Information for Science students

The Faculty of Science has established a sound tradition of providing quality teaching, research and consultancy. Graduates are renowned for their adaptability and work readiness.

Departments and locations

The Faculty consists of several departments in biological and biomedical sciences as well as in physical, chemical, earth and environmental sciences. The Departments of Applied Physics, Mathematical Sciences, Health Sciences, and Chemistry, Materials and Forensic Science, as well as the main Faculty Office, are located at City campus. St Leonards campus houses the Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and a Dean's office. The Department of Health Sciences works on both campuses while operating the UTS College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and the Herbal Medicine Clinic on Harris Street and the Acupuncture Clinic in Building 4 at City campus. The Department of Environmental Sciences is located on both campuses.

The Faculty provides high-quality professional education in the physical, chemical, earth, environmental, biological and biomedical sciences, and engages in high-level research, scholarship and community service activities in support of the UTS mission, with a view to bringing social and economic benefit to the Australian community.

Links with industry

In the development of all its courses the Faculty is assisted by appropriate advisory committees with members drawn from the wider community. The courses are regularly reviewed to ensure currency and relevance to industrial and commercial practice.

The Faculty has strong links with industry. Staff members maintain contact with industry by undertaking appropriate research and consulting activities.

For the Bachelor of Medical Science, the Bachelor of Biotechnology and all Bachelor of Science degree courses, students have the option of spending a further 12 months working in a relevant industry. This leads to an additional award, the Diploma in Scientific Practice. The Faculty provides assistance to students in finding these professional experience positions. Part-time students may combine the Diploma with their normal work if it is relevant to their degree.

Centres, institutes and units

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

Experts in the Faculty engage in a wide range of research activities in the fields 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 facilitating 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. Further 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 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 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. Further 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 include 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. Further information is available at:

Key University Research Centre in Health Technologies

The 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. Further information is available at:

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. Further information is available at:

University Research Group in Forensic Science

Research 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 networks applied to forensic classification. The Group also offers an independent investigative and consulting service through the UTS commercial company, accessUTS Pty Limited. Further information is available at:

University Research Group in Photonic Crystal Technologies

Photon 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. 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 Unit

The 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 and 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 Unit

The 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 the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and by commercial contracts with industry partners.

Health Psychology Unit

The 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 in coping 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 Medicine

The 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 (acupuncture/tuina) operates from Building 4 on Harris Street, while the other (Chinese herbalism) operates from level 4, 645 Harris Street.

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 of 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.

All course inquiries should be directed to:

Centre for Ultrahigh-bandwidth Devices for Optical Systems

This 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:

• new-generation, ultra-fast photonic devices built upon world-class research
• social benefits – improved access and linkage to telecommunications
• new photonic companies, built on a portfolio of CUDOS IP and strong links to the Centre, and
• the skills necessary to sustain a vibrant industry, produced by state-of-the-art undergraduate education and training programs, and professional research and engineering skills developed through involvement in CUDOS research activities.

Centre for Ecotoxicology

This 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 accessUTS.

Centre for Forensic Science

The 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.

Further information is available from:

National Centre for Groundwater Management

The 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:

UTS College of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) – Code of Conduct for students

Rule 2.4.2 of the University states: 'Whilst on the premises of the University or engaged in any activity related to their study at the University, students shall comply with any reasonable directive given to them by an officer of the University, and shall maintain an acceptable standard of conduct.'

Rule 2.4.5 of the University states: 'Where the Responsible Academic Officer, in consultation with the appropriate external supervisor (if any), considers that a student so assessed is not ready to proceed with or is unsuitable to continue any part of the required professional experience on its scheduled commencement, the Responsible Academic Officer may defer or re-schedule the student's participation.

The Responsible Academic Officer must advise the student in writing of the decision within three business days of making it.

Where the deferral of a student's participation in any part of the required professional experience would have the effect of preventing the student from continuing his/her course the Responsible Academic Officer, with the agreement of the Dean, may refer the matter, with an appropriate recommendation, to the Vice-Chancellor, who shall take such action as he/she deems appropriate.

The Vice-Chancellor must advise the student in writing of any decision he/she makes within three business days of making it.'

In addition to Rules 2.4.2 and 2.4.5, students are required to sign an agreement to observe the UTS College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Code of Clinical Conduct. This agreement is an undertaking to observe clinical policy and procedures, to maintain a duty of care to patients and fellow students, and to demonstrate an acceptable level of professional conduct.

Clinical dress

The high-necked, shoulder-buttoning, white, 'dentist'-style jacket has been approved as the College's regulation clinical dress for students. Students not dressed in the approved clinical style will not be permitted to attend the clinic session. Students are also required to wear closed shoes, with a plain skirt or trousers in a conservative colour. Sneakers, runners, sports shoes and jeans are not acceptable clinic wear. All clothing must be clean.

It is strongly recommended that all jewellery that can potentially interfere with clinical practice not be worn for the duration of each clinic session. Long hair should be tied back neatly and must look clean and tidy. If nail polish is worn it should be unchipped and of a single colour. It is recommended that nails be kept short, clean, and natural. Heavy perfumes should not be worn.

Nametags must be worn by all students in the clinic. Students without a nametag may not attend patients.

The standard of cleanliness and the general appearance of students attending College clinics is subject to the approval of the individual practitioner-in-charge or clinic manager. A student who does not meet the required standards may be refused permission to attend their rostered clinic session. Students may also be asked to remove visible jewellery at the discretion of the practitioner or clinic manager.

Refusal of services

As recommended in the NSW Skin Penetration Guidelines (1999), page 8, practitioners and students should refuse TCM services to patients who are drunk, under the influence of mind-altering drugs, abusive, or who exhibit antisocial behaviour. They also have the duty to refuse to carry out services that are illegal, or that they believe have the potential to endanger the health of the patient or themselves.

Students are advised to refer pregnant women to the clinical supervisor or practitioner for assessment and treatment, or to seek guidance from the clinical supervisor or practitioner if undertaking final-year clinic.

In all instances precautions apply to patients who are:

• famished or have overeaten
• over-fatigued
• frail and weak, or
• pregnant.

External clinical training

The College office keeps a list of practitioners who have been approved by the University and who are willing to allow students to attend their private clinics for pre-internship levels of clinical experience. Students should contact the practitioner they wish to attend before making application at the College office. Application forms must be lodged with the college prior to beginning external clinical training. Clinical hours will be credited only if completed with an approved UTS honorary external practitioner. Guidelines for external practitioners to be placed on the UTS approved list can be obtained from the office.

Practicums

During practicums in acupuncture, moxibustion, treatment techniques and massage, students will be required to carry out therapeutic and diagnostic procedures on fellow students. These practical sessions and workshops are under the supervision of a practitioner and all standard procedures and infection control measures must be observed. Students who decline to participate in giving and receiving treatments in practicums are unable to complete these subjects and are therefore unable to complete the course.

Policies of the UTS College of TCM

Discrimination

In line with State and federal anti-discrimination legislation, UTS has a policy of equal opportunity and non-discrimination. This policy is not only applied to students and staff but also to community services. Students should be aware that the patients of the University's clinical services are included in this policy, and that anti-discrimination laws must be observed. Students and staff should be mindful of the rights and needs of patients irrespective of circumstances including sex, age, religion, ethnicity, sexual preference and presenting condition.

If treatment is refused then it is the responsibility of the attending practitioner or clinic manager to inform the patient; not the student. In fourth year, this responsibility must lie with the clinic manager.

Privacy, confidentiality and health records

Information about an individual who can be identified from that information falls under the Privacy Amendment (Private Sector) Act 2000 and extends the operation of the Privacy Act 1988 protecting personal information, including health information. The act complements the existing practice of confidentiality at the TCM clinics pertaining to all matters relating to patients and their health. On page iv of the Privacy Amendment (Private Sector) Act 2000, health information is defined as personal information:

• about an individual's health (past, present and future)
• about an individual's expressed wishes regarding their health
• about health services provided or to be provided
• collected whilst providing a health service, or
• collected in connection with the donation or intended donation of body parts and substances.

Health information also includes:

• medical information,
• personal details such as address, name, treatment dates, billing information and Medicare number, and
• information generated by the health service provider including notes and opinions about an individual and their health.

The Privacy Act also includes information of a 'sensitive nature' including information about an individual's racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious or philosophical beliefs, professional and trade association membership, union membership, sexual preferences or practices, or criminal record (p vii).

No identifiable information about a patient is to be released outside of UTS TCM staff and students without the practitioner's authority and a written and signed consent from the patient. This includes the release of information to family members, friends, insurance companies, employers, legal representatives and other practitioners external to the University. Confirmation of patient information release should be noted in the patient's file. It is unethical to discuss any patient outside the treatment situation. Patient cards and records must not be removed from the clinic and must be stored in locked files.

A medical record report should:

• be accurate, brief and complete
• be legibly written
• be objectively written
• note any extraordinary incidents or accidents
• not contain any uncommon abbreviations
• be dated
• be signed by the practitioner and the name of the attending student printed on the record, and
• be written in blue or black ink only.

Medical records are legal documents and must be treated as such.

• All information pertaining to the medical record is confidential and is not to be discussed outside of the treatment area.
• Medical records are not to be taken out of the clinic area.
• If the medical record is to be used as a case study there should be no reference to any personal details or identifying data such as name or address.
• Personal details and medical histories should be treated with respect and in a serious, mature manner.

Recording patient information

Details pertaining to the health and medical history of a patient must be recorded on the patient's clinical record in chronological order of each visit. Sometimes patients confide personal histories that do not have a primary bearing on their health and which they request should not be recorded. In such instances the patient's wishes should be respected. If the disclosure has a bearing on the primary condition of the patient, or will be a significant factor in their response to treatment, it must be recorded. The patient should be advised of this requirement and given the option of seeking treatment elsewhere. When a phone consultation occurs between the practitioner and patient a notation should be made in the patient's file.

Patient records

If a student is asked to treat or to care for a patient, it is the student's responsibility to familiarise themselves with the patient's current condition and to check the patient's clinical record. It is not the responsibility of the clinic manager or the supervising practitioner, although they may advise the student, at their own discretion, of any issues that they deem to be important. It is also the student's responsibility that all information is entered into the computer and the hard copy of the patient's record is returned to a secure location, that is, the filing cabinets.

All patient records remain the property of the University and at no time should these be removed from the clinic premises. Inactive patient records (patients not attending the clinic over a period of time) are archived and stored. Patients can request a copy of their record but are not allowed to remove or change any information on that record.

The patient's record should contain information about:

• the date of consultation
• the consulting practitioner
• the presenting problem and reason for consultation
• the management plan
• the treatment given including any prescribed medications (herbs)
• other preventative advice including dietary, lifestyle changes, exercises, etc., and
• whether the patient is on any other medication and/or is attending another practitioner.

It is unethical to comment on any course of treatment or medication provided by another practitioner, or to advise in any manner on a course of treatment provided by another practitioner. All decisions regarding therapeutic choices belong to the patient and, even if a patient asks for advice on the appropriateness, or otherwise, of a therapeutic procedure, it is not acceptable for a student or student/practitioner to comment on matters outside their area of expertise.

Informed consent

All patients should be informed of the purpose, benefits and possible risks of treatment, including adverse reactions from treatment. This allows the patient to make up their own mind as to whether to commence treatment or not. Informed consent is both a legal and ethical requirement.

Student health and welfare

It is important that students, especially those entering a healing profession, should maintain good health and general wellbeing during their studies. The University has a Student Health Service that offers both health care and counselling services.

Students will be participating in the University's acupuncture, tuina or Chinese herbal medicine clinics as observers, assistants and, in their final year, as student practitioners. It is not appropriate for anyone with an infectious condition to work closely with patients. Should students be suffering from any temporary communicable disease, they must advise their clinical supervisor. Students who believe that they may be coming down with a cold, or some minor ailment, are advised to inform the clinical supervisor and/or arrange for completion of clinical hours at an alternative time. Students who are HIV positive or who have a hepatitis infection must be aware of their duty of care to staff, other students and patients during clinical practice.

Advice from the NSW Department of Health

'The Department, bearing in mind its recommendations to the general community, would hope that all students were adequately immunised against poliomyelitis, diphtheria and tetanus in childhood. They should have had a booster of Sabine vaccine against poliomyelitis and a booster of Adult Diphtheria Tetanus Toxoid (ADT) at about 25 years of age. In addition, persons particularly involved in health services would be wise to have had a Mantoux test and, if seronegative, to have had BCG vaccination (for tuberculosis).'

The guidelines of the College in relation to hepatitis B and health care workers and students indicate the need for hepatitis B immunisation before contact with blood/body fluids and state that it is their obligation to know their current hepatitis B status.

Hepatitis B inoculation and Mantoux testing

Students entering the course are advised that, for their own protection, they should contact the Student Health Service at the City campus to arrange for a hepatitis B inoculation. These are available at a minimal cost to all acupuncture students. Immunisation against tetanus and tuberculosis is also recommended for students' protection.

Information regarding Mantoux testing is also available through the Student Health Service.

The Student Health Service can make individual or group arrangements for students to receive hepatitis B and tetanus vaccinations at any time. The Service is also able to offer advice on tuberculosis vaccination.

Further information on these matters is available from the Student Health Service, City campus:

telephone +61 2 9514 1166.

Subject prerequisites, corequisites, antirequisites

While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the prerequisite, corequiste and antirequisite data in subject descriptions, students should check with their Course Directors if they intend to enrol in subjects in a different sequence to the typical course program in the handbook.