Location, contacts and inquiries
Departments and locations
Support and facilities
Centres, institutes and units
Links with industry
Subject prerequisites, corequisites, antirequisites
Short courses

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.

Location, contacts and inquiries

The Faculty of Science office is located at:

Inquiries should be directed to:

Departments and locations

The Faculty consists of several departments in biological, biomedical, physical, chemical, earth and environmental sciences.

The Faculty provides high-quality professional education and engages in high-level research, scholarship and community service activities, with a view to bringing social and economic benefit to the Australian community.

For up-to-date information see the Faculty of Science website at:

Support and facilities

Chemistry Learning Resources Centre

The Chemistry Learning Resources Centre has a range of resources to support the learning of chemistry by undergraduate students from the Faculties of Science; Nursing, Midwifery and Health; Engineering; and Business. Resources available in the Centre include microcomputers equipped with interactive software, videos, models and books. Most of the resources are for first-year students but there are also resources for students studying chemistry in the later stages of their degree program. Additional details are available at:

For further information, contact:

Physics Learning Centre

The Physics and Advanced Materials Department operates a drop-in Physics Learning Centre at Room 14, level 11 of the Tower Building, City campus. Academic staff members are available at convenient times during the week to assist students with any problems they have associated with their first-year physics studies. Physics Learning Centre timetable information is available at:

In addition to the fixed schedule for personal tutorial assistance, there is a computer laboratory adjoining the Physics Learning Centre. There are also computer-aided learning programs and simulated textbook problems available for study by all first-year physics students.

For further information, contact:

Mathematics Study and ICT Centre

The Mathematics Study and ICT Centre provides a support service to all students of UTS studying in various introductory mathematical or quantitative areas including statistics. The Centre coordinates all mathematics support services over the University and is available at City and Kuring-gai campuses.

More information about the Centre can be obtained for MSC areas of expertise, timetable (and support tutorial timetable), study material and reference material at:

Workshops

The Centre runs Saturday workshops during semester and in the final exam period for many first-year mathematics and statistics subjects. These workshops are timed to assist students in their preparation for quizzes and final exams.

For general information, contact:

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.

Centres of expertise

UTS Science is repositioning its relationship with industry, the community and government. It is establishing five new centres of expertise: core facilities equipped with world-class instrumentation, staffed with expert research scientists and technicians and located in a new state-of-the-art building. UTS is inviting companies to become stakeholders in these centres in conjunction with the research institutes and groups that they currently support.

The five centres form a network of niche platform technologies, cutting-edge expertise and advanced training and high-level services, managed in a way that makes them accessible to industry. They allow informal access to researchers, links with state and federal research and development schemes and access to world-class national infrastructure.

The centres are:

• Proteomics Centre of Expertise
• Computational Research Support Unit (CRSU)
• Centre for Expertise in Chemical Technologies
• Centre for Expertise for the Environment
• Microstructural Analysis Unit (MAU)

The centres will be in the arena in which industry and UTS researchers pursue leading-edge techniques, methodologies and capabilities of mutual interest. Each will grow in symbiosis with their major research teams and industry champions, whose directions, needs and strategic vision will inform the growth and strategic vision of the centres.

For more information contact:

Proteomics Centre of Expertise

Computational Research Support Unit

Centre for Expertise for the Environment,

Microstructural Analysis Unit

Centre of Expertise in Chemical Technologies

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, to bring 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, with the Faculty winning 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, which has enabled the Faculty to significantly improve 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 of UTS. Research strengths in the Faculty are concentrated in the following areas.

Institute for the Biotechnology of Infectious Diseases (IBID)

While others focus on platforms, in the ever-expanding field of biotechnology IBID represents target-driven research. The Institute 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, 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 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: financial market modelling, calibration and estimated methods, risk methods and evaluation methods, and 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 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 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 Level 1 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 includes 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 followed the growth in the 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. The clinics operate from Building 4 on 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.

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.

Inquiries

All course inquiries should be directed to:

Centre for Ultrahigh-bandwidth Devices for Optical Systems

This Centre is a joint venture between five universities with nodes in Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne. The Centre undertakes 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 Pty Limited.

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.

It has research programs 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 a PhD degree program in groundwater, the Centre offers two courses as a collaborative effort between the Faculty of Science and the Faculty of Engineering: the Master of Science in Hydrogeology and Groundwater Management and the Graduate Diploma in Hydrogeology and Groundwater Management. There are flexible arrangements for studying each program: part-time, full-time and distance mode.

For inquiries contact:

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.

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 shown in the handbook.

Short courses

Short intensive Bridging courses designed for students about to enter a degree are offered in January and February each year. These courses teach to an introductory level only and assist in bridging the gap between school and university study. Subjects include Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics.

Other short courses are available, subject to demand.

Further information is available at:

http://www.science.uts.edu.au/courses/short.html