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 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 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 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.
Coordinator: Associate Professor R J Devenish and Professor S R Stone.
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 localization of target autoantigens in cells and tissues. Examination of the efects 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.
Bioenergetics
The bioenergetic mechanism of respiratory enzymes such as NADH dehydrogenase. Mechanism of action of respiratory inhibitors used as drugs or agrichemicals. Mitochondrial dysfunction in neurological diseases. Metabolic initiation of diabetes mellitus. Structural prediction and spectroscopy of membrane cytochromes.
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.
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. Collagen and proteoglycan metabolism and regulation. Biotechnology of filtration devices.
Hyaluronan metabolism
Cellular and genetic contol 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.
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.
Molecular parasitology
Molecular biochemistry of parasites and the development of vaccines and diagnostic tests. Analysis of immune responses to parasites. Use of DNA vaccine technology for parasites (malaria, Fasciola). Cytokine expression and use of cytokines as adjuvants. PCR diagnosis of malaria. Mechanisms of resistance to Fasciola in sheep. Function 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 and protein structure
The molecular basis of peptide and protein interactions with biological and chemical surfaces. Analysis of protein-folding pathways. Peptide-lipid interactions. Mechanism of peptide and protein retention in high performance liquid chromatography. Spectroscopic analysis of peptide-protein conformation. Capillary electrophoresis. Molecular modelling of peptide/protein structures in solution and bound to lipid surfaces.
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.
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.
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 or Professor S R Stone (head of department).
The Department of Chemical Engineering has an academic staff of seventeen, 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.
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. Water treatment using biologically-activated carbon is also one of the areas.
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 fluidized 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.
Facilities are available for graduate work in experimental and theoretical chemistry.
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 organosulfur 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.
Coordinators: Dr David Gray and Dr Terence Barr
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 chapter `Graduate studies by coursework' for a description of the MSc by coursework and the areas of research offered by the department.
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.
The Department of Genetics and Developmental Biology offers research in areas including plant molecular genetics, molecular and population genetics of neurone development in animals and the molecular genetics of plant-microbial interactions. Further information on these areas may be ascertained by discussion with the head of the department or other academic staff members in charge of individual projects.
Coordinator: Dr Gale Dixon
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, 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. 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.
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.
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.
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 1997 at graduate level (further details concerning syllabus, textbooks etc. are available from the director of the applied mathematics section):
Research supervision is available in the pure mathematics fields listed in the opening paragraph above. Interested sudents 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.
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 the mathematical statistics section.
The Key Centre for Statistical Science is a cooperative venture established in 1984 between Monash University, the University of Melbourne, Latrobe University and RMIT. The Centre offers courses leading to a masters degree in applied statistics. More details of the Centre's activities may be obtained from the director, Dr Rob Hyndman.
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. The centre's research activities are primarily concerned with fundamental computational mathematics 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, 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.
The Cooperative Research Centre for Southern Hemisphere Meteorology (CRCSHM) is a cooperative venture established on 1 July 1993 between Monash University, the Bureau of Meteorology (Australia) Pty Ltd, Gray Research (Aust.) Pty Ltd, CSIRO Division of Atmospheric Research and the supporting party of CSIRO Division of Applied Physics. The goal of the CRCSHM 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 andcommunication. The CRCSHM 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 CRCSHM 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 communicate and 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 CRCSHM.
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.
Coordinator: Dr Ben Adler
Suitably qualified graduates 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 Neisseria meningitidis; (10) regulation and functional role of extracellular toxins from Clostridium perfringens; (11) molecular approaches to the pathogenesis and diagnosis of ovine footrot; (12) vaccine development in fowl cholera and other Pasteurella infections; (13) the molecular biology of plant potyviruses and fungal viruses; (14) molecular and genetic analysis of antibiotic resistance determinants and transposons from Clostridium perfringens and Clostridium difficile; (15) chlamydial infections in koalas; (16) the genetics of virulence in bacillary dysentry; (17) sexually transmitted diseases; (18) the epidemiology and aetiology of sexually transmitted diseases including the role of Chlamydia in cervical infection; (19) molecular studies of biotechnologically important fungal secondary metabolites; (20) molecular studies of nitrate assimilation in fungi.
For further information about current fields of study in the department and potential sources of scholarships, intending students should contact the coordinator.
Coordinator: Dr Ian van Driel
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.
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; 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; pharmacology of Australian animal venoms; pharmacological applications of confocal microscopy; neurochemical studies of neurotransmission; pharmacology of novel neuroprotective agents.
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. 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 theoretic studies in condensed matter, electronic properties of graphite, 2D polymer statistics. Models of high temperature superconductivity, stochastic processes. Modelling porous Si from positron annihilation spectroscopy studies. 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 determinism, thermodynamics and complex systems.
Geometrical and topological methods in theoretical physics
The gravitational Aharonov-Bohm effect and topological defects, studies of geometric phases in physical systems, topology on discrete lattices, holonomy and path space formulation of gauge theories. Ashketar loop variable approach to quantum gravity.
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 studies 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.
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, poorly crystalline iron oxide 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 techniques.
Materials science
Studies of flux pinning in type I superconducting materials. Thermal expansion and related properties for martensitic alloy systems. Dimensional stability of ceramics and cermets, studies of porous Si using positron annihilation spectroscopy. Materials for hollow cathode applications, electronic and structural studies of graphitic materials. Residual stress studies of Al-Si alloys.
Diffraction studies
X-ray and neutron diffraction studies of crystal structure and residual stress, electron diffraction studies of surfaces.
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.
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.
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.
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 3.9m telescope at Siding Springs, or both. An astronomical CCD imaging system is also available.
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, ten 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, precision magnetic susceptibility balances, image and signal processing equipment. In addition the department has supporting facilities that include a mechanical workshop, electronics workshop, a computing support group 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.
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 Uwe Proske
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.
Both the degrees of PhD and MSc 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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