamma-ray computed tomography scanners including a Hitachi CW1000 medical body scanner and an ultra-high resolution (0.01 arc sec.) triple-axis diffractometer equipped with eight different energy radiation sources, high resolution crystalline optics. Precision magnetic susceptibility balances, image and signal processing equipment. Scanning probe microscopes, including atomic force and scanning tunnelling microscopy, two-inch and multiply three-inch rf-magnetron sputter thin film deposition systems. In addition, the department has supporting facilities that include a mechanical workshop, electronics workshop, a computing support group, with extensive computational facilities, including SGI/Sun workstations and Pentium computers and access to a SG parallel challenge computer, and materials preparation facilities. The department also possesses a Koch 1410 helium liquefier to provide cryogenic fluids for the low temperature research. Postgraduate students also have extensive access to research facilities throughout the country such as the reactor HIFAR at Lucas Heights to use the neutron scattering instruments including LONGPOL. Overseas research facilities include steady access to the Australian Synchrotron Research Program at the Photon Factory in Japan and at the Advanced Photon Source in USA as well as to the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) in France.
Monash University is situated close to a number of established high-technology industries. There are frequent opportunities for projects which arise from collaborative work of staff members with industrial organisations. These projects are supported by the facilities and expertise of the department, in addition to the infrastructure of the collaborating industrial partner.
Coordinator:
Professor David Walker (d.walker@med.monash.edu.au)
In the Department of Physiology, the research degrees of MSc or PhD are awarded
based on a research project which at the end of the period of candidature is
written up as a thesis for assessment by local and overseas examiners.
Information on areas of research currently being actively pursued within the
Department of Physiology, as well as profiles of members of teaching and
research staff, can be found on the department website at
http://www.med.monash.edu.au/ physiol/. Regulations for higher degrees are
spelt out in the booklets Postgraduate Course Guide 2000 and Doctoral
Information Handbook, obtainable from the Research Training and Support
Branch, Monash University, Clayton.
Research topics at present being studied in the department include regulation
of cardiovascular function; renal physiology; renal hypertension; ion transport
in red blood cells; brain ultrastructure and function; central mechanisms in
hearing; molecular mechanisms of aging in the brain; the physiology of sense
organs and their central pathways; autonomic nerve mechanisms; the physiology
of central and peripheral synapses; the innervation of visceral and vascular
smooth muscle; energetics and mechanics of smooth, cardiac and skeletal
muscles; endocrine control of corticosteroid synthesis; endocrinology of
opioids and other peptides; reproduction, including ovarian function; fetal
physiology including development of respiratory control mechanisms, uterine
motility, fetal growth factors; the endocrinology of parturition; neonatal
physiology; exercise physiology including mechanical and energetic aspects.
Graduate students in the Department of Physiology organise their own seminar
series in which topics related to postgraduate study, cancer development and
issues of wider social and scientific interest are discussed. The department
provides some financial support for graduate students to attend at least one
national conference each year, and also encourages and supports participation
at international conferences during their candidature.
Both
the degrees of PhD and MSc involve a research project and regular attendance at
and participation in seminar programs. Details of graduate research programs in
the Department of Psychology are set out in a booklet Postgraduate Studies
in Psychology, available on application to the department. Current areas of
active interest and inquiry in the department are sensory processes and
perception, cognitive processes, neuropsychology, attentional and movement
disorders, physiological substrates and correlates of behaviour, biochemistry
of memory, sound localisation, circadian rhythms, psycholinguistics, word
recognition and reading acquisition, human information processing and
performance, human factors, engineering psychology and task design, skilled
performance, analysis of human skill, applied experimental psychology, road
user behaviour, animal and human learning, human development, health
psychology; vocational psychology, counselling, social psychology; play and
aggression in children, community psychology; occupational, industrial,
personnel and organisational psychology; sport psychology, forensic psychology,
psychology of aging, stress management, helplessness and depression, behaviour
medicine. Graduates interested in pursuing research in these or related areas
of interdisciplinary studies involving human or animal behaviour towards a
higher degree should consult the postgraduate studies officer, Department of
Psychology.
Prospective students should also refer to 'Doctor of Psychology' and 'Masters
programs in psychology' in this section.
wwwdev@monash.edu.au
Thu May 25 16:53:16 EST 2000