MONASH UNIVERSITY FACULTY HANDBOOKS
Science Handbook 1996
Published by Monash University
Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
Caution
Copyright © Monash University 1996
ISBN 1037-0919
Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
GRADUATE STUDIESPart 2
MSc and PhD programs are offered by all the departments of the Faculty of
Science together with the departments of the Faculty of Medicine, and the
Department of Geography and Environmental Science.
In the Faculty of Medicine, prospective graduate students will find many
research fields from where they may be able to choose a program for a MSc (or
other higher) degree. The main areas 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 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.
Anatomy
Coordinator: Professor D H Barkla
Facilities are available for graduate studies leading to the degrees of MSc and
PhD. Entry into these courses normally requires a Bachelor of Science degree
with honours (class I or IIA). Fields of research available in the department
include the factors controlling cell division in the alimentary tract; studies
on the structure and function of connective tissues; factors influencing the
differentiation and maturation of epithelial tissues; control of skilled
movement by the cerebellum, basal ganglia and cortex; medical genetics,
molecular haematology, and inherited disorders of the red blood cell; studies
on 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.
Biochemistry
Coordinator: Dr R J Devenish and Associate Professor B N Preston.
Facilities are available for graduate studies leading to the degrees of MSc and
PhD. Entry into these courses normally requires a Bachelor of Science degree
with honours (class I or IIA). Other applicants may be considered if they have
research experience and academic qualifications which the faculty considers to
be appropriate preparation for the proposed field of study. Current areas of
research within the department are outlined below.
(a) The biosynthesis of the mitochondrial organelle, recombinant DNA, protein
targeting, gene synthesis/control mechanisms.
(b) Mitochondrial mutation as a major contributor to the ageing process and
cellular degeneration. Redox therapy of mitochondrially impaired cells and
tissues.
(c) Use of photosensitisers for cell killing in relation to photodynamic
therapy of tumours.
(d) The interferons: cytokine cell regulators; molecular biological studies
including receptors, signal transduction, gene regulation, identification of
interferon-regulated genes using PCR technology. Their role in viral infection
(eg Epstein-Barr virus) and cancer therapy (eg melanoma).
(e) Characterisation of nuclear genes whose products regulate assembly of
mitochondrial respiratory complexes.
(f) The molecular biology and immunology of autoimmune disease, causation and
early diagnosis, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, primary biliary cirrhosis.
(g) Apoptosis, a distinct form of cell death; its induction by energy
perturbation and cytotoxic drugs; its regulation and signalling pathways
involved.
(h) The plasma membrane NADH-oxidoreductase system; characterisation and
cellular functions.
(i) The biosynthesis and mechanism of action of immunosuppressants.
A booklet is available from the department that specifically details honours
and postgraduate studies. Prospective students should seek additional
information from the head of the department or Dr R J Devenish.
Chemical engineering science
The Department of Chemical Engineering offers MSc and PhD studies. Members of
the department are active in the following research areas: chemical reactor
design and analysis, modelling and stability, modelling of fluidised beds,
fluid bed reactors and fluid bed combustion, process simulation and control,
real time data acquisition, computer control and optimisation, characterisation
and flow of rheologically complex fluids including biological fluids, slurries
and polymers, kinetics and thermodynamics of metallurgical reactions, minerals
beneficiation, surface chemistry and flocculation, air and water pollution
abatement, aerobic and anaerobic treatment of wastes, biochemical reaction
kinetics and analysis of biochemical reactors, transport phenomena in processes
such as gas absorption with reaction, mixing, fluid-particle separation.
Chemistry
Facilities are available for graduate work in experimental and theoretical
chemistry. The fields of research available in 1996 are as follows.
Analytical chemistry
Separation of particles, colloids and macromolecules by field flow
fractionation; flow injection analysis of environmentally significant species;
sample modification involving photo-oxidation, microwave and enzymatic
techniques, use of biosensors for environmental analysis; chemometrics,
development of real-time on-line water quality instruments.
Environmental chemistry
Biogeochemical cycling of nutrients, toxicants and natural organic matter in
aquatic ecosystems; metal and nutrient speciation studies; studies of
eutrophication, heavy metal contamination and site remediation; sediment
chemistry.
Inorganic chemistry
Synthesis and reactions of coordination complexes; organometallic compounds of
main group, rare earth and transition metals; metal carbonyls and cluster
compounds; mixed metal oxide systems; zeolites. Magnetochemistry; infrared and
NMR spectroscopy of coordination and organometallic compounds; molecular
structure determination by X-ray diffraction; electrochemical and ESR studies.
Kinetic studies of metalloenzymes and related metal complexes; bioinorganic
chemistry; platinum anti-cancer agents. Hydrolysis of inert aqua ions.
Organometallics as MOCVD agents. Alkoxides in sol-gel deposition of thin films.
Electrochemical studies of inorganic organometallic and biologically important
compounds.
Organic chemistry
Reactions of organometallic compounds, their use in organic synthesis and as
catalysts in reactions of industrial importance. Organophosphorus and
organosulphur chemistry; heterocyclic compounds; polyfunctional catalysis;
steroid chemistry; high temperature pyrolysis; new synthetic methods and
reactions. NMR studies on carbocyclic and heterocyclic compounds and on
polymers; dynamic stereochemistry using NMR. Conformational effects in
reactions of alicyclic systems. Mass spectrometry. Synthesis of natural
products.
Physical chemistry
Thermodynamic studies of polyelectrolytes, microemulsions, binary solutions,
polymerisation processes and optical fibre glasses. Electrochemistry of
dissolving and corroding metals, metallic polymers and ionic materials.
Kinetics of chemical modification of proteins, of dissolution of minerals, of
ionic and oxidative reactions, of organic molecules and of stratospheric air
pollutants. Water quality and heavy metals in mine waters.
Polymer chemistry
The kinetics of heterogeneous polymerisation. The preparation and properties of
cyclic, ionic conducting and polymer conjugated (`polymer metal') polymers.
Cross linking of ultra high modulus polyethylene. Preparation of novel
polyurethanes and polysiloxanes.
Spectroscopy
Microwave spectroscopy, including studies of transient species and molecular
ions; infrared and far infrared, visible and UV laser spectroscopy of small
molecules and molecular complexes.
Theoretical chemistry
Study of electronic structures of many kinds of molecules and ions. Binding
energies and electron correlation phenomena for simple systems. Theory of
reactivity of organic molecules in ionic reactions. Theory of interstellar
chemistry and structure of interstellar molecules.
Earth sciences
MSc Part 1/MSc by coursework and minor thesis
Coordinator: Dr Mark Jessell
Prerequisites: Credit in one of the third-year subjects in geology, geophysics,
mathematics or physics and/or permission of the head of department, and
approval of the faculty.
The Department of Earth Sciences offers an MSc Part 1/MSc program designed to
provide an alternative to the honours program. In two years full-time, or four
years part-time, a student may complete the MSc degree, by coursework and minor
thesis. The first two (or four part-time) semesters are required to complete
requirements for the MSc Part 1. The MSc thesis may be submitted twelve months
subsequently.
In both the MSc Part 1 and MSc years the course is divided up into a number of
components. In the MSc Part 1 year students are required to complete five
graduate subjects worth four points each, an eight-point essay, a four-point
seminar and a sixteen-point research report. In the MSc year each student may
take a further three subjects.
In practice all full-time students are required to be working on their research
topic when they are not involved in formal course or project units.
Suitable subjects may include:
(a) formal subjects consisting of two lectures and practical classes over
thirteen weeks with essays/assignments approved by supervisor;
(b) postgraduate subjects - full-time over two weeks with essays/assignments
approved by supervisor (note: VIEPS courses conducted over one week are
assigned a weight of four points);
(c) minor independent project units - assignments/review topics;
(d) principal research units - independent thesis topic;
(e) other equivalent work (eg mapping/symposia/laboratory classes) assigned by
supervisor.
MSc Part 1 students must achieve results equivalent to a BSc (Honours) 2A. An
overall grade of 70 per cent at the stage one level (an average of course and
research units) will secure entry to the MSc program. Lower grades are subject
to review and may require approval by the dean.
Students may elect to be assessed for promotion beyond the MSc Part 1 level
after two to three semesters. Students wishing to be assessed must first
present a summary of their activities at a research seminar conducted by the
Department of Earth Sciences.
Students should consult with appropriate staff members in order to determine an
appropriate program of study. MSc Part 1 students might take some third year
geology or geophysics units if the course of study undertaken to BSc level did
not encompass the full range of topics available.
Course units available vary each year depending on availability of academic
staff. Listed below are course units which have been offered to MSc Part 1
students. Note that not all these subjects will be available in a given year.
In addition MSc Part 1 students may take courses offered by Monash departments
other than Earth Sciences, and departments at La Trobe University and the
University of Melbourne, which are members of the Victorian Institute of Earth
and Planetary Sciences (VIEPS). All intending students should consult with the
MSc coordinator (Dr M Jessell) concerning their choice of course units. A full
listing of course units available in 1995, and the times at which they will be
offered, will be available from the coordinator at the beginning of the
academic year.
More detailed information concerning the MSc Part 1/MSc program will be made
available through the Faculty of Science office and the Department of Earth
Sciences, including detailed scheduling of courses when this information
becomes available. Course units offered can be identified in streams as
follows.
Geophysics and imaging
Units in this stream include advanced electrical methods; structural analysis
of regional geophysics; applied petroleum geology; computers I; hydrogeology;
applied petroleum geology.
Tectonics-structure-metamorphism
Units in this stream include introduction to remote sensing; structural
analysis of regional geophysics; computers I and II; metamorphism field trip;
hydrogeology; deformation microstructures; mesostructural analysis field trip;
stable isotopes; strain analysis; tectonics; trace element geochemistry.
Ore deposits
Units include ore genesis; hydrothermal geochemistry; stable isotopes; trace
element and isotopes.
Geochemistry-petrology
Units include advanced ore deposits; computers I; stable isotopes; trace
element and isotopes; hydrothermal geochemistry.
Basin studies
Units include ore genesis, applied petroleum geology; computers I;
hydrogeology; orogenic belts I; palaeobiology of Australasian vertebrates;
sedimentary sequence stratigraphy; tectonics; volcanology.
Other higher degree studies in earth sciences
Coordinators: Dr David Gray and Dr Terence Barr
Suitably qualified students with a first class or 2A honours qualification, or
the equivalent, may be admitted to MSc or PhD study in the department. 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 preceding section.
Ecology and evolutionary biology
Facilities are available for graduate candidature in the Department of Ecology
and Evolutionary Biology 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 marine and freshwater ecology, community ecology, plant
ecology, vertebrate ecology, plant-animal interactions, plant physiology, plant
cell biology, biology of algae, animal physiology and biochemistry, and animal
behaviour. A brochure providing more detailed information is available from the
head of the department.
Genetics
The Department of Genetics and Developmental Biology has good facilities for
graduate studies leading to the degrees of MSc and PhD. Entry into these
courses normally requires a Bachelor of Science degree with honours (class 1 or
2A). The available fields of research include plant molecular genetics,
molecular and population genetics of animals and the molecular genetics of
plant-microbial interactions. Further information on these topics may be
ascertained by discussion with the head of the department or other academic
staff members in charge of individual projects.
Geography and environmental science
Coordinator: Dr Gale Dixon
Geography
The diverse research interests of the teaching staff and the variety of
facilities available offer a wide range of research possibilities to MSc and
PhD students in physical geography and environmental science. Many of the
graduate theses already completed have been concerned with research problems in
Australia but, depending on available research funds, research outside
Australia may also be possible. Strong research interests include geomorphic
process studies, basic and applied climatology, palynology, palaeoecology,
landscape evolution, 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. Graduate students enrolled for MSc
and PhD degrees participate in regular research-in-progress seminars attended
by staff and graduate students. Special interest seminars for small groups of
staff and students are also run.
Further information can be gained from the Arts handbook and the Department of
Geography and Environmental Science graduate studies handbook. Inquiries should
be referred to the head of the department.
Graduate School of Environmental Science
The school's purpose is to educate students about the broad physical and social
patterns of environmental change, emphasising 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.
Applications are sought from people of all backgrounds and disciplines. People
enrolling for the Master of Environmental Science degree or the Graduate
Diploma of Environmental Science should possess a four year bachelors degree or
its equivalent, plus two years suitable experience.
The masters degree course may be taken on a full-time basis over two years or
up to five years part-time. Students are required to complete fifty-six points
of coursework from a wide range of subjects presented by all faculties
throughout the university and a research project with a weighting of forty
points.
The Graduate Diploma of Environmental Science may be taken over one year
full-time or not more than three years of part-time study. Students are
required to complete a total of forty-eight points of coursework which is
designed to provide advanced academic expertise, a sensitivity to the context
of the expertise, and an environmental perspective.
Further information on the environmental science programs can be gained from
the Arts handbook. The Details of courses handbook is available from the
Department of Geography and Environmental Science. Inquiries should be referred
to the head of the Department of Geography and Environmental Science.
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 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, oceanography, nonlinear
dynamics, 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, nonlinear partial
differential equations, geometric analysis, measure theory, probability,
quantum logic, population genetics, dam theory, branching processes,
statistical inference, medical statistics, industrial statistics, statistical
computing, time series analysis and 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 thesis and coursework 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 1996 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
+ 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)
is a cooperative venture established on 1 July 1993 between Monash University,
the Bureau of Meteorology (Australia) Pty Ltd and the supporting party of CSIRO
Division of Applied Physics. The goal of the CRC SHM is to conduct research
leading to the improvements in our understanding of the 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 commercialisation. The CRC SHM seeks
to build an understanding of the key mechanisms governing the distribution and
variability of stratosphere ozone, the distributions and variability of
greenhouse gas concentrations and the processes responsible for the climate
variation observed in the Southern Hemisphere. The research of the CRC SHM
falls into three areas: stratospheric ozone (program A), global transport
modelling (program B) and climate dynamics and climate variability (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. One of the centre's agreed objectives is
to commercialise centre intellectual property in such a manner as to ensure
that the maximum benefit accrues to Australia, including Australian industry,
the Australian environment and the Australian economy generally.
For further information, contact the director of the CRC SHM.
Meteorology
Graduate coursework and research programs in meteorology are offered through
the Centre for Dynamical Meteorology and Oceanography and the Department of
Mathematics. 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 under mathematics or contact the
director, Dr M J Reeder.
Microbiology
Coordinator: Associate Professor John Davies
Suitably qualified graduates (normally those who have obtained a Bachelor of
Science with honours in class I or IIA, or have qualifications considered
equivalent) may become candidates for the degrees of MSc or PhD. They will be
required to undertake supervised research on an approved topic and present the
results in the form of a thesis.
There are various major areas of research in the department including molecular
biology of a range of microorganisms, microbial pathogenicity, microbial
physiology, and biotechnology. Specific areas include:
(1) the molecular biology of the malaria organism Plasmodium falciparum;
(2) adhesion behaviour of cells and microorganisms; (3) development of a
vaccine against malaria; (4) field studies of immunity to malaria; (5) cell
biology and malaria-infected red blood cells; (6) genes and proteins of the
bacteria that causes tuberculosis; (7) the molecular basis for immunity and
pathogenisis in leptospirosis; (8) molecular biology of flaviviruses and
caliciviruses; (9) the genetics of Neisseria gonorrhoeae and a study of
adhesion of this organism to host cells; (10) molecular and genetic analysis of
antibiotic resistance determinants and virulence factors from Clostridium
perfringens; (11) molecular approaches to the pathogenesis and diagnosis of
ovine footrot; (12) biological removal of phosphate from sewage; (13) the
molecular biology of plant potyviruses and fungal viruses; (14) the
epidemiology of AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases; (15) chlamydial
infections in koalas; (16) the genetics of virulence in bacillary dysentry and
in pasteurellosis; (17) sexually transmitted diseases; (18) the epidemiology
and aetiology of sexually transmitted diseases including the role of
Chlamydia in cervical infection.
For further information about current fields of study in the department and
potential sources of scholarships, intending students should contact the
coordinator.
Pathology and immunology
Coordinator: Dr Ian van Driel
Facilities are available for graduate studies leading to the degrees of MSc and
PhD. Entry into these courses normally requires a Bachelor of Science degree
with honours (class I or IIA) in any of the biological sciences. 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 human 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. The role of MHC molecules in
antigen presentation and immunological tolerance; structure and function of T
cell receptors; fine specificity of T cell receptors.
Inquiries should be directed to the coordinator or the head of the
department.
Pharmacology
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; hormonal
modulation of drug receptors; studies of the properties of newly synthesised
novel compounds of potential therapeutic use, in collaboration with chemists;
studies on the pharmacological properties of novel compounds extracted from
marine organisms; neurochemical studies of neurotransmission; pharmacology of
novel neuroprotective agents.
Physics
Facilities are available for postgraduate work in experimental, applied and
theoretical physics. A student enrolling for an MSc, MAppSc or PhD degree under
the guidance of an assigned supervisor, pursues an individual research project.
Postgraduate students are expected to attend departmental colloquia and other
research seminars. All postgraduate students are required to contribute to a
postgraduate seminar series. Research projects are currently offered in the
areas listed below. A detailed listing of research projects is published
annually.
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.
Astronomy
Optical photometry and spectroscopy of variable stars such as binary stars,
pulsating stars and particularly, known and suspected active chromosphere
stars. Observations may be made at the Monash Observatory or at the Mount
Stromlo and Siding Spring observatories. Data are analysed using the
photometric reduction programs, spot-wave synthesis program and spectral
synthesis programs available at Monash. From time to time simultaneous
observations are undertaken in collaboration with either the Parkes radio
telescope or spectroscopic observations with the 3.9 m telescope at Siding
Springs, or both. An astronomical CCD imaging system is also available.
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 like
ceramics and advanced materials, Compton profile CT for atomic species imaging
and hybrid scatter CT, 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, CT
modelling and reconstruction algorithm development.
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.
Diffraction studies
X-ray and neutron diffraction studies of crystal structure and residual stress.
Electron diffraction studies of surfaces.
Electron microscopy
Study of temperature-induced changes to composition and microstructure of human
skeleton for applications to bushfire and forensic research. Study of healthy
enamel and enamel associated with inherited diseases and symptoms, particularly
in children. Study of the ultrastructure of shells and dinosaur eggs.
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
random and partially ordered systems. Line narrowing effects studied at low
microwave frequencies. Electron spin echo envelope modulation, FT-EPR, 2-D EPR
and other multiple pulse sequence techniques. Spin dynamics using time domain
spectroscopy.
Laser studies
Development and study of high efficiency hollow-cathode discharge-pumped
ultraviolet lasers as coherent light sources for biomedical instruments, for
monitoring gaseous pollutants and for other spectroscopically-based
applications.
Materials science
Flux pinning and related properties of superconducting materials; thermal
expansion studies, particularly in relation to martensitic phase
transformations; mechanical and microstructural properties of engineering
ceramics; studies of materials for hollow cathodes; positron annihilation
lifetime spectroscopy (PALS) of advanced semiconductor materials (eg porous
silicon).
Magnetic studies
Magnetic properties of transition metals and alloys. Electrical and elastic
properties of transition metals and alloys. Neutron diffraction studies.
Studies of singlet ground states.
Mossbauer spectroscopy
Studies of the magnetic and crystallographic properties of solids containing
iron, tin, rare earths or gold and their relation to materials development and
use. 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, fine iron oxide and hydroxide
particles and related minerals, coal and coal products.
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
pulsed electroacoustic and laser-induced pressure pulse techniques.
Electrochemical synthesis and characterisation of novel conducting polymers,
especially those based on pyrrole. Studies of the conformational properties of
model polymer chains using computer simulation and Monte Carlo technique.
Theoretical physics
Magnetism in alloys. Properties of transition metals and alloys. Kondo effect.
Electron band theory. Electron states in disordered potentials. Quantum
electrodynamics. Foundations of quantum mechanics. Mechanism for high
temperature superconductivity. Topological methods in theoretical physics.
Quantum gravity. Monte-Carlo simulation studies in photon transport.
Physiology
Coordinator: Professor Uwe Proske
Suitably qualified graduates may enrol either for an MSc or PhD degree, for
which a research project is to be undertaken. Research topics at present being
studied in the department include 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.
Psychology
Suitably qualified graduates may enrol either for the degree of MSc or PhD.
Both degrees involve a research project and regular attendance at seminars.
Details of graduate research programs in the Department of Psychology are set
out in a booklet `Graduate 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 agression 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 head of the Department of Psychology.
Prospective students should also refer to `Masters programs in psychology' in
this handbook.
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