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Much of the Faculty's research is focused in the activities of several research centres, institutes and units. The Faculty also runs the UTS College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and administers two clinics. Science research strengths and capabilities Science research strengths and capabilitiesExperts in the Faculty engage in a wide range of research activities in the field of physical, chemical, forensic, earth and environmental, biological and biomedical and mathematical sciences, aimed at bringing social and economic benefit to the Australian community. The Faculty has a strong record of research and development, essential to facilitate quality postgraduate research programs. Competitive research funding is obtained across a wide range of areas of expertise. The Faculty wins a substantial part of the competitive grants awarded to UTS annually. Much of the Faculty's research focuses on the activities of its research centres and units. The concentration of research has enabled the Faculty to improve significantly the quality of its major equipment in recent years, to the obvious benefits of its students. The Faculty's research concentration also forms a large part of the recognised research strengths at UTS. Research strengths in the Faculty are concentrated in the following areas. Institute for the Biotechnology of Infectious Diseases (IBID)In the ever-expanding field of biotechnology, while others focus on platforms, IBID represents target-driven research. IBID offers unique expertise in a contemporary scientific environment, dedicated to the investigation of infectious disease. With an outstanding blend of experience in basic, strategic and applied collaborative research, IBID delivers creative solutions to real problems. More information is available at: Institute for Nanoscale Technology (INT)The Institute has two major research programs, applying Nanotechnology to the areas of Biomedical Nanomaterials and Devices and to Energy Efficient Nanomaterials and Devices. In the area of Biomedical Nanomaterials and Devices, research is conducted on artificial cell membranes to improve the biocompatibility of implanted tissue and cells, improve the function of these implants by bypassing the body's immune system and allow medicines to be targeted specifically to the affected area of the body. In the area of Energy-Efficient Nanomaterials staff, are researching nanoparticle films which will reduce solar heat gain through windows without dimming the view, dark coloured paints that reflect the heat, new refrigeration methods and a range of daylighting, decorative and safety lighting applications. Other areas researched are energy storage, desalination and low-pressure water filtration using Nanotechnology. More information is available at: Institute for Water and Environmental Resource Management (IWERM)IWERM aims to resolve conflict between consumptive water use and environmental allocations and to contribute to sustainable management of water and environmental resources through provision of research and consultancy. Research themes at IWERM are the interactions among groundwater, vegetation and salinity; the urban water cycle and rural water resources; and ecotoxicology, especially the influence of stormwater, rural water run-off and water discharge from sewage treatment plants. IWERM brings a transdisciplinary approach to each theme with expertise in ecotoxicology, plant and animal physiology and ecology, hydrology and hydrogeology, and environmental engineering. More information is available at: Key University Research Centre in Health TechnologiesThe Health Technologies research team has a national and international reputation in the field. The group focuses on the study of health and disease processes, the development of new devices and advanced techniques for the diagnosis and rehabilitation of lifestyle diseases. More information is available at: www.eng.uts.edu.au/~htn/health.html Key University Research Centre in Quantitative Finance (QFRG)Research in this area is being conducted in conjunction with the Faculty of Business. The Quantitative Finance Research Group (QFRG) undertakes internationally competitive theoretical and applied research in quantitative finance focused on finding creative solutions for risk management problems. While the QFRG supports research activities in all areas of quantitative finance the Centre focuses on four inter-related research areas. These areas are financial market modelling; calibration and estimated methods; risk methods and evaluation methods; risk and portfolio management. More information is available at: www.business.uts.edu.au/finance/qfr/ University Research Group in Forensic ScienceResearch programs include fingerprints, questioned documents, trace evidence, fire investigation and analysis, illicit drugs, toxicology, DNA profiling, materials and engineering, statistics and data handling, and artificial neural network applied to Forensic classification. The Centre also offers an independent investigative and consulting service through the UTS commercial company, accessUTS Pty Limited. More information is available at: www.science.uts.edu.au/centres/cfs/index.html University Research Group in Photonic Crystal TechnologiesPhoton science and technology is a major growth area of modern science and technology that is underpinning expansion and meeting new demands in the rapidly evolving field of information technology. The research program of this group focuses on photonic crystal studies; microstructured optical fibres; radiation dynamics of photonic crystal clusters and optical biomimetics. Apart from the research concentrations listed above dynamic research projects are also being carried out in the areas of: experimental design and data analysis; applied physics including image processing and analysis; applied chemistry; mathematics and statistics; computational number theory; scheduling theory; numerical integration; gene therapy; immunology; microbiology; psycho-oncology; marine studies; horticulture; ecotoxicology; neurotoxins; and traditional Chinese medicine. Microstructural Analysis UnitThe Microstructural Analysis Unit (MAU) is a centralised large equipment resource within the Faculty of Science that provides UTS staff and students with access to state-of-the-art materials characterisation instrumentation and professional support in these techniques for research, postgraduate and undergraduate teaching and consulting. The unit offers accredited training programs in electron microscopy and microanalysis, scanning probe microscopy techniques and X-ray analytical methods. The MAU currently has five scanning electron microscopes, four scanning probe microscopes, three X-ray diffractometers, an X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometer, specialised specimen preparation facilities as well as advanced printing and image analysis facilities. All MAU equipment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to all staff and students within the Faculty of Science. External user access is available on a full cost recovery basis. The MAU is located on the lower ground floor of Building 4, on the corner of Thomas and Harris Streets at City campus. Molecular Genetics UnitThe Molecular Genetics Unit is a focus for basic and applied molecular biology research, primarily into human disease. The research undertaken in the Unit encompasses investigations into the causes of drug and radiation resistance in human cancers; novel approaches to treatment of Type II diabetes by gene therapy; and the regulatory mechanisms involved in epigenetic imprinting, specifically female X chromosome inactivation. The Unit provides high quality Honours and postgraduate research training in advanced techniques in molecular and cellular biology such as automated DNA sequencing, PCR, flow cytometry, bioinformatics, protein identification and expression, investigation of DNA: protein interactions and functional genomics. Research projects are supported by grants from external agencies such as NHMRC and by commercial contracts with industry partners. Health Psychology UnitThe Health Psychology Unit was established in 1973 within the Department of Cell and Molecular Biology. It now carries out research into the effects of emotional states on cancer recurrence in early and late stage breast cancer using cognitive behavioural therapy in groups. Other current projects include working with palliative care services to assist patients and families cope with end of life issues and a community service project to assist 'at risk' adolescents to manage their anxiety and depression. The Unit is funded through donations by the community and business sectors. UTS College of Traditional Chinese MedicineThe UTS College of Acupuncture was established in 1994, founded on the experience and educational expertise of Acupuncture Colleges (Australia). With 25 years experience, Acupuncture Colleges (Australia) previously offered Diploma and Bachelor programs accredited by the New South Wales Ministry of Education. The decision to transfer acupuncture education to the University was in accord with the growth in acceptance and use of acupuncture in Australia, and the need to provide a standard of education at a level expected by the community. In 1995, the College was incorporated into the Faculty of Science as part of the Department of Health Sciences. In 1997, the College of Acupuncture was renamed the UTS College of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The Faculty of Science offers an undergraduate course in Traditional Chinese Medicine over a four-year period. In addition to the undergraduate degree, the Faculty offers a Master of Health Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine (by coursework) that provides graduate education in Chinese herbal medicine to qualified applicants who wish to extend their existing knowledge of herbs or gain new knowledge of another branch of Chinese Medicine to incorporate into their existing clinical practice. Studies leading to a Master of Science or PhD by research are also available. The Faculty administers two clinics, one offering acupuncture and Chinese Remedial Massage (tuina) services, and the other offering Chinese herbal services to the community. These clinics also play a major role in the clinical education of Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners and students. One clinic operates in Building 4 on Harris Street (acupuncture/tuina), while the other operates from level 4, 645 Harris Street (Chinese herbalism). In the development of all programs, the Faculty is assisted by advisory committees comprising members of the education, health and Traditional Chinese Medicine professions. The courses and specific subjects are also under ongoing review and development to ensure their relevance to traditional Chinese medical practice. Students entering the Bachelor of Health Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine are eligible to apply for places in the combined degree: Bachelor of Health Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Bachelor of Arts in International Studies (China major). Academically selected students enter this program at the beginning of their third year. The combined program extends the course length to five-and-a-half years, one year of which is spent in China studying language, culture and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Students of the UTS College of Traditional Chinese Medicine are strongly recommended to read the Code of Conduct for Students of the UTS College of Traditional Chinese Medicine under the section on Information for Science Students in this handbook. All course inquiries should be directed to: Bob Hayes Centre for Ultrahigh-bandwidth Devices for Optical SystemsThis Centre is a joint venture between five University partners with nodes in Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne. The Centre will undertake world-class fundamental research in nonlinear photonics, positioning the Centre in the top five groups in the world, and leading to:
Centre for EcotoxicologyThis Centre is a joint enterprise of UTS and the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA), and is located at Lidcombe. The aims of the Centre are to promote education, research and information transfer in the field of ecotoxicology. This is a newly emerging discipline that has arisen as a result of the dependence of modern society on the use of chemicals. It is a meeting point of chemistry and biology – the study of the impacts of chemicals and mixed effluents on communities in affected areas. The Centre coordinates research programs at Honours, Master's and Doctoral levels. Teaching and research supervision involves a collaboration of both UTS and EPA staff. The research work of the Centre involves consultation with industry and government in identifying areas in which investigation is needed on the impact of chemicals on native flora and fauna under Australian climatic and other environmental conditions. A foundation of scientific knowledge is required in order to ensure the development of appropriate environmental quality guidelines for this continent. The University arm also offers an independent investigative and testing service for industry, through the UTS commercial company, Insearch Limited. Centre for Forensic ScienceThe Centre for Forensic Science commenced operations in 2002. It consists of UTS core and associate members from the Faculties of Science, Law, Engineering and Information Technology, as well as industry partners. The Centre promotes forensic science as a multidisciplinary methodology applied within a scientific, legal and political structure. It aims at the provision of high-quality education, enhancement of professional practice and the integration of high-calibre research and independent services for the benefit of the community at large. The Centre capitalises on the well-established UTS forensic programs and organises short courses and professional seminars for law enforcement agencies, forensic organisations and practitioners, insurance companies, legal firms and various research institutes. Research programs are in the areas of fingerprints, questioned documents, trace evidence, fire investigation and analysis, illicit drugs, toxicology, DNA profiling, materials and engineering, statistics and data handling, and artificial neural networks applied to forensic classification. The Centre also offers an independent investigative and consulting service through the UTS commercial company, accessUTS Pty Limited. For more details, see: National Centre for Groundwater ManagementThe National Centre for Groundwater Management is a joint enterprise between the faculties of Science and Engineering, with the general aims of researching groundwater problems of strategic national importance, coordinating and developing postgraduate courses and continuing education programs, and liaising with industry. The Centre is recognised by the Federal Government through Land and Water Australia as a national centre for research and consultancy training in groundwater and environmental applications. In addition to PhD and MSc (by research) degree programs in groundwater, the Centre offers two courses as a collaborative effort between the Faculty of Science and the Faculty of Engineering, namely, the Master of Science in Hydrogeology and Groundwater Management and the Graduate Diploma in Hydrogeology and Groundwater Management. There are flexible arrangements for each program: part-time, full-time and distance mode. Further details are given in the postgraduate courses section. For inquiries contact: Professor Michael Knight, Director |
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28 October 2003 11:42 AM
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