2011 Research Higher Degree Prospectus

RESEARCH HIGHER DEGREE

2011 PROSPECTUS

WELCOME The University of Newcastle is a research intensive university with a reputation for excellence and a strong and vibrant research culture. Our research work is recognised for its impact and relevance to the region, the nation and the international community.

Our proud history is reflected in our consistent ranking in the top ten Australian universities for research effort and outcomes. There are areas of research excellence across the breadth of the University’s disciplines and we are best known for our research strengths in science and technology, engineering, biological and biomedical sciences, and medicine and health sciences.

The single most important factor in the success of the University’s research is our people. We value our research candidates as important contributors to our research standing and provide a supportive environment to achieve excellent outcomes. Upon enrolment you will be provided with a laptop and you will also be able to apply for the Annual RHD Candidate Allocation for reimbursement of costs associated with research activities.

The high standards set by the University ensure that our research higher degrees are respected and valued throughout the world. Establishing and strengthening partnerships with local and global industries is a key driver in our research success.

As a research higher degree candidate, the University will support you to the utmost of its ability. When you accept an offer of a place at Newcastle, you can be sure that you will be accepted into our research community and you will be given quality supervision consistent at all times with the various stages of your development towards being an independent researcher.

Please take the time to read through this prospectus and to understand the advantage you will have, should you choose Newcastle as your university. We are confident that you will find much to encourage your application for admission.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Professor Scott Holmes Dean of Graduate Studies Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research)

TO CHOOSE THE UNIVERSITY OF

NEWCASTLE

AUSTRALIA

CONTENTS We provide a great environment for study We have a student population of more than 30,000 including more than 6,500 international students from more than 100 countries. Our campuses at Newcastle and the Central Coast are set in bushland settings and are close to some of Australia’s most beautiful beaches.

WE PROVIDE A GREAT ENVIRONMENT FOR STUDY

World-class research The University is ranked nationally in Australia’s top 10 research universities. We have 12 Priority Research Centres, we lead two Australian Research Council Centres of Excellence and host large national and international research projects. The high standards set by the University ensure that our research higher degrees are respected and valued throughout the world.

05 Expectations in relation to research higher degrees

02 Quick guide to the University 03 Our location WORLD-CLASS RESEARCH 04 Our track record 06 Entry requirements PEOPLE WHO STUDY HERE DO WELL 08 Research scholarships WE ARE HANDS-ON AND RESPONSIVE 10 Resources for candidates

People who study here do well As one of Australia’s leading research-intensive institutions, we have a reputation for excellence and a strong and vibrant research culture. Completing a research higher degree develops specialist knowledge in your field and professional skills for a range of business settings. Whether you’re interested in a career in academia or in the private or government spheres, you will be equipped with valuable skills that will make you competitive, no matter what your chosen career path.

THIS IS A PLACE OF OPPORTUNITY 12 Faculty of Business and Law 15 Faculty of Education and Arts 22 Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment 29 Faculty of Health 35 Faculty of Science and Information Technology 46 The Wollotuka Institute

We are hands-on and responsive We value our research higher degree candidates as important contributors to our research standing and provide a supportive environment. You will be accepted into our research community and given quality supervision.

APPLICATION AND ENROLMENT

This is a place of opportunity A research higher degree is a unique opportunity to develop new skills, develop problem-solving abilities and make a valuable contribution to new knowledge. Whether you want to broaden your mind, advance your career, increase your knowledge, travel the globe or change the world, the University of Newcastle can provide you with the opportunity.

53 Application form

47 Key dates 48 A guide to application and enrolment 50 Application procedure 57 Proposal template 58 Enrolment info 60 RHD programs and codes 64 Student information and services

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A GREAT ENVIRONMENT FOR STUDY The University of Newcastle is a modern, flexible and comprehensive university established in 1965.

We have two main campuses. The largest, set on a 140 hectare natural bushland site, is at Callaghan, 12 kilometres from the centre of Newcastle, and is well serviced by both bus and train. The other main campus is located on a picturesque 85 hectare site at Ourimbah on the Central Coast, halfway between Newcastle and Sydney. Our City Precinct comprises the Newcastle Business School, the Newcastle Legal Centre and the Conservatorium of Music.

Our total student population is over 30,000, including some 6,500 international students from more than 100 countries.

There are over 1,200 research higher degree candidates, including almost 300 international candidates. We are host to a range of research centres funded either by the Australian Government and industry or from our own resources. Our 12 Priority Research Centres bring together our top researchers and promote cross-faculty and cross-disciplinary research. Full details of all our research centres are available at www.newcastle.edu.au/ unit/research-services/research-centres.html We enjoy significant research and teaching partnerships with universities throughout Asia and the Pacific and in Europe, North America and Africa. We are recognised nationally and internationally for the leadership we have provided in establishing problem-based learning, the educational core of our programs in Medicine, Architecture, Nursing, Engineering and Law. The University is strongly committed to increasing the participation of Indigenous students in higher education and our Umulliko Indigenous Higher Education Research Centre provides support to our Indigenous research higher degree candidates.

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The University offers specialised services and resources for research higher degree candidates over six libraries, including dedicated postgraduate study facilities at three locations. The library invests over $7.5 million per annum in scholarly information resources including subscriptions to over 67,000 online journals, e-book collections and also acquires over 20,000 print books per annum. Resources in other libraries within Australia and overseas are available free of charge through the inter library loan and BONUS+ requesting system. This, combined with 24x7 physical access over three locations ensures that the library is always available to assist and support research activity. The Faculty Librarian Service provides advanced information research support to researchers and postgraduate students. Subject information specialists can advise on the best strategies for effective information access including advice on literature searches, research techniques, advanced use of Endnote and training in online resources.

The sports facilities on the Callaghan campus are amongst the finest of any university in the country and include The Forum sports complex which houses a 50 metre indoor heated pool, an 18 metre climbing wall, a fully equipped gymnasium, two martial arts/aerobics studios and two competition indoor courts for sports such as basketball and volleyball. There are also six sporting ovals, a squash centre and tennis courts.

There are many social and support services for students from career guidance and health care to banks and sporting clubs.

The University operates the largest single site accommodation complex of any university in Australia with the capacity to accommodate around 1,000 students. There are four Halls of Residence – Edwards Hall, International House, Barahinebahn and Evatt House.

Newcastle

Climate

Newcastle has a regional population of about 500,000 and supports a thriving business and commercial sector and an excellent network of health care and education facilities.

Both regions have a similar temperate climate with warm to hot summers and mild winters. Average daytime temperature:

Combined with a comparatively low cost of living and a favourable climate, Newcastle presents a relaxed and welcoming lifestyle that has all the city comforts – restaurants, cafes, art galleries, shopping centres and nightclubs. Home to both creative and sporting festivals, Newcastle has a vibrant artistic scene and offers many opportunities for participation in sporting activities.

28° c

Summer (December to February)

26° c

Autumn (March to May)

18° c

Winter (June to August)

25° c

Spring (September to November)

Newcastle’s harbour waterfront is a popular recreation and leisure area for locals and visitors. The Hunter Valley (famous for its wines) and Port Stephens (famous for dolphin watching) are an easy day trip from the city. Lake Macquarie, the largest coastal salt water lake in Australia, is a short drive from the city.

Central Coast Located halfway between Sydney and Newcastle, the Ourimbah campus is just over an hour’s drive from Sydney, yet less than 15 minutes from sparkling beaches and lush forests. Ourimbah offers an idyllic study environment allowing students to blend rigorous study with a relaxing lifestyle.

Located within walking distance of the main railway line, there are also regular bus services to the campus from the surrounding suburbs.

Gosford is the largest city on the Central Coast and offers excellent shopping and sporting facilities. The Central Coast’s abundant natural attractions provide a perfect backdrop for tourism, offering unspoilt beaches, tranquil waterways and nature parks.

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WORLD-CLASS RESEARCH Research and study opportunities are available for all stages of your career. To find out more about the University of Newcastle’s worldclass team visit www.newcastle.edu. au/research The University of Newcastle is ranked in Australia’s top 10 universities for research. Our strengths are concentrated in the areas of health, energy and the environment, and science and engineering.

The University is home to many of the world’s leading researchers including: •• Professor John Forbes (breast cancer) •• Professor Jim Denham (prostate cancer) •• Laureate Professor John Aitken (reproductive biology) •• Laureate Professor Graeme Jameson (chemical engineering) •• Laureate Professor Graham Goodwin (electrical engineering) •• Laureate Professor Scott Sloan (civil engineering) •• Laureate Professor Jonathon Borwein (mathematics) •• Laureate Professor Rob Sanson-Fisher (public health)

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Our track record

Nurturing research talent

•• Ranked ninth in Australia for externallyfunded research •• Annual external research income has doubled since 2003 to $78.1 million in 2008 •• Australian Research Council funding of $15 million in 2008 •• Record National Health and Medical Research Council funding of $14.8 million in 2009 •• Newcastle Innovation annual turnover $13.8 million in 2008 •• Research Higher Degree completions number 151 in 2008-09 •• Associate member of the Group of Eight (Go8) Deans of Engineering and Associates*

We attract and support talented, keen researchers and invest in world-class research facilities. It is research and scholarships that underpin our teaching.

Our academics are developing new theories, new solutions and new ways of thinking every day. Many are leaders in their particular fields and produce internationally competitive research. You will have the opportunity to learn from some of the world’s leading researchers.

For example: •• Associate Professor Phil Morgan last year won a prestigious Tall Poppy Science Award – an award that recognises the achievements of outstanding young scientific researchers. Professor Morgan is a leading expert in the field of weight reduction, and his research is focused on strategies to prevent and treat obesity, particularly children.

•• Dr Jane Taylor is a world-leading expert in forensic dentistry and a senior lecturer in oral health at the Central Coast campus. Her expertise has helped identify victims of the Victorian bushfires and the Boxing Day tsunami in Thailand.

•• The University is home to one of the world’s leading biologists, Laureate Professor John Aitken. Professor Aitken is an internationally renowned expert in reproductive biology, and works extensively in the areas of male infertility – something that affects one in 20 Australian males.

*Associate members were invited to join the Go8 Deans of Engineering in recognition of the outstanding quality of their engineering research, teaching and scholarship.

We lead two Australian Research Council Centres of Excellence: •• Biotechnology and Development •• Complex Dynamic Systems and Control We host large national and international research projects including: •• Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health •• Australia New Zealand Breast Cancer Trials Group •• Enterprise Connect Clean Energy Innovation Centre •• WorkCover NSW Research Centre of Excellence

EXPECTATIONS IN RELATION TO RESEARCH HIGHER DEGREES

The research Master of Philosophy and Doctor of Philosophy degrees have two intents.

One is to train candidates in the general area of research methodology, equipping them with skills which will serve them in any field of research, while the other is to prepare a substantial piece of work which is primarily embodied in a thesis and represents a significant contribution to the particular field of study. The difference between a Master degree and a Doctoral degree is explained in the following definitions.

The degree of Master of Philosophy (MPhil) is an ungraded degree awarded for a significant contribution achieved through a program of advanced study and research to any branch of learning of concern to the Faculty in which the candidate is enrolled.

The degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is an ungraded degree awarded for an original and significant contribution of merit achieved through a program of advanced study and research to any branch of learning of concern to the University.

A research degree program is a demanding undertaking that will take a number of years to complete. It is likely to involve extended hours to absorb and digest vast amounts of existing information, to develop new data or ideas and, with the assistance of your supervisor, to distil these into a well-structured and clearly written research thesis.

There are also likely to be new opportunities for interaction with other researchers and people who are established in their professions. With careful direction from your supervisor you will progress your research while juggling the competing and valid demands of family, friends, hobbies and relaxation. Time management skills become very important.

Why should you embark on such a program? It is a unique opportunity to learn new skills, develop problem-solving abilities and make a demonstrable contribution to new knowledge. It is the recognised qualification for a career in academia and will also open doors to new career paths in the public and private sectors. As a successful Master of Philosophy or Doctor of Philosophy graduate, you will have overcome obstacles, persevered with research, mastered new skills and convinced a group of your peers that the contribution to knowledge submitted as your thesis is worthy of the award of a higher degree. The end result is an overwhelming feeling of great accomplishment.

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RESEARCH PROGRAMS AND ENTRY REQUIREMENTS The choice is yours The University offers a wide range of Master of Philosophy and Doctor of Philosophy programs in which research is the major component. Each candidate proceeds under the guidance of a supervising member of staff.

To be eligible for admission to candidature an applicant shall have satisfied all of the requirements for admission to the degree of Bachelor with Honours Class I or Honours Class II, Division 1 or any other degree approved for this purpose by the Pro ViceChancellor (or nominee). For further information on eligibility requirements please visit the relevant schedule at www.newcastle. edu.au/students/research-higher-degree/policies-guidelines It is strongly recommended that all applicants contact the faculty in which they wish to undertake research to discuss possible topics.

Please refer to the faculty sections of this prospectus which provide details on research areas and contact details of academics. Alternatively, search the University’s directory of research expertise at www.newcastle.edu.au/research/warp The Voluntary Register of Supervisors provides another means of searching for a supervisor. The Register has details of supervisors who have voluntarily applied for listing on the register, have met the eligibility criteria and who are actively seeking research higher degree candidates. The register is on the web at www.newcastle.edu.au/students/research-higher-degree/ supervision/voluntary-register.html

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Master of Philosophy (MPhil) The Master of Philosophy degree is offered by all faculties in the University. Applicants may apply to undertake research in any of the research areas listed within the faculty entries. Candidates are expected to complete their degree within two years of full-time study or four years of part-time study. The entry requirement is, in most cases, a relevant Bachelor degree with Honours Class I or 2/1 or equivalent qualification.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) The Doctor of Philosophy degree is offered by all faculties in the University. Applicants may apply to undertake research in any of the research areas listed within the faculty entries. Candidates are expected to complete their degree within four years of full-time study or eight years of part-time study. The entry requirement is, in most cases, a relevant Bachelor degree with Honours Class I or 2/1 or equivalent qualification, or a coursework Master degree including a minor thesis completed at an appropriate level.

Higher doctorates The University offers higher doctoral degrees. Admission to and the award of these degrees is based on the research output of the applicant over a substantial number of years. The requirements for higher doctoral degrees are available from the Office of Graduate Studies and are not referred to further in this prospectus.

Research at the University’s Ourimbah campus Research output at the Ourimbah campus has received national and international recognition and a number of research groups have active collaborative links with industry, government agencies and community groups. Full details of research areas supported at the Ourimbah campus are listed in the faculty entries.

people who STUDY HERE DO WELL The Office of Graduate Studies provides a consolidated university focus on postgraduate studies in order to support the delivery of quality programs and services to research higher degree candidates. The office is the first point of contact for research candidates.

Office of Graduate Studies The Chancellery The University of Newcastle Callaghan NSW 2308 Australia T +61 2 4921 6537 F +61 2 4921 6908 E research@newcastle.edu.au www.newcastle.edu.au/students/ research-higher-degree

SARAH

Office of Graduate Studies

I started a research higher degree because I wanted a job that was flexible and challenging, and where I could pursue topics of interest to me.

My PhD research is investigating the relationship between the immune system and depression. Often people with depression have an altered immune system which puts them at risk of developing other illnesses. I want to examine which risk factors and symptoms of depression contribute most to these effects on the immune system.

Besides the freedom to choose working hours and subject areas, there are many other rewards in doing a RHD. For me, one of the most attractive incentives is the potential for travel, particularly interstate and overseas. It is also great to meet colleagues with a similar passion for generating novel and applied research. People are genuinely interested in the work you are doing and care about your career path.

I hope to continue my career in academia and the PhD is giving me the skills needed to become a competent researcher. Developing the troubleshooting and goal setting skills necessary for managing time in the independent learning environment of the PhD will be useful in whatever career I pursue.

While a research higher degree isn’t always glamorous, it is exciting when things fall into place and I feel I could make a difference to the health of the broader community.

Sarah, PhD (Psychiatry)

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RESEARCH SCHOLARSHIPS The University of Newcastle offers a number of postgraduate research scholarships to support research candidates in their endeavours.

In 2010 the University of Newcastle offered approximately 85 scholarships to domestic candidates. You are encouraged to maximise this opportunity to join a leading research university and receive financial support by applying for a scholarship.

Scholarship duration is three years for a PhD and two years for a Master degree.

Candidates who have commenced a research higher degree prior to being awarded a scholarship will have the duration of the scholarship reduced by the amount of time completed prior to the scholarship starting.

Australian Postgraduate Award (APA) Australian Postgraduate Awards are funded by the Australian Government and are available to candidates undertaking a full-time MPhil or PhD degree. Applicants must have Honours Class I and be Australian citizens, New Zealand citizens or Australian permanent residents. These awards currently provide a living allowance, a relocation allowance and a thesis allowance.

The base rate living allowance in 2010 was $22,500 per annum.

Applications close 31 October each year.

University of Newcastle Postgraduate Research Scholarship (UNRS) University of Newcastle Postgraduate Research Scholarships are funded by the University of Newcastle and are offered to applicants of any citizenship status undertaking a full-time MPhil or PhD degree. These scholarships provide a living allowance, and may also provide a relocation allowance and thesis allowance for the candidate (depending on the funding source). The base rate living allowance in 2010 was $22,500 per annum. Candidates should normally have Honours Class I. Applications for domestic students close 31 October each year.

Additional University of Newcastle Postgraduate Research Scholarships funded from external sources (e.g. research grants) are available throughout the year. These scholarships are advertised on the following website www.newcastle.edu.au/ students/research-higher-degree/scholarships/availablescholarships.html If you are applying for a specific scholarship funded from an external source please write the name of the scholarship on the application form.

08 | The University of Newcastle

Scholarship selection and offer procedures

Scholarship eligibility criteria

Scholarships are awarded to eligible applicants on the basis of academic merit and through a highly competitive process. The award of research scholarships may also take into account areas of research strength or areas of research in line with the strategic directions of the University.

Applicants must meet eligibility requirements and must have an offer of admission to a research higher degree. Applicants for all schemes must have completed at least four years of undergraduate study and have attained Honours Class I or equivalent. Applicants will be considered for an Australian Postgraduate Award (APA) in the first instance and then for a University of Newcastle Research Scholarship (UNRS).

The research scholarship criteria for all faculties will have the common components of academic achievement and research/ scholarly attainments (relative to opportunity). For assessment purposes, current honours students who have not received their final results will be ranked on the assumption of achieving Honours Class I (H1). Any subsequent scholarship offer would be conditional upon H1.

Applicants may elect to be considered in more than one discipline area. A complete separate application must be lodged for each discipline, and each will be considered separately within the relevant faculty. An offer of admission to candidature and/or offer of scholarship in one discipline may not be transferable to another.

Applicants who have completed more than two full-time equivalent semesters towards a MPhil or more than four full-time equivalent semesters towards a PhD at the commencement of the following academic year will not be considered for the award of a scholarship.

First round scholarship offers will be sent to the applicant’s correspondence address in mid to late December. Offers must be accepted within 28 days. It is important that applicants ensure they check their email and collect mail from their correspondence address. Any second round offers will be made from January 2011.

Scholarships should normally commence and enrolment should be finalised by 31 August in the year for which the offer of candidature was made. Scholarship recipients must normally be enrolled full-time in their research higher degree.

Scholarship applications will be accepted between 1 January and 31 October each year. As 31 October, 2010 is a Sunday, applications will be accepted until 5pm Monday 1 November, 2010. Scholarship applications received after this date will not be considered. If you are unsuccessful in your application or miss the closing date in 2010 and wish to apply for a scholarship in the following year you will need to submit an application between 1 January and 31 October 2011.

Note that applicants are not eligible for: •• support for a MPhil degree if they already hold a MPhil degree or equivalent; •• support from any RHD scholarship if they already hold a research doctoral degree or equivalent; •• an APA if they have previously held any Australian Government funded award for six months or more; or •• a UNRS if they have previously held an equivalent scholarship for 12 months or more, for the same award.

An applicant who does not speak English as a first language must satisfy one of the following English language requirements: A pass at the required level in one of the following qualifications, completed no longer than two years prior to the submission of the application to study at the University of Newcastle.

TOEFL •• a paper-based test score of 575 or more with a TWE rating of 4.5; or •• a computer-based test score of 232 or more with a minimum 4.5 Essay Rating; or •• an internet test overall score of 93 with no subtest score less than 21.

IELTS •• a score of 6.5 or higher with no individual sub-test score less than 6.0 in the Academic Module.

The full English Proficiency Policy is available at www.newcastle.edu.au/policy/000104.html SCHOLARSHIP Guidelines and procedures The guidelines and procedures for the allocation and award of research scholarships are available at www.newcastle.edu.au/ students/research-higher-degree/policies-guidelines

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WE ARE HANDS-ON AND RESPONSIVE RESOURCES FOR RESEARCH HIGHER DEGREE CANDIDATES

Upon enrolment all commencing RHD candidates are provided with a new laptop which includes a standard suite of University software such as Microsoft Office and multi-media, academic and anti-virus software.

Computing facilities at the University are provided via a high-speed optical fibre network and include the University Information Network (based on an FDDI fibre ring with ethernets in all major buildings) which also gives access to the internet.

All candidates are also able to apply for the Annual RHD Candidate Allocation for reimbursement of costs associated with research activities while they are within their allowed/funded candidature period. All uses of these funds must be approved by the supervisor and Head of School. The amount available per candidate is at least $1500 per annum (pro rata for part-time candidates) and can be claimed for items such as: •• project costs (e.g. costs associated with surveys, interviews, statistical advice, training courses, data entry and processing) •• the direct cost of consumables required for the candidate’s research project •• travel and fieldwork related to the research project •• conference attendance and participation (including registration, travel and accommodation) •• purchase of software (or software licences), books, journals, media resources etc. that are related to the research project •• purchase or lease of equipment required for the research project •• publication costs for research papers arising from the candidate’s research.

The Code of Practice for Research Higher Degree Candidature outlines a minimum level of resources that are provided to candidates. For further information go to www.newcastle.edu.au/policy/000061.html

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THIS IS A PLACE OF OPPORTUNITY The University of Newcastle is a comprehensive, international university and one of Australia’s leading research institutions. It employs around 800 academic staff and offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs through five faculties and The Wollotuka Institute. For more information, visit www.newcastle.edu.au/faculty

Faculty of Business and Law Newcastle Business School Newcastle Law School Faculty of Education and Arts School of Drama, Fine Art and Music (incorporating the Conservatorium) School of Education School of Humanities and Social Science Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment School of Architecture and Built Environment School of Engineering School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Faculty of Health School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy School of Health Sciences School of Medicine and Public Health School of Nursing and Midwifery Faculty of Science and Information Technology School of Design, Communication and Information Technology School of Environmental and Life Sciences School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences School of Psychology The Wollotuka Institute Umulliko Indigenous Higher Education Research Unit English Language and Foundation Studies Centre English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS) International Foundation

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FACULTY OF BUSINESS AND LAW The Faculty of Business and Law is committed to creating, ensuring and promoting an unmatched research environment.

We seek to make a difference in our research, both to expand the knowledge within and across discipline boundaries and to have an impact on the professions, business and government in Australia and the Asia-Pacific. As a result, our research aims to make a real difference by improving our business and legal institutions and organisations; advancing human social and economics progress; and contributing to equity and justice.

Research higher degree programs are available in the following disciplines: Accounting, Finance, Business, Economics, Employment Relations, Human Resource Management, Law, Management, Marketing, Politics, Tourism and Leisure. Interdisciplinary programs are also available.

A candidate for a research degree would enrol in one of the two Schools in the Faculty: •• Newcastle Business School •• Newcastle Law School As a supplementary information resource, you are encouraged to visit the Faculty’s web page www.newcastle.edu.au/faculty/business-law/research in order to gain further insights into the nature of our current research programs and postgraduate studies.

RESEARCH Centres The Centre for Institutional and Organisational Studies This Faculty-wide Centre studies the differential growth and development of societies across time and place. The aim is to understand how socially beneficial exchange is organised through legal, political, economic and social institutions and organisations.

Organisations comprise business and legal firms, unions, the judiciary, political parties, pressure groups, families, non-governmental and not-for-profit bodies, religious groups, educational bodies and international bodies (UN, World Bank and IMF). Institutions include the formal (legal) and informal (social norms and values) rules by which organisations operate.

The Centre has research partners with leading universities including Nanjing University; Shandong University; Jilan University; IMT Ghaziabad; Indian Institute of Management, Indore; Chulalongkorn University; Thammasat University; University of Malaya; University of Kebangsaan; University of Limerick and University of Illinois, Champaign – Urbana.

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RESEARCH AREAS ACCOUNTING AND FINANCE Accounting Accountability and professionalism; issues in international accounting; international harmonization of accounting standards; effects of culture in accounting; environmental and social accounting; corporate governance; managerial accounting; cash flow accounting; accounting standards and judgement.

Finance Pricing and hedging of derivative securities; dividend imputation and corporate finance; development of emerging financial markets; impact of accounting data on security market behaviour; exchange rate forecasting; asset pricing models; mergers and acquisitions; financial planning, individual judgement and decision making by financial planners.

Auditing Corporate fraud; analytical procedures.

Academic contacts Finance: Professor Steve Easton Steve.Easton@newcastle.edu.au Accounting: Associate Professor Jim Psaros Jim.Psaros@newcastle.edu.au Finance: Associate Professor Abul Shamsuddin Abul.Shamsuddin@newcastle.edu.au BUSINESS Business ethics Corporate governance; corporate social responsibility; socially responsible investment.

Corporate finance planning Corporate and government accounting and financial disclosure.

Management Strategic human resource management; small business management; community management; women in management.

Academic contacts Employment Studies: Professor Mark Bray Mark.Bray@newcastle.edu.au Human Resource Management: Professor John Burgess John.Burgess@newcastle.edu.au Corporate Governance and Social Responsibility: Associate Professor Jim Psaros Jim.Psaros@newcastle.edu.au ECONOMICS Labour economics Economics of wage and hours determination; discrimination and equity; labour supply and demand analysis; causes and consequences of unemployment; regional analysis; gender studies; work and family issues; immigration and employment restructuring; key area is study of full employment and equity within a spatial context.

Econometrics Modelling time series Unit roots and co-integration testing; error correction systems; bivariate GARCH, FIGARCH; Markov regime switching models; spatial econometrics; key areas are the development of a large-scale macroeconometric model of the Australian economy; time series econometrics with a focus on volatility estimation; spatial modelling and estimation of regional labour market models.

Economic development Asian economic development with particular reference to China: analysis and policy.

Industry economics Economics of firms, corporations and market structures; health service provision; agricultural economics; competition policy; economics of strategy and innovation; key area is public policy analysis.

History of economic thought The evolution of economic thought and analysis from the classical period to the twentieth century; the development of pluralist economic methodology including Marxism, Institutionalism, Post-Keynesianism, and others.

Macroeconomics Inflation and its relation to unemployment; Balance of Payments measurement and analysis; fiscal and monetary policy design; Job Guarantee: application to disadvantaged groups; the role of money in growth; international trade and finance; theories of money and liquidity preference; macroeconometric modelling; macroeconomic growth and well-being.

Regional economics Network analysis; regional modelling; labour market accounting; New Regionalism.

Academic contacts Economics: Dr Frank Agbola Frank.Agbola@newcastle.edu.au Associate Professor Akhtar Hossain Akhtar.Hossain@newcastle.edu.au Associate Professor Martin Watts Martin.Watts@newcastle.edu.au EMPLOYMENT RELATIONS AND HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Analysis of workplace culture; enterprise bargaining, individual bargaining and workplace reform; gender and work; effects of downsizing and rightsizing; training; trade union and employer strategies; equal pay and equal opportunity at work; dynamics of work and the workplace; theory and practice of human resource management; human resource management and industrial relations in a range of industry sectors, including call centres, health care, labour hire, steel and transport and logistics.

Academic contacts Employment Studies: Professor Mark Bray Mark.Bray@newcastle.edu.au Labour Economics: Professor John Burgess John.Burgess@newcastle.edu.au INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS International business management; international business strategy; foreign direct investment; inter-firm co-operation; economics of information and knowledge.

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Academic contacts Institutional Dynamics: Professor Gordon Boyce Gordon.Boyce@newcastle.edu.au International Business Strategy: Professor Stephen Nicholas Stephen.Nicholas@newcastle.edu.au LAW The University Library has a law collection with substantial holdings in many areas of legal activity.

Family law The law relating to parent and child; comparative developments in family law; social security in family law and legal responses to family dysfunction.

Civil law Contract law; Tort and Compensation law; Occupational Health and Safety law; Trade Practice law, Intellectual Property law and Civil Procedure.

Government law Australian and comparative constitutional law; antidiscrimination law; administrative and social security law.

Criminal law Sentencing; criminal justice; criminology; procedures and practices.

Academic contacts Criminal Law: Dr John Anderson John.Anderson@newcastle.edu.au Family Law: Professor Frank Bates Frank.Bates@newcastle.edu.au Civil Law, Tort Law, Intellectual Property and Occupational Health and Safety Law: Mr Neil Foster Neil.Foster@newcastle.edu.au Government Law: Mrs Katherine Lindsay Katherine.Lindsay@newcastle.edu.au Civil Law, Contract Law, Trade Practice Law and Civil Procedure: Professor Ted Wright Ted.Wright@newcastle.edu.au

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MANAGEMENT Management Management: Strategic management; strategic use of information technology; knowledge management in the contemporary organisation; eBusiness; organisational behaviour; leadership.

Small firm management Evaluating performance influences; financial management; capital structures.

Academic contacts Employment Studies: Professor Mark Bray Mark.Bray@newcastle.edu.au Human Resource Management: Professor John Burgess John.Burgess@newcastle.edu.au Supply Chain Management: Associate Professor Ramaswami Sridharan Ramaswami.Sridharan@newcastle.edu.au MARKETING Marketing Consumer behaviour; branding; customer value creation; services marketing; e-service quality; service quality and customer commitment; customer empowerment; advertising; strategic marketing; marketing and technology (internet); political marketing; social marketing; marketing capability and customer equity; sports marketing; relationship marketing; international marketing; cross-cultural and ethnic marketing; market entry strategies and international business.

Academic contacts Associate Professor Alison Dean Alison.Dean@newcastle.edu.au Professor Aron O’Cass Aron.Ocass@newcastle.edu.au POLITICS Australian politics and public policy Governance and public administration; public sector and the state; native title; free speech and sedition.

International relations International relations theory; foreign policy analysis; globalisation; global terrorism; international political economy.

Comparative politics U.S. politics; European politics; public opinion; political psychology.

Political theory Feminist thought; Marxist theory; democratic theory and the state; liberal thinkers and ideas; toleration; church and state; politics of human rights; postmodern theory.

Academic contact Associate Professor Jim Jose Jim.Jose@newcastle.edu.au TOURISM STUDIES Tourism Nature and tourism; protected areas; ecotourism; Indigenous tourism; rural tourism; gay tourism; urban tourism; tourism policy and planning; risk and adventure; events and festivals; outdoor recreation; volunteer tourism.

Community recreation and tourism Sports development policy; recreation planning in local communities; gender, leisure, health and well-being; recreation for persons with special needs; youth and community identity; leadership and organisations; leisure and lifelong learning.

Academic contact Dr Kevin Lyons Kevin.Lyons@newcastle.edu.au

FACULTY OF EDUCATION AND ARTS The Faculty of Education and Arts encompasses a very broad range of disciplines as represented in the following Schools of the Faculty. A candidate for a research degree in this Faculty would enrol in one of these Schools: •• School of Humanities and Social Science •• School of Drama, Fine Art and Music (incorporating the Conservatorium) •• School of Education The Faculty also provides an important focus on innovative forms of interdisciplinary research, such as in the fields of education and training, gender, and religious and cultural studies.

Each School has a Deputy Head of School Research and Research Training. Prospective candidates for a research higher degree are advised to consult the Deputy Head of School in the appropriate School before submitting an application for enrolment, although this is not essential.

If you are unsure of the appropriate School for your interests, please contact the Faculty’s Assistant Dean for Research Training, Professor Allyson Holbrook Allyson.Holbrook@newcastle.edu.au Email addresses are also located in this brochure under Academic contacts in the Research Area information as well under the staff directory of the University of Newcastle website.

RESEARCH CENTRES The Faculty has three institutes with a broad brief to advance research and a number of centres and groups pursuing specific strands of research.

RAISIW – Research Institute for Social Inclusion and Wellbeing Director: Professor Stephen Webb T +61 2 4921 6630 E Stephen.Webb@newcastle.edu.au W www.newcastle.edu.au/institute/research-institute-for-social-inclusion-and-wellbeing This institute focuses explicitly on social inclusion and wellbeing as significant factors which impact on equity, social justice and citizenship. The Institute brings together some of the world’s leading researchers and policy makers in this interdisciplinary field. Our focus is on research within a strategic framework where the social sciences and moral philosophy come together in endorsing a global public sphere based on the principle of parity of participation. Indicators and measurements of wellbeing are being extended beyond preferences and levels of satisfaction to incorporate the degree to which human beings can flourish together so as to lead a good life. The Institute is dedicated to advancing the understanding of inclusion and wellbeing, and applying new knowledge and methods to helping people, institutions and societies develop their full capabilities.

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TERIN – The Education Research Institute Newcastle Director: Professor James Albright T +61 2 4921 6738 E James.Albright@newcastle.edu.au W www.newcastle.edu.au/institute/ newcastle-institute-for-research-in- education

CLLC – Centre for Literary and Linguistic Computing Director: Professor Hugh Craig T +61 2 4921 5175 F +61 2 4921 6933 E Hugh.Craig@newcastle.edu.au W www.newcastle.edu.au/school/hss/ research/groups/cllc

SORTI – Centre for the Study of Research Training and Impact Director: Professor Allyson Holbrook T +61 2 4968 6710 F +61 2 4968 6713 E Allyson.Holbrook@newcastle.edu.au W www.newcastle.edu.au/research- centre/sorti

This centre cultivates interdisciplinary research to enhance the theoretical, methodological, and evidence-based understandings of education. It provides a productive research environment where leading scholars conduct streams of research that have high national and international impact. NIRE strives to be an instrument of change to advance educational practice, to create inclusive and equitable learning environments, to enhance educational outcomes for diverse learners, and to deliver evidencebased solutions to significant educational problems.

The Centre undertakes statistical research of frequency patterns in language, seeking answers to authorship questions and a new understanding of style in general.

It provides opportunities for innovative projects linking humanities research methods with information technology.

The Centre’s research is directed toward the understanding and development of researchers and how students become knowledge producers. Research interests include: higher order problem solving skills, research training, adult education, higher education and professional decisionmaking in a wide variety of contexts including workplace. Core concerns are research and higher education assessment and impact, instructional models, mode of delivery (e-learning) and success factors.

HRI – Humanities Research Institute Director: Professor Hugh Craig T +61 2 4921 5212 E Hugh.Craig@newcastle.edu.au W www.newcastle.edu.au/institute/ humanities-research The aim is to foster humanities research.

We believe that humanities research has an important role to play in the intellectual life of the University and more widely. Our aim is to foster teams of researchers to undertake high-quality adventurous work in the humanities, and to promote the research careers of individual University of Newcastle humanities researchers.

We also seek out and promote research connections between the humanities disciplines at Newcastle and work elsewhere, with the idea of forming productive groups in closely focused areas across institutions, and groups that bring together researchers across discipline boundaries to tackle larger and more intractable problems.

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CPLE – Centre for Professional Learning in Education Director: Professor James Albright T +61 2 4921 6738 F +61 2 4921 7887 E James.Albright@newcastle.edu.au W www.newcastle.edu.au/research- centre/cple The Centre focuses on conducting research that informs educational policy and practice as well as some of education’s most enduring problems, particularly in the fields of teacher and leadership development; quality and innovation in pedagogy, curriculum and assessment; and, equitable outcomes for all students.

CSEDS – Centre for Special Education and Disability Studies Director: Professor Greg Leigh T +61 2 9872 0372 F +61 2 9872 0824 E Greg.Leigh@newcastle.edu.au W www.newcastle.edu.au/centre/sed Interests include sensory disabilities, behaviour and emotional difficulties, developmental disabilities, integration and inclusion, early childhood intervention, students with multiple and severe disabilities, and adults with disabilities.

GRIT – Group for Religion and Intellectual Traditions Director: Professor Hilary Carey T +61 2 4921 5209 F +61 2 4921 6940 E Hilary.Carey@newcastle.edu.au W www.newcastle.edu.au/school/hss/ research/groups/group-for-religiousand-intellectual-traditions The collaborative work of this group focuses on the cultural and historical study of religion and other intellectual traditions drawing on interdisciplinary and disciplinary approaches from anthropology, classics, history, philosophy, religious studies, sociology and theology.

The group provides an informal forum for the exchange of ideas relating to the influence of intellectual and religious traditions in historical and contemporary contexts in the ancient world, early modern Europe, the British empire, Australia and the local Hunter Valley and Lake Macquarie regions. In recent years, the group has held workshops, run an occasional speaker series and supported researchers on current ARC Discovery Projects. It maintains close links with the University Archives and Special Collections.

RESEARCH AREAS Social and Cultural Conflict Group Director: Associate Professor Philip Dwyer T +61 2 4921 7122 F +61 2 4921 6940 E Philip.Dwyer@newcastle.edu.au W www.newcastle.edu.au/school/hss/ research/groups/sccrg The Group investigates social and cultural conflict across a number of fields, domestic and international, public and private, historical as well as contemporary and from a number of disciplinary perspectives.

Writing Cultures Research Group Director: Dr Rosalind Smith T +61 2 4921 5180 F +61 2 4921 6933 E Ros.Smith@newcastle.edu.au This group examines both the writing of cultures and cultures of writing, from the manuscript and print cultures of the early modern period to contemporary cultures of DIY and digital publishing. It includes both critics and writers and is interested in the intersection of theory and practice within the disciplines of English, writing, Indigenous studies, and film, media and cultural studies.

ANTHROPOLOGY See Sociology and Anthropology CHINESE LITERATURE Modern Chinese literature and literary criticism; intellectual history; comparative literature; and the theory and practice of translation.

Academic contact Dr Li Xia Li.Xia@newcastle.edu.au CLASSICS Greek and Roman History: Macedon in the era of Philip, Alexander and the Successor Kingdoms; Sparta, from the Archaic period to the 4th Century; Late Roman Republic and Early Empire. Greek and Roman Literature: Sappho; Catullus; Roman Elegy; Greek and Roman Historiography; Strabo.

Philosophy in the ancient world: Socrates; Plato and later Platonism. Culture and traditions in the ancient world: Gender and the history of sexuality; Greek and Roman social history; sport and spectacle in Antiquity; witchcraft and magic in Antiquity.

Academic contacts Literature and history in Graeco-Roman culture: Dr Jane Bellemore Jane.Bellemore@newcastle.edu.au Dr Elizabeth Baynham Elizabeth.Baynham@newcastle.edu.au Dr Marguerite Johnson Marguerite.Johnson@newcastle.edu.au Mr Hugh Lindsay Hugh.Lindsay@newcastle.edu.au Mr Terry Ryan Terry.Ryan@newcastle.edu.au CREATIVE WRITING This discipline offers postgraduates the opportunity to develop innovative writing projects. Postgraduates who enrol in either a master or a doctoral program work under a team of co-supervisors to complete a major creative writing project as well as a related contextualising research essay.

Areas of supervision include poetry, short stories, novels and creative non-fiction.

Academic contact Dr Kim Cheng Boey Kimcheng.Boey@newcastle.edu.au CULTURAL STUDIES This discipline offers the opportunity for research into contemporary mediated culture and a range of topics in media and cultural studies: popular culture; youth cultures; popular music; online community and social media, broadcast and print journalism; new media technologies; feminist movements, theories and cultural production; ethnicity and gender representation in popular culture; and technology and culture.

Academic contact Associate Professor Marj Kibby Marj.Kibby@newcastle.edu.au DRAMA Community drama History, theory and practice, with special reference to Australian work in the areas of community theatre and its relationship to social change; educational drama and youth theatre; drama and community development.

Performance histories Greek drama; Renaissance theatre; opera; nineteenth century popular theatre; twentieth century theatre (especially the Russian avante-garde and political theatre); Australian and postcolonial theatre; post-modern performance; gender and performance.

Theatre and cultural studies Theories of culture and cultural production; theatre audiences (composition and reception); gender politics and selffashioning; constructions of Shakespeare.

Performance practices Actor training within a global context, dramatic writing and dramaturgy, current directorial strategies.

Musical theatre Involving students in a collaborative creation encompassing all aspects of the production process.

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Academic contact Associate Professor Michael Ewans Michael.Ewans@newcastle.edu.au EDUCATION The postgraduate research opportunities in Education span from early childhood through school education and into higher education and education in the professions. There are strong research programs in a comprehensive range of theoretical and practical concerns pertaining to Education including those outlined below.

Teaching and learning Learning theory; cognitive, meta-cognitive and affective outcomes of schooling; motivation, self-regulation and strategic learning; cognition, epistemology and ontology; beliefs about learning; text processing; computer applications in learning. Quality teaching: pedagogical modelling; pedagogical reform; pedagogical improvement.

Social foundations and equity in education: History, philosophy, and sociology of education; curriculum theory; social theory; moral education; values, relationships, culture and conflict; gender and education; Aboriginal education; multicultural education.

Schooling and school reform Educational administration, leadership and management; school-based management; policy studies and futures in education; gender, social class, language, race and ethnicity in education; comparative and international education; higher education.

Research methods, training and impact Quantitative, qualitative and mixed research methods; postgraduate research training and impact; assessment and evaluation of research and research quality; research and high level skills development; the impact and influence of research, research training and education.

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Professional education, professional development and career trajectories Teacher socialisation; teacher professional development; induction and early career teachers; mentoring and supervision; career trajectories in education; education in the professions.

Special Education Behaviour disorders; communication states for students with severe or multiple disability, visual perceptual processing and learning disability; approaches to early childhood intervention including parent training approaches for Autism Spectrum Disorder, meeting the needs of young parents with an intellectual disability in early childhood programs, and the effects of transition to school for parents; provision of teaching and learning of deaf and vision impaired students.

Physical activity, health and education Physical activity and health promotion among children and adolescents; the impact of physical education, school sport and the school environment on healthrelated behaviours of students; impact of school and community based physical activity interventions on childhood and adolescent obesity.

Curriculum development In ESL/EOL/LOTE education; science and technology education; remedial education; music education and the arts; physical education/health education; social sciences education; English education, mathematics education.

Academic contact Associate Professor Michael Arthur-Kelly Michael.Arthur-Kelly@newcastle.edu.au ENGLISH LITERATURE The discipline of English literature offers postgraduates the opportunity to develop co-supervised research projects on literature written from 1500 to the present.

Areas of specialisation include: Early modern literature (1500-1800): TudorStuart and Restoration drama; women’s writing, including poetry, letters, diaries

and novels. Nineteenth-century literature: Australian women’s writing; Romanticism.

Twentieth-century literature: British and American poetry; modernism; Virginia Woolf; Australian poetry from 1960 to the present; travel writing; true crime writing.

Text and technology: The history of the book, print and digital culture, textuality, bibliographic codes, and interpretation.

Academic contact Dr Ros Smith Ros.Smith@newcastle.edu.au FILM AND TELEVISION STUDIES Film and Television Studies are disciplines which offer postgraduates the opportunity to develop research projects in traditional areas of study, such as film history, television studies and film theory. In addition postgraduates can work on a variety of special topics, such as: animation, digital cinema and special effects; feminist cultural studies; genre studies, teen cinema and television; indigenous filmmaking; and national cinemas, specifically Australian and British cinema.

Academic contact Associate Professor Marj Kibby Marj.Kibby@newcastle.edu.au FRENCH LITERATURE AND LANGUAGE The discipline of French offers postgraduates a wide range of possibilities for research in the areas of twentieth century literary and cultural analysis and translation studies. The research expertise of staff includes: the novels of Boris Vian; existentialism and surrealism; French noir fiction; didactics of French as a second language and translation theory and practice.

Academic contacts Dr Alistair Rolls Alistair.Rolls@newcastle.edu.au Dr Marie-Laure Vuaille-Barcan Marie-laure.Vuaille-Barcan@ newcastle.edu.au

FINE ART Please note that places in Fine Art for 2011 are very limited.

Conversational narrative as a means of generating images and installations which extend the possibility of portraiture. This research is essentially interactive involving various communities including hospitals, rural communities and other specific groups in the development of practical and theoretical work which describes the complex nature of identity. Another strand of this research explores the environment and its importance in terms of identity construction and memory.

Types and stereotypes The illustration of human types in popular art and science. An examination of exhibition strategies that explore the construction of popular and phrenological stereotypes through interactive computer displays and virtual (internet) referencing.

Postcolonial identity Visual strategies, including photographic narrative, that explore political domestic realities in postcolonial Australia and Southern Africa. This research deconstructs the historical depiction of Australia and Africa through art and questions the continuing relevance of landscape as a political signifier of identity and belonging.

Art, health and community This research crosses the disciplines of art practice and theory relative to community issues. Through multi-media it explores the subtler aspects of contemporary life to produce a variety of documents, images, sound and text which privilege the details of everyday life that are neglected in mainstream discourse but which constitute the practice of living.

Site specific sound works A collaborative research development between Fine Art and the Conservatorium that explores the nature of sound sculpture and the creation of hypothetical sonic landscapes.

Gender and the politics of place, space and objects Activities include studio practice that probes the subtle visual symbols of subservience and power in the domestic environment.

Material as signifier This research investigates the metaphorical potential of material within contemporary art discourse. Traditional materials (bronze, marble, clay, etc) and non-traditional materials (fibre, found objects, video, etc) and various related processes are tested for their effectiveness in acting as metaphors for history and political and domestic actuality.

The University has exceptional studios equipped to facilitate research in twodimensional studies (painting, drawing and printmaking), three-dimensional studies (sculpture, fibre and ceramics and photomedia). Studio research involves ongoing exploration and experimentation in the context of contemporary practice.

Academic contacts Dr Angela Philp Angela.Philp@newcastle.edu.au Professor Richard Vella Richard.Vella@newcastle.edu.au HISTORY The discipline of History offers postgraduates the opportunity to develop co-supervised research projects in the following areas of specialisation: Aboriginal history Race and gender in Australia and the US; colonialism and post-colonialism.

Australian and New Zealand social history Environmental history; the labour movement, gender and masculinity in Australia; social welfare and education history; history of film; history of sexuality; the Tasman world; heritage and the history of regional Australia, especially the Hunter region.

European history Early modern information transmission and the history of ideas.

History of the United States African American experiences History of war, international relations and national identities Australian and US foreign policy; the Vietnam War; American social and cultural history; war and society in Soviet Russia; popular memory and nationalism; remembrances of war in Australia and Japan; the French Revolution; Japanese imperialism and Asia; Japan-Indonesia, particularly the Netherland relationship from 1939-1945.

Religious and cultural history Religious culture in early modern Europe, the British empire and colonial Australia; women, gender and religion in early modern Europe and Australia; millenarianism; history of missions; history of medieval astrology.

Academic contacts Professor Hilary Carey (Discipline Convenor sem. 1, 2010) Hilary.Carey@newcastle.edu.au Associate Professor Philip Dwyer (Discipline Convenor sem. 2, 2010) Philip.Dwyer@newcastle.edu.au JAPANESE STUDIES Literary analysis, translation studies, intellectual, cultural, and social history of Japan, and international relations.

The research expertise of staff includes: intellectual history of the Meiji era, translation theory and practice, and Japan and Asia during World War II.

Academic contact Dr Shigeru Sato Shigeru.Sato@newcastle.edu.au LINGUISTICS Descriptive linguistics Australian languages, particularly Australian Aboriginal languages and Aboriginal English; Turkic languages; artificial languages; Latin and Greek.

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Discourse analysis Specifically functional discourse grammar.

Onomastics Particularly toponyms and ethnonyms in food names.

Second language (SL) acquisition Including specifically linguistic universals in SL acquisition, cognitive aspects of SL learning, maturational constraints on SL, stabilisation and fossilisation, error analysis, cross-linguistic influences in SL acquisition, learner variables, processability constraints, SL testing and evaluation.

Sociolinguistics Particularly minority languages and intercultural issues in Australia, such as Dutch language maintenance in Australia; English as a Second Language; language coding in text-messages and SMS messages.

Language structure Including grammar of English; morphology; referential dependencies (binding); case theory and prepositions; phonology.

Translation and interpretation studies Particularly theory and practice of translation; the history of Bible translation in Australia; interpretation/translation in culture-specific contexts, such as educational or legal settings.

Academic contact Dr Bill Palmer Bill.Palmer@newcastle.edu.au

MUSIC Music is rapidly expanding its postgraduate research program which emphasises, where possible, the interconnection between research and performance.

Physical facilities include: •• an acoustically excellent concert hall; •• the concert grand pianos designed by Wayne Sturt and a Steinway concert grand; a strong collection of keyboard instruments including harpsichords, pianofortes and organs; •• practice studios, rehearsal rooms, a brass school, percussion studio, chamber music studio, recording studio, music technology laboratory and postgraduate study and research rooms; and •• an extensive library of music, recordings and books on music, attached to AARNet, ABN and the Internet.

High standards of musical performance are met through staff and student performance in public competitions, commissioned performances and recordings.

Areas of current research activity include: •• research into performance styles; •• opera and musical theatre; •• instrumental design and performance techniques; •• theory and practice of composition; and •• instrumental and vocal pedagogy.

Academic contact Professor Richard Vella Richard.Vella@newcastle.edu.au PHILOSOPHY At both Master and PhD levels, the University offers supervision for two special research areas and a range of more traditional research areas. Joint programs of study and research with other disciplines are encouraged.

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The nature of the good life Examination of the components of a well-lived life (pleasure, friendship, love, moral virtue, and so on), and the role that philosophy and critical thinking have to play in living well.

History of philosophy Including development of utilitarian and liberal thought, scientific explanation and Greek philosophy.

Ethical, social and political philosophy Including analysis of competing notions of rationality and altruism, and a variety of issues in practical and applied ethics.

Philosophy of science History and philosophy of science, scientific realism, theory of scientific rationality, methodology.

Philosophy and film: contemporary Anglo-American and European philosophy Foucault; Sartre and Existentialism; philosophical problems of film and fiction, including the basis for empathy in works of fiction; critique of social constructivism; creativity and emotion; gender and knowledge; biology and sexuality.

Chinese philosophy and traditional Chinese medicine Introduction and in depth research on classic Chinese Philosophy texts and classic medical texts; research on the philosophical basis of traditional Chinese medicine and its appropriate research methodology Academic contact Dr Joe Mintoff Joe.Mintoff@newcastle.edu.au

SOCIAL WORK Social work theory and practice approaches Social work theory and practice approaches: philosophy, values and ethics; anti-oppressive practice and structural approaches; reflective models of social work practice; organisational theory as it relates to social service provision and program evaluation; group work; community work and community development; cultural sensitivity; spirituality; and strengths-based social work.

Social work practice and intervention contexts Mental health; AIDS; disability; family intervention; youth; aged and innovative models of intervention.

Social work education Problem or experienced based learning; gender and education; evaluation of different models of social work education, especially of experiential learning models; creativity and critical thinking in social work education.

Social policy Australian welfare policy; poverty and social development; international social work.

Social work research Qualitative and quantitative approaches, including program evaluation, mixed methods research, and the development of innovative research methodologies; intervention research methodology.

Academic contact Dr Debbie Plath Debbie.Plath@newcastle.edu.au

Gender and sexuality Gender and mass media; gender and popular culture; feminist theory; body image; gendered work; gendered welfare; queer theory; masculinity.

Health sociology Social determinants of health status and health behaviour; health policy; health professions; ‘New genetics’ and society; reproductive health; sociology of obesity.

Political sociology and social policy Welfare state debates; crime and society; environment and society; workplace change; organisational sociology; managerialism and public sector reform; marketisation; ethnic relations and racism; migration and refugee studies; citizenship studies; church/state relations.

Qualitative and applied social research Innovative approaches to qualitative research and theory research linkages.

Social anthropology of Asia-Pacific societies, including Australia Indigenous cultures and Indigenous rights; new religious movements including millenarianism; medical anthropology; social and cultural transformation in the Asia-Pacific region; anthropology of religion; visual anthropology; women and development; environmental change and rural communities.

Academic contacts Dr Terry Leahy Terry.Leahy@newcastle.edu.au Associate Professor Pam Nilan Pam.Nilan@newcastle.edu.au

SPEECH PATHOLOGY The speech pathology research program focuses on applications of theory to practice in the field of communication and swallowing disorders. Supervision is available from academic staff with doctoral degrees who are qualified and experienced speech pathologists and experienced, published researchers.

Current areas of research include: aphasia; stuttering; complex communication needs; dysphagia; and clinical education in speech pathology.

Academic contact Associate Professor Alison Ferguson Alison.Ferguson@newcastle.edu.au THEOLOGY Research programs in theology cover the full range of theological sub-disciplines, both those focusing on theory and those on practice: biblical studies, church history, moral theology, philosophical theology, practical theology, religious studies, and systematic theology. Academic staff have developed interdisciplinary approaches, conversing with the likes of classics, cultural theory and studies, literary theory, gender studies, history, philosophy and ethics, psychology, religious studies, sociology and social theory, and studies in popular culture. Supervision is offered by academic staff with doctoral degrees and relevant and successful supervisory experience.

Academic contact Professor John C McDowell John.McDowell@newcastle.edu.au

SOCIOLOGY AND ANTHROPOLOGY Cultural sociology Popular culture, globalisation; consumerism; commodification; youth and society; sociology of mass media; cosmopolitanism; social determinants of food habits (food sociology).

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FACULTY OF ENGINEERING AND BUILT ENVIRONMENT The Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment is recognised both nationally and internationally for excellence in research and teaching and is an associate member of the Group of Eight (Go8) Deans of Engineering and Associates, a coalition of Australia’s leading engineering faculties. Associate members were invited to join the Go8 Deans of Engineering in recognition of the outstanding quality of their engineering research, teaching and scholarship.

In particular, the Faculty has a high profile and extensive research efforts in complex dynamic systems and control, advanced particle processing, energy, geotechnical and material modelling.

The Faculty is consistently within the top three engineering faculties in Australia in terms of competitively won research funding per academic staff member. This leads to an exceptional research environment in terms of relevance, vitality, and available infrastructure and equipment.

There exists excellent infrastructure and technical support for research. Laboratories and studios are equipped to international standards including major items supporting, for example, experimental research in smart structures, nanotechnology, and multiphase processes.

A candidate for a research degree in this Faculty would enrol in one of the following Schools: •• Architecture and Built Environment •• Electrical Engineering and Computer Science •• Engineering As a supplementary information resource, you are encouraged to visit the Faculty’s web page at www.newcastle.edu.au/faculty/engineering in order to gain further insights into the nature of current research programs and postgraduate studies. Having identified an area (or areas) of interest, you are invited to make contact with the academic staff members associated with the research to further explore options and opportunities. Their email addresses are located in this brochure under Academic contacts in the Research Area information as well under the staff directory of the University of Newcastle website.

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RESEARCH CENTRES PRIORITY RESEARCH CENTRES The Faculty is the major contributor to five of the University’s 12 Priority Research Centres which are a strategic initiative to focus the University’s resources into areas of existing and potential research strength and promote cross Faculty and cross disciplinary research.

Centre of Excellence for Complex Dynamic Systems and Control (CDSC) This Australian Research Council funded centre commenced in 2003 to support a spectrum of fundamental and applied research activities in dynamic systems. The research team brings together expertise from a range of disciplines including electrical engineering, mathematics, statistics and computer science to attack an array of problems involving complex dynamic behaviours. This research uses a range of technologies including mathematical modelling, computer systems, electromechanical machinery, scheduling systems and chemical processing with a view to bringing about increases in the performance of industry in key areas including product quality, plant efficiency, safety, productivity, waste minimisation, pollution control and operational flexibility. http://livesite.newcastle.edu.au/cdsc Director: Laureate Professor Graham Goodwin Graham.Goodwin@newcastle.edu.au

Centre for Advance Particle Processing Centre for Advanced Particle Processing addresses important problems for the mineral industry, the largest single contributor to Australia’s exports. The processing of particles is a significant part of the operations of the Australian coal and minerals industries. These industries face significant challenges that will require solutions in the future. They are heavy users of water and energy, and also major emitters of greenhouse gases.

With current pressure on water supplies and energy consumption, improvements are needed to reduce water and power consumption. The Centre for Advanced Particle Processing investigates innovative ways of separating valuable particles from waste material, which do not involve water.

It also investigates ways of separating different mineral species that eliminate the need for fine grinding, thereby reducing energy consumption. The Centre will also investigate flotation in saline water, and new gel explosives. http://livesite.newcastle.edu.au/capp Director: Professor Kevin Galvin Kevin.Galvin@newcastle.edu.au Centre for Bioinformatics, Biomarker Discovery and Information-Based Medicine (CIBM) The core aim of research conducted by the CIBM is the delivery of “bench-to-bedside” research by combining the often disparate disciplines of bioinformatics, molecular and genetic analysis, clinical information and population data. The CIBM aims at finding methodologies that will shorten the process of obtaining novel discoveries and use them to obtain distinctively better outcomes in clinical practice and translational individualised medicine. http://livesite.newcastle.edu.au/cibm Co-Director: Professor Rodney Scott Rodney.Scott@newcastle.edu.au Co-Director: Associate Professor Pablo Moscato Pablo.Moscato@newcastle.edu.au

Centre for Energy The Research Centre for Energy conducts fundamental research on the minimisation of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, especially carbon dioxide. The Centre aims to take a leading role in the minimisation of GHG emissions around the world by developing new and innovative technologies and commercialising these technologies in collaboration with industry and international organisations (e.g.

International Energy Agency).

Approximately 50 per cent of Australia’s GHG emissions are from stationary sources and approximately 25 per cent of these originate within a 100 kilometre radius of the city of Newcastle. www.newcastle.edu.au/research-centre/ energy Director: Professor Bogdan Dlugogorski Bogdan.Dlugorgorski@newcastle.edu.au Centre for Geotechnical and Material Modelling The Centre for Geotechnical and Materials Modelling focuses on the development of new models and innovative computational methods for predicting the behaviour of geomaterials, metals, ceramics and composites. The members of the Centre aim to make it the pre-eminent research group of its kind in Australia by linking two of Australia’s leading research teams in their own areas: the Geotechnical Research Group and the Diffusion in Solids Group.

Although these groups study problems at different scales, they are united in their aim to develop material models that accurately describe the macroscopic behaviour of a wide range of materials. http://livesite.newcastle.edu.au/cgmm Director: Laureate Professor Scott Sloan Scott.Sloan@newcastle.edu.au

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OTHER RESEARCH CENTRES Centre for Multiphase Processes The Special Research Centre for Multiphase Processes, established in 1997, conducts both basic and applied research into the mechanics of flows involving particles and bubbles in liquids.

These multiphase processes are found in many industries including mineral processing, energy, gas and oil, and food as well as in water and wastewater treatment. Centre members are involved in curiosity-led research as well as the application of fundamentals of fluid mechanics and colloid science to the solution of industry problems. www.newcastle.edu.au/centre/multiphase Director: Professor Graeme Jameson Graeme.Jameson@newcastle.edu.au Centre for Coal in Sustainable Development The Cooperative Research Centre for Coal in Sustainable Development (CCSD), established in 2001, develops expertise and technology within Australia to assist coal exporters, local engineering consultants and manufacturers to compete in these electricity generation and new metallurgical coal markets. The Centre also assists the local electricity industry to improve its competitive performance through implementation of the most efficient electricity generation technologies. www.ccsd.biz Contact: Professor Terry Wall Terry.Wall@newcastle.edu.au

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Centre for Bulk Solids and Particulate Technologies Established in 1995, the Key Centre for Bulk Solids and Particulate Technologies is a collaborative initiative of the Universities of Newcastle and Wollongong. It unifies two strong streams of expertise in bulk solids handling and particulate technologies developed over a period of more than 30 years. The Centre also collaborates with the Australian Centre for Resources Engineering (ACRE). The bulk materials handling group performs research into the fundamental physical behaviour of bulk solids during the various stages of storage, flow and transportation.

In addition it develops testing methods and designs methodologies that may be applied to the solution of practical problems encountered in industry. www.bulksolids.com.au Director: Professor Mark Jones Mark.Jones@newcastle.edu.au Centre for Infrastructure Performance and Reliability The Centre for Infrastructure Performance and Reliability (CIPAR), established in 2000, conducts research into the design, assessment and management of physical infrastructure such as buildings, bridges, pipelines and other complex systems. The research is at the international forefront in the fields of structural deterioration, structural reliability, structural masonry, energy performance, probabilistic risk assessment, hazard modelling, terrorism, security and infrastructure protection, climate change impact and adaptation, and risk-based decision-making. The Centre attracts significant Australian Research Council and industry funding. www.newcastle.edu.au/research-centre/ cipar Director: Professor Mark Stewart Mark.Stewart@newcastle.edu.au

eWater CRC eWater is a technology development initiative set up by Australia’s water resource management and research sector. eWater’s core business is building water management tools for partners and bringing those tools to Australian and international markets. Its product portfolio includes tools for operating rivers that optimise environmental and economic outcomes, integrated systems for efficient urban water management, tools for developing monitoring programs, models for joint management of surface and groundwater, and decision support systems for guiding investment in river and catchment restoration. This CRC is a joint venture made up of 45 of Australia’s leading water-cycle management, consulting and research organisations, supported by the Australian Government’s Cooperative Research Centres programme. www.ewatercrc.com.au Contact: Professor George Kuczera George.Kuczera@newcastle.edu.au Cooperative Research Centre for Integrated Engineering Asset Management The mission of the CRC for Integrated Engineering Asset Management is to develop leading edge technologies in key areas of physical asset management and implement them in an environment that is both vertically and horizontally integrated; establish world’s best practices in the field and implement them nationally, increasing efficiency and cost benefits for industry, and positioning the Australian asset management service industry to compete on an international scale. www.cieam.com Contact: Professor Mark Jones Mark.Jones@newcastle.edu.au

RESEARCH AREAS Centre for Interdisciplinary Built Environment Research The Centre for Interdisciplinary Built Environment Research (CIBER) brings a wide range of expertise from across the architecture, design, construction management and quantity surveying disciplines, to the challenges of the built environment. The centre has particular expertise in the history and theory of design, computational analysis, Professional education, project management and building procurement processes. A particular strength of the centre is its capacity to work with a combination of research methods and strategies drawn from the sciences, social sciences and humanities areas. CIBER’s members are typically engaged in research that requires complex and multi-disciplinary methods to produce innovative solutions to the problems of the built environment.

CIBER’s research is applicable to the fields of architectural, industrial and urban design as well as the construction and property sectors. www.newcastle.edu.au/research-centre/ ciber Director: Professor Michael Ostwald Michael.Ostwald@newcastle.edu.au Centre for Signal Processing Microelectronics The Centre for Signal Processing Microelectronics expertise is focused on the development of algorithms and systems for future telecommunications and related signal processing technology.

The ever-increasing demand for greater data throughput to mobile devices presents a research challenge to transfer more information for a given amount of power. SPM is actively developing new algorithms that bring the current advances in Information Theory into reality for small form-factor devices. As part of our research, SPM have developed a range of software and hardware tools to evaluate the performance and characteristics of new algorithms. These have been made available as a resource to aid the research community. www.sigpromu.org Contact: Professor Brett Ninness Brett.Ninness@newcastle.edu.au

ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN

CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT

Architectural theory and history Focusing on the cultural, symbolic and philosophical dimensions of contemporary and historic architecture; investigations into architectural epistemology and hermeneutics; urban design history and theory; geometry and science in design, computational analysis of architectural and urban space.*

Construction, project management and development Innovation procurement, public private partnerships, internationalisation, urban governance, information technology, dispute resolution and avoidance, culture in construction, feng shui.

Design cognition and computing Focusing on professional and vocational educational methods; virtual environments, social and psychological processes of creativity and design; Professional competency standards and curriculum design, social study of discipline or professional areas, analysis of design and team processes, information technology in the workplace.

Sustainability of the built environment Focusing on architectural and urban design and aspects of site and sustainability, sustainable design practices and approaches, urban sustainability, energy efficiency, embodied energy.* *It is possible to undertake research in these areas using a combination of traditional and creative approaches. This means that the research higher degree may include the production and exhibition of architectural or urban design works.

Academic contacts Postgraduate Convenor: Dr Graham Brewer Graham.Brewer@newcastle.edu.au Head of School: Associate Professor Tony Williams Tony.Williams@newcastle.edu.au Professor of Architecture: Professor Michael Ostwald Michael.Ostwald@newcastle.edu.au Professor of Architectural Design: Professor Steffen Lehman Steffen.Lehman@newcastle.edu.au

Construction economics and policy Supply chain economics, political economy, international trade and development, post disaster reconstruction, urban development, housing affordability, supply chain management, lean construction, econinformatics, simulation and decision making, negotiation and bargaining, rewards and incentives, construction industry policy studies, competitive and comparative advantage.

Design management Social, cultural and intellectual capital, heritage conservation and management of architectural and urban fabric, sustainable development, housing affordability, sociology of practice, multidisciplinary teams.

Several research areas in the Architecture and Construction management areas overlap and draw on academic expertise from both disciplines.

Academic contacts Postgraduate Convenor and Head of Discipline (Building): Dr Graham Brewer Graham.Brewer@newcastle.edu.au Head of School: Associate Professor Tony Williams Tony.Williams@newcastle.edu.au CHEMICAL ENGINEERING Bio-engineering Biological treatment of waste and potable water; fluid mechanics of coronary and bronchial blood flows; studies of artificial lung and blood pumps.

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Energy and combustion Biomass combustion; coal ignition and burnout; flame modelling; control of pollutants from coal combustion; problems in collecting the fly ash residue in power stations; the effect of combustion conditions on fly ash formation and the potential of Australian coal to form the pollutant nitrogen oxides, a precursor of photochemical smog; coal gasification; sodium reactions during coal combustion; the burning of the sugar cane residue – bagasse; heat transfer in boilers and across as deposits; co-firing of biomes and coal; biomass gasification; fine particulate emissions from power stations, oxyfuel technology; chemical looping combustion.

Particle technology and interface science; multiphase processes; mixing and agitation including multiphase mixing in stirred vessels; gas dispersion and mass transfer in mixers; mixing with jets and plumes, and hydrodynamics of flotation; hydrodynamics of multiphase systems including bubble formation and growth; foams and emulsions; rheology and flow of suspensions, mechanics of suspensions; sedimentation and thickening; gas-solid, and gas-liquid fluidisation; dynamics of free surface flows; flocculation and aggregation of particles in suspension; atomic force microscopy of particle-surface, particlebubble, and particle-drop interactions; imaging of nanostructures and related forces; interfacial nanorheology of adsorbed surfactants, polymers, biomolecules and food colloids; dynamics of thin liquid films; wetting and de-wetting kinetics; clarification in water treatment.

The fields of application are coal and minerals processing, hydrometallurgy, pyrometallurgy, coatings, food processing, pharmaceutical production, water treatment, and sustainable water use.

Process safety and environment protection Formation of toxic by-products in combustions; quantification and mitigation of gas and particulate pollutants in industrial processes; catalytic and noncatalytic conversion of halogenated wastes; self-heating, auto-ignition and spontaneous combustion; flammability properties of materials; mitigation of fires and explosions; fire-fighting foams and gaseous agents; experimental, numerical and theoretical studies on flame extinction; heat and mass transfer in fires; re-ignition of solid fuels under fire conditions; combustion characteristics of oil spills; explosive emulsions; energy recovery from refuse-derived fuels; catalytic combustion; kinetics of gas and aqueous reactions; ab-initio calculations; zeolites and microporous materials.

Microfluidics Studies concerning microdevices, microfabrication, microreactors, micro-mixers, microseparators, microenergy systems, and micro-particle image velocimetry (Micro-PIV).

Sustainability Future supply-demand forecasting for energy and mineral resources. Peak energy and mineral analysis. Alternative energy sources, technology development and penetration into markets.

Academic contacts Postgraduate Discipline Convenor and Process Safety and Environment Protection: Professor Bogdan Dlugogorski Bogdan.Dlugogorski@newcastle.edu.au Particle Technology and Interface Science: Professor Graeme Jameson Graeme.Jameson@newcastle.edu.au Particle Technology and Interface Science: Professor Kevin Galvin Kevin.Galvin@newcastle.edu.au Energy Technology: Professor Behdad Moghtaderi Behdad.Moghtaderi@newcastle.edu.au

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CIVIL, SURVEYING AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING Structural engineering Experimental and theoretical analysis of serviceability and strength of masonry and reinforced concrete structures; reliability estimation of bridges, buildings and other complex structural systems; safety and risk assessment of existing infrastructure systems; corrosion and deterioration modelling; probabilistic risk assessment; terrorism, security and infrastructure protection; rehabilitation and retrofitting of existing infrastructure; climate change impact and adaptation; and aspects of earthquake engineering.

Geotechnical engineering Nonlinear finite element analysis of soils and rocks; computational limit analysis; unsaturated soil behaviour, computational contact mechanics; soft clay behaviour; contaminant migration through soil; site remediation; in-situ and laboratory testing; multi-scale modelling of geomaterials; geotechnical reliability analysis; ground improvement; shakedown analysis of pavements and neutron probe analysis.

Water resources and environmental engineering Hydrologic modelling of catchments; hydro-ecological systems; management of water supply headworks systems; flood and drought risk assessment; hydraulics of compound channels and floodplains; runoff routing; remote sensing; digital terrain modelling; erosion and geomorphology; sediment transport modelling; land degradation and mine rehabilitation; hydrodynamic water quality modelling; non-point source pollutants; wetlands hydrology; multiphase flow and transport modelling in porous media; quantitative and qualitative groundwater studies; modelling of land surface processes; hydro-climatology.

Photogrammetry and spatial data Image resolution enhancement by multiple image merging; digital surface matching; techniques for combining large spatial data sets in urban areas from different sensors; industrial applications of close-range photogrammetry; laser altimetry and coastal geoid determination.

Academic contacts Postgraduate Discipline Convenor and Structural Engineering: Professor Mark Stewart Mark.Stewart@newcastle.edu.au Geotechnical Engineering: Professor Scott Sloan Scott.Sloan@newcastle.edu.au Environmental Engineering and Water Resources: Professor George Kuczera George.Kuczera@newcastle.edu.au Surveying: Dr Harvey Mitchell Harvey.Mitchell@newcastle.edu.au MECHANICAL ENGINEERING Wind energy Development of computer models for turbine performance; development and testing of prototype wind turbine; and fatigue testing of wind turbine blades.

Turbulence Study of the organised motion in various turbulent shear flows including threedimensional topology and contributions to momentum and heat transport; characteristics of small scale turbulence; turbulence modelling and manipulation of turbulent flows, for example through surface modifications.

Theory of atom transport in solids Analytical theory, supported by computer simulation, of all aspects of atom transport in disordered and ordered alloys, intermetallic compounds and fast ion conductors; and calculation of phenomenological coefficients of nonequilibrium thermodynamics in atom transport.

Bulk materials handling Storage, flow and handling; bulk solids characterisation, instrumentation and flow control; belt conveying; mechanical conveying; industrial fluid mechanics which includes pneumatic and hydraulic conveying, fluid/ particle systems, building ventilation and environmental studies.

Concurrent engineering Multi-agent models of distributed concurrent engineering; design coordination and planning systems for concurrent engineering; concurrency implementation framework. Computer simulation and modelling. Information flow in industrial systems, performance enhancement and modelling of autonomous agents.

Advanced materials Neutron diffraction studies of materials including zirconia ceramics, ferroelectrics and ternary carbides; structure and dynamics of metal hydrogen systems; in-situ studies of single crystal elastic constants and the stress-strain state of polycrystals. Fatigue and fracture in polymers and composites, manufacturing and properties of syntactic foam, and toughening mechanisms of epoxies.

Mechatronics Complex sensing and actuation systems; automation and control of electromechanical systems.

Academic contacts Postgraduate Discipline Convenor: Dr Craig Wheeler Craig.Wheeler@newcastle.edu.au Surfaces and Materials: Professor Graeme Murch Graeme.Murch@newcastle.edu.au Bulk Solids and Particulate Technologies: Professor Mark Jones Mark.Jones@newcastle.edu.au Materials Engineering: Professor Erich Kisi Erich.Kisi@newcastle.edu.au Turbulence: Associate Professor Lyazid Djenidi Lyazid.Djenidi@newcastle.edu.au COMPUTER SCIENCE AND SOFTWARE ENGINEERING Bioinformatics New methods to extract information of interest from data for the life sciences and relevant to health problems. Sophisticated computer science methods and their implementation as algorithms, involving a wide variety of techniques.

Computer graphics This research currently concentrates on the feature recognition, measurement and manipulation of digitised images, particularly of human faces. Accurate recognition of features leads to technologies such as matching of facial images to those stored in a database – important, for instance, in attempts to reduce the impact of terrorists and other criminals.

Design and analysis of algorithms Application of the most appropriate algorithms to solve a given computational problem.

Evolutionary computation and metaheuristics Theoretical and experimental research in population-based heuristics for optimisation or combinatorial problems. This includes Genetic and Memetic Algorithms, as well as other heuristic methods like Tabu Search.

Applications are in the area of data mining of genetic and population health datasets, bioinformatics, adaptive robotics, graph clustering etc.

Machine learning Experimental and theoretical aspects of machine learning, with applications in neuro-informatics, data security, formal language processing, software retrieval, games and adaptive robotics.

Operating systems Memory management and garbage collection; distribution; data management and persistence; programming language design and implementation.

Operations research and optimisation Solution methods for problems in production planning, project scheduling, timetabling and logistics. Ad-hoc algorithms and their computer implementation to facilitate mathematically literate decisions to be taken by industries, companies or governments.

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Software engineering and IT/ eCommerce Research and development into object/ component based software engineering methodologies, object oriented user interface analysis and design, web based system analysis and design, software engineering of e-commerce, distributed project management methodology, dynamic workflow modelling, collaborative e-commerce, internet security, web-based usability evaluation and testing, project estimation techniques. Software reusability and software product line.

Topology of static networks and dynamic networks Development tools to discover the network structures, characterising the network structure, evaluating various properties of the existing network topologies and more importantly introducing the new network structures.

Academic contacts Postgraduate Discipline Convenor: Mr Yuqing Lin Yuqing.Lin@newcastle.edu.au Data Mining and Bioinformatics: Associate Professor Pablo Moscato Pablo.Moscato@newcastle.edu.au Machine Learning and Robotics: Dr Stephan Chalup Stephan.Chalup@newcastle.edu.au ELECTRICAL AND COMPUTER ENGINEERING Control systems This involves the study of new techniques for analysis of system stability, performance assessment and design of control systems.

Research topics include: robust control; adaptive control; nonlinear systems; hybrid systems; discrete-event systems; saturating actuators; fundamental performance limitations; sampled-data control; multivariable control; model-predictive control; and real-time optimisation. There is a strong emphasis on industrial applications and development of tools for control system analysis and design.

Embedded systems Embedded systems contain a combination of hardware and software used as a component in a larger complex system.

Medical equipment, industrial machines, automobiles, consumer appliances, airplanes, and robots are among the possible hosts of an embedded system.

Research topics include: applicationspecific integrated circuitry; systemon-a-chip; reconfigurable and adaptive architectures and algorithms; distributed real-time techniques; intelligent sensors and measurement devices; signal/image/ video processing platforms; visualisation, interaction, and perceptive interfaces; power-aware methods.

Microelectronics and VLSI design Low-power mixed mode (digital/analog) integrated circuit design; implantable biomedical devices; new circuit techniques for biomedical and RFID applications; and integrated low-cost, new receiver architectures for wireless communications.

Power and industrial electronics Areas of research include synchronous reluctance machine drive systems, dynamic dynamometer systems, switched reluctance machines, vector control of induction machines, resonant link converters, and distributed generation systems.

Signal processing Development and analysis of new methods for multi-rate signal processing, speech processing, filtering and image processing.

Research topics include: real-time digital signal processing (DSP) applications; DSP hardware and software; fundamental limitations in linear and non-linear filtering; speech recognition; wavelets, blind and adaptive multi-channel estimation; fault detection; non-stationary spectral analysis; multi-rate filter design; applications of signal processing to condition monitoring of electrical power equipment; transform techniques for complexity reduction in advanced modulation systems, signal processing for transmitter amplifier linearisation.

Smart structures Smart structures are an emerging and multidisciplinary area of research with potential applications in many engineering fields. Our research in smart structures is centred around modelling and control of vibration and noise using smart materials technology. In particular, modelling and control of structures with embedded piezoelectric actuators and sensors. We have a strong emphasis in experimental verification of our theoretical work.

System identification The study and development of new methods for analysing and implementing algorithms that estimate system models on the basis of observed input-output measurements.

All areas of system identification are researched, but particular emphasis is being placed on the new areas of multivariable and nonlinear system estimation, non-parametric methods for closed-loop and errorsinvariables systems, and next-generation software tools for system identification.

Telecommunications Research in telecommunications spans the physical, data link and network layers and includes network architecture of wireless systems; multiple access protocols; packetswitched wireless networks; Internetworking; 3G/4G and future wireless systems; wireless LANs; traffic modelling; IP Networks, Wireless Sensor Networks, cross-layer architecture, channel modelling; space-time coding for multi-input, multi-output (MIMO) antenna systems; low-density parity-check codes; and iterative detection/decoding.

Academic contacts Postgraduate Discipline Convenor: Dr James Welsh James.Welsh@newcastle.edu.au Complex Dynamic Systems and Control: Professor Graham Goodwin Graham.Goodwin@newcastle.edu.au Smart Structures: Associate Professor Reza Moheimani Reza.Moheimani@newcastle.edu.au Systems Identification: Professor Brett Ninness Brett.Ninness@newcastle.edu.au Telecommunications: Dr Jamil Khan Jamil.Khan@newcastle.edu.au

28 | The University of Newcastle

FACULTY OF HEALTH The University of Newcastle continues to be recognised nationally and internationally as a leader in medical and health science research. It is one of Australia’s top 10 research universities. The Faculty of Health is the University’s leading research faculty in terms of total research funding. Its research is characterised by multidisciplinary and collaborative approaches that complement the Faculty’s integrated undergraduate and postgraduate programs in medicine, health sciences, biomedical sciences and nursing and its commitment to excellence in professional education. This allows a comprehensive approach to solving research problems and enables efficient analysis of multi-faceted issues that could not be investigated adequately by narrowly focused, single discipline teams. The Faculty of Health has a presence in the greater Newcastle Area, Central Coast, Orange, Tamworth and Port Macquarie.

RESEARCH PROGRAMS AND PRIORITY RESEARCH CENTRES The Faculty is the major contributor to six of the University’s 12 Priority Research Centres.

These Centres (www.newcastle.edu.au/research-centre) are a strategic initiative to focus the University’s resources into areas of existing and potential research strength and to promote cross faculty and cross disciplinary research.

The six health related Priority Research Centres are: •• The Centre for Asthma and Respiratory Diseases (http://livesite.newcastle.edu.au/card); •• The Centre for Bioinformatics, Biomarker Discovery and Information Based Medicine (http://livesite.newcastle.edu.au/cibm); •• The Centre for Brain and Mental Health Research (www.newcastle.edu.au/research-centre/cbmhr) •• The Centre for Gender, Health and Ageing (http://livesite.newcastle.edu.au/gha); •• The Centre for Health Behaviour (www.newcastle.edu.au/research-centre/health-behaviour); •• The Centre for Reproductive Science (http://livesite.newcastle.edu.au/crs).

Newcastle is also home to the Hunter Medical Research Institute (www.hmri.net.au), which was formed in 1998 as a strategic partnership between the University of Newcastle, Hunter Area Health (now Hunter New England Health) and the Hunter community.

Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) provides an umbrella organisation for medical research in the Hunter. It is now a multi-campus network of over 500 researchers based at either the University or the Area Health Service and is recognised as one of Australia’s most innovative health and medical research institutes. It is the third largest health and medical research institute in NSW by peer reviewed grant income. HMRI has pioneered the integration of multi-campus university and hospital based research. HMRI has seven key programs which encompass health and medical research in the Hunter: •• Brain and Mental Health •• Cancer •• Cardiovascular Health •• Information Based Medicine

•• Public Health •• Pregnancy and Reproduction •• Viruses, Infections/Immunity, Vaccines and Asthma (VIVA)

The University Priority Research Centres complement the HMRI Research Programs.

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MULTIDISCIPLINARY APPROACH Researchers (both scientists and clinicians) are working at multiple levels to develop better methods of treatment, diagnosis and disease prevention, and to translate discoveries into commercial products and better health policies.

This integrated approach ensures that the clinical implications and applications of basic research are comprehended and developed. Our researchers routinely publish in high impact international journals and continually receive success in attracting internationally and nationally competitive grants. Staff enjoy a rich intellectual environment and are supported by state of the art infrastructure and laboratory equipment across the spectrum of activities.

COLLABORATIONS The research groups also have active collaborative links with hospitals, medical practitioners, nurses, primary health care centres, aged care facilities, and the Hunter New England Area Health Service and enjoy good collaboration through these links with the communities of the Hunter Valley and Central Coast. Similar partnerships have been established and are being further developed by the Faculty in Orange, Tamworth and Port Macquarie.

Through such links in both education and research, we endeavour to ensure that the research undertaken within the Faculty of Health will be of relevance and make a lasting and positive contribution to the health of the Hunter and Central Coast communities, Australia and beyond.

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FINDING YOUR AREA OF RESEARCH INTEREST

Within these four Schools the following research areas are represented:

www.newcastle.edu.au/faculty/ health

School of Biomedical Science and Pharmacy •• Molecular Medicine •• Neuroscience •• Immunity and Infection •• Pharmacy and Applied Medicines

We encourage you to visit the Faculty’s web page in order to gain further insights into the nature of current research programs and postgraduate studies in the Faculty of Health. Having identified an area or areas of interest, you are invited to make contact with the academic staff members associated with the research to further explore options and opportunities.

The email addresses of the academic contact persons for each School and Research Program are listed below.

For additional information on individual researchers please use the search facility on the University’s home page and select Research Profile.

The Faculty of Health has projects stretching across the spectrum of biomedical, medical and health specialities, from basic and clinical research through to translational research and clinical trials.

These projects are described in detail below under the seven major research programs.

Irrespective of the physical location of the research or the program with which it is associated, a candidate for a research degree in this Faculty would enrol in one of the following Schools: •• Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy (www.newcastle.edu.au/school/ biomedical-sciences); •• Health Sciences (www.newcastle.edu.au/school/healthsciences); •• Medicine and Public Health (www.newcastle.edu.au/school/ medicine-public-health); •• Nursing and Midwifery (www.newcastle.edu.au/school/nursingmidwifery).

Academic contact Associate Professor Derek Laver Derek.Laver@newcastle.edu.au School of Health Sciences •• Improvement of diagnosis and treatment for women with, or at risk of breast cancer •• Childhood obesity •• Physical treatments for musculoskeletal disorders of the spine •• Incontinence Management •• Occupational Health and Safety and Rehabilitation •• Radiation Therapy/Diagnostic Dosimetry and Image Quality Assessment •• Nutritional Management •• Clinical Reasoning Development •• Occupational Therapy Practice Academic contact Associate Professor Helen Warren-Forward Helen.Warren-Forward@newcastle.edu.au School of Medicine and Public Health •• Cancer •• General Practice •• Brain and Mental Health/Psychiatry •• Paediatrics •• Reproductive Medicine •• Respiratory Medicine Academic contact Professor Tamas Zakar Tamas.Zakar@newcastle.edu.au

MAJOR RESEARCH PROGRAMS School of Medicine and Public Health cont.

•• Clinical Pharmacology •• Community Medicine and Clinical Epidemiology •• Gender, Health and Ageing •• Health Behaviour Science •• Psycho-oncology Academic contact Dr Kerry Inder Kerry.Inder@newcastle.edu.au School of Nursing and Midwifery •• Midwifery •• Mental Health Nursing Research and Practice Development Unit (NRPDU) •• Centre for Education and Nursing Research in Child Health (ENRiCH) •• Older Person Research Program •• Professional Issues and Acute Care •• Building Clinical Nursing Research Capacity Academic contact Dr Ashley Kable Ashley.Kable@newcastle.edu.au

BRAIN AND MENTAL HEALTH One of the long-standing national and international areas of strength in the Hunter region is in neuroscience and mental health research. This has been consolidated into a single program under HMRI and a University Priority Research Centre. Though primarily in the Faculty of Health, this research program includes a significant number of researchers from the Faculty of Science and Information Technology. The research in this program spans fundamental and clinical neuroscience and includes neurochemistry, neuropharmacology, genetics, sensory neuroscience and systems approaches.

Research projects include the adaptations made by the brain during development and in response to injury or sensory loss, the mechanisms of communication between nerve cells and the physiology and anatomy of the somatosensory (tactile), auditory, visual and vestibular (balance) senses and chronic pain syndromes.

The underlying causes and treatments for schizophrenia, autism, depression, compulsive behaviours and other disorders are being investigated using brain imaging techniques, genetic markers and community based intervention strategies.

The treatment and prevention of strokes is also a major research focus.

There are two externally funded research centres that support this major research program:

Centre for Mental Health Studies (CMHS) CMHS is a joint venture of the Hunter New England Area Health Service and the University of Newcastle, seeking to promote excellence in mental health research, education and service evaluation.

The Centre is multidisciplinary, contributing to the enhancement and continued development of Australian expertise in mental health and related areas and providing a focus for professionals in the fields of epidemiology, health economics, health services, law, neurology, neuroscience, nursing, occupational therapy, psychiatry, psychology, social work and sociology.

Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health This Centre is a major initiative of the NSW Department of Health and is administered by the University of Newcastle. It was established in January 2001 and is located on the grounds of the Bloomfield Hospital, in Orange. The Centre aims to provide education and training programs, undertake research, and evaluate innovative service delivery models in mental health throughout rural and remote New South Wales. The Centre has an excellent Mental Health Library and borrowers have access to the resources of the University of Newcastle Library.

Academic contact Associate Professor Chris Levi Chris.Levi@newcastle.edu.au

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CANCER

CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH

Cancer research is especially well represented in the Hunter region and research strengths range from the fundamental molecular mechanisms underlying cancer to major international clinical trials of anti-cancer drugs and improved patient care. At the molecular and cellular level, research projects are investigating genetic factors that predispose to a variety of cancers, and are developing and evaluating a range of new anticancer drugs that target different cell signalling pathways and may be less prone to developing resistance to drug treatment.

In collaboration with members of the VIVA Program, researchers are also using viruses to help kill cancer cells in vivo.

Studies in the Cardiovascular Health program look at the prevention and monitoring of heart disease, quality of life, neurogenic, metabolic, and immunological control in cardiopulmonary disease, intrinsic cardiac pace-making and regulation of calcium release from intracellular stores in cardiac and skeletal muscle. The Heart Stroke Register is involved in monitoring the incidence and prevalence of heart disease and stroke in the Hunter and has identified a cohort of patients willing to participate in further studies relevant to heart disease and stroke.

Members of the HMRI Cancer Research Program are strongly represented in the University’s Centre for Bioinformatics, Biomarker Discovery and Information Based Medicine. This is the first Australian initiative of its type, integrating clinical information, population data, molecular and genetic analysis and bioinformatics as “information-based medicine”. The aim of this research is to produce patient-tailored treatments and the development of new diagnostic approaches to disease.

The Cancer Research Program is also supported by the following groups: •• Australia-New Zealand Breast Cancer Trials Group (ANZBCTG) •• Centre for Health Research and Psycho-oncology (CHeRP) •• Hunter Prostate Cancer Alliance (HPCA) •• Trans Tasman Radiation Oncology Group (TROG) Academic contact Professor Stephen Ackland Stephen.Ackland@newcastle.edu.au

Academic contact Associate Professor Derek Laver Derek.Laver@newcastle.edu.au INFORMATION-BASED MEDICINE The Priority Research Centre for Bioinformatics, Biomarker Discovery and Information-Based Medicine (CIBM) brings together academics from the Faculty of Health and the Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment and works in collaboration with the Hunter Medical Research Institute’s Information- Based Medicine Program. The Centre draws together the disciplines of bioinformatics, and molecular and genetic analysis with clinical information and population data analysis.

Researchers in the Centre utilise computer technology and mathematical methods to extract meaningful information from vast amounts of clinical and molecular data to identify disease-related genetic patterns.

The aim is to inform the development of patient-tailored treatment to a host of diseases which are influenced by genetic aspects, such as breast cancer, prostate cancer, melanoma, schizophrenia and potential applications for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Academic contact Professor Rodney Scott Rodney.Scott@newcastle.edu.au

32 | The University of Newcastle

PUBLIC HEALTH AND HEALTH BEHAVIOUR The Public Health and Health Behaviour Research Program undertakes collaborative research in ageing, health services delivery and quality, health risk modification, social determinants of health and behavioural science. The research program focuses on health conditions such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and on the prevention of injury. It also covers health risks such as smoking, alcohol use, inappropriate use of medicines and physical activity, with particular attention being paid to health inequities. Importantly, the group’s research interests include the mechanisms for implementing research findings, in both clinical practice and at the population level.

The University Priority Research Centre for Gender, Health and Ageing is a major contributor to this research program and deals with social and environmental determinants of health. The research centre provides the infrastructure for the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health and conducts empirical public health research on other aspects of the interactions between physical health, gender and society. Research issues that have received particular attention include health, behaviour and well-being among women at various life stages; menopause; motherhood; family care giving; domestic violence; access and satisfaction with health care in urban and rural areas; and social aspects of women’s health.

Staff members are available to supervise research postgraduate students who wish to work in a multidisciplinary team environment.

The University established a new Priority Research Centre (PRC) in January 2009 in the area of Health Behaviour, with Laureate Professor Rob Sanson-Fisher as Director. Building on significant present research strengths the Health Behaviour PRC aims to undertake high quality applied, intervention-focused health behaviour research to reduce preventable health risks, increase equitable and evidencebased health care delivery, and reduce the psychosocial impact of disease and disasters on individuals and the population.

The following Centres also support the Public Health and Health Behaviour Research Program: Centre for Health Research and Psycho-oncology The Centre for Health Research and Psycho-oncology (CHeRP) is a behavioural research group established in 1988 with funding from the NSW Cancer Council.

CHeRP’s mission is to undertake the highest quality research and relevant training in order to contribute to a reduction in the burden of illness imposed by cancer. CHeRP’s research focus is on primary and secondary prevention of cancer as well as on the behavioural aspects of the consequences of cancer and the care of cancer patients.

Centre for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics Whilst the Faculty of Health has a wide variety of researchers and groups conducting research into the social and environmental determinants of health, the Centre for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics (which is part of the School of Medicine and Public Health) provides a major focus for these activities and collaborates with a wide range of researchers from many disciplines and programs. The Centre is primarily interested in health services research, but is also involved in business innovation and strategy through the Pathology Benchmarking Unit, and in cardiovascular and respiratory health through the Heart Stroke Register. The Centre’s mission is to improve public health by teaching research skills to clinicians and public health workers and tackling important population health problems. Local, distance and overseas research students are supported by a range of national and international agencies.

Falls Prevention Centre One major research focus in ageing is the prevention of falls injury by identifying potential risk factors and evaluating the efficacy of interventions for older people who live at home within the community, or within residential care. The Falls and Instability in Older People Research Group has been formed to focus individual expertise that can be applied to this particular problem and has recently attracted strategic initiative funding to develop a Falls Prevention Centre aimed at providing screening services to older people within the community at risk of falls injury, providing postgraduate education for health professionals in this area and researching the effectiveness of different falls injury prevention strategies in the community and in residential care settings.

Health Services Research Centre (HSRG) The primary expertise of this Centre is in the statistical analysis of health data, including hospital inpatient data, cancer registry data and mortality data. With particular focus on projecting demand for acute hospital services; resource allocation formulae and alternative methods of funding public services; measurement and management of quality of care; and in developing performance and clinical indicators and measures of equity in the health system. This group has had success in developing models to analyse cancer survival registry data and in measuring quality of care. It serves as a resource for the NSW and Federal Departments of Health, Department of Ageing and Disability and the Australian Council of Healthcare Standards.

Indigenous Health and Education Unit The Faculty of Health is recognised as a leader in Indigenous health research and education. The Indigenous Health and Education Unit is particularly involved in rural and Indigenous health issues. This group takes a trans-disciplinary approach to Aboriginal Health research as well as implementing strategies to increase Aboriginal community control and direction of research.

Academic contacts Professor Julie Byles Julie.Byles@newcastle.edu.au Professor Afaf Girgis Afaf.Girgis@newcastle.edu.au PREGNANCY AND REPRODUCTION The Pregnancy and Reproduction Research Program and the University Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science bring together researchers from the Faculty of Health and the Faculty of Science and Information Technology. This research program is supported by the Mothers and Babies Research Centre and the Australian Research Council (ARC) Centre of Excellence in Biotechnology and Development. The Mothers and Babies Research Centre brings together worldclass researchers from a broad range of basic science and clinical expertise to focus on improving the health and developmental potential of the newborn.

The major research focus is premature birth which is the most common cause of neonatal death and one of the most expensive items in the health care budget.

The Centre of Excellence in Biotechnology and Development focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms of reproduction to address issues such as male infertility, contraception, testicular cancer and menopause.

Academic contact Professor Roger Smith Roger.Smith@newcastle.edu.au

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VACCINES, INFECTIONS/ IMMUNITY, VIRUSES AND ASTHMA Hunter research into asthma and other respiratory diseases continues to attract national and international attention. HMRI’s Vaccines, Infections/Immunity, Viruses and Asthma (VIVA) program represents a group of researchers who are investigating the basic mechanisms underlying infectious and respiratory diseases, the use of viral vectors in treatment of disease, and the development of vaccines for the prevention and treatment of disease.

The group also has extensive links with industry and a history of successful commercialisation of basic science in the vaccine area. The establishment of the University Priority Research Centre for Asthma and Respiratory Disease further strengthens this important area of research.

Academic contact Professor Paul Foster Paul.Foster@newcastle.edu.au

OTHER RESEARCH CENTRES Family Action Centre The Family Action Centre (FAC), as an independent centre of the University of Newcastle, is a centre of excellence in engaged scholarship, engaged research and dissemination activities. The FAC’s programs integrate research, service delivery teaching and dissemination with the aim of significantly influencing policy and practice.

The Family Action Centre enjoys a wellestablished reputation as a leader in the fields of engaging fathers, boys’ education, and strengths-based community programs and evaluation. The Centre has a major focus in three areas of research that link strongly to our family and community service delivery programs, they are: •• families, including fathers •• school and community engagement •• strength-based practice (such as the Caravan Project and Home-Start).

The Family Action Centre aims to develop strategic research partnerships in these areas and actively seeks collaborative projects with community and government organisations and other research centres and researchers.

Academic contact Ms Deborah Hartman Deborah.Hartman@newcastle.edu.au

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WorkCover NSW Research Centre of Excellence (WRCE) in Occupational Health and Safety This research centre in Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) and Workplace Rehabilitation, is sponsored by WorkCover NSW, and is situated at the Ourimbah campus of the University of Newcastle.

The Centre in conjunction with WorkCover NSW aims to identify the emerging national and international issues in OHS and Workplace Rehabilitation and provides excellence in research and research training for the prevention of workplace injury and disease in areas aligned with the strategic plan of WorkCover NSW, emerging issues and the needs of industry. The WRCE’s role is to support Occupational Health and Safety research and research higher degrees in OHS and workplace rehabilitation and will be closely linked with postgraduate programs in Occupational Health and Safety and workplace injury rehabilitation.

Academic contact Professor Derek Smith Derek.Smith@newcastle.edu.au

FACULTY OF SCIENCE AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY The Faculty of Science and Information Technology includes a very broad range of disciplines as represented in the following schools of the Faculty. A candidate for a research higher degree in this Faculty would enrol in a discipline area within one the four schools:

School of Design, Communication and Information Technology •• Communication •• Design and Natural History Illustration •• Information Technology School of Environmental and Life Sciences •• Biological Sciences •• Biotechnology •• Chemistry •• Earth Sciences •• Geography and Environmental Studies •• Exercise and Sport Science (Ourimbah) •• Food Science and Human Nutrition (Ourimbah) •• Marine Science (Ourimbah) •• Sustainable Resource Management (Ourimbah) School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences •• Mathematics •• Physics •• Statistics School of Psychology •• Psychology www.newcastle.edu.au/faculty/science-it

RESEARCH CENTRES Research interests within the Faculty range from laboratory-based experimentation to fieldwork or clinical research operating within and across discipline interfaces. The Faculty maintains strong links with disciplines in other faculties of the University, local industry, the health service and other public sector institutions, and NGOs, resulting in many of its postgraduate programs having an industrial or public sector partner in the co-supervision of its higher degree students.

As a supplementary information resource, you are encouraged to visit the Faculty of Science and Information Technology web page (www.newcastle.edu.au/faculty/scienceit) in order to gain further insights into the nature of current research programs and postgraduate studies. Having identified an area or areas of interest, you are invited to make contact with the academic staff members associated with the research to further explore options and opportunities. Their email addresses are located in this brochure under academic contacts in the Research Area information as well under the staff directory of the University of Newcastle website. Alternatively, you may contact the Assistant Dean (Research Training) or Assistant Dean (Research) or the various Heads of School within the Faculty for further information.

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PRIORITY RESEARCH CENTRES Three Priority Research Centres (PRC) are located in the Faculty of Science and Information Technology: the Centre for Computer Assisted Research Mathematics and its Applications (CARMA), the Centre for Organic Electronics (COE) and the Centre for Reproductive Science. The Faculty is also a major contributor to the Brain and Mental Health Priority Research Centre. Faculty staff are also members of two other PRCs: the Centre for Energy and the Centre for Advanced Particle Processing. Opportunities exist for Faculty of Science and IT enrolled research higher degree students in all of these Centres.

Centre for Computer Assisted Research Mathematics and its Applications (CARMA) CARMA forms the base for a vibrant cross-university and intra-university Priority Research Centre. There is no corresponding group in Australia and there are very few internationally.

Mathematics as ‘the language of high technology’ underpins all facets of modern life and current Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is ubiquitous. Yet, before CARMA was formed in 2008, no research centre existed in Australia that focussed on the implications of developments in ICT, present and future, for the practice of research mathematics. CARMA fills this gap through the exploitation and development of techniques and tools for computerassisted discovery, understanding and better managing the world through mathematics and mathematics-based software, and disciplined data-mining including mathematical visualization. Fields of research practiced in CARMA include applied optimization, operations research and modelling, as well as analysis, number theory, discrete mathematics, geometry and algebra. www.carma.newcastle.edu.au

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Director: Laureate Professor Jonathan Borwein Jonathan.Borwein@newcastle.edu.au Associate Director: Professor Natashia Boland Natashia.Boland@newcastle.edu.au Associate Director: Associate Professor Wadim Zudilin Wadim.Zudilin@newcastle.edu.au Centre for Organic Electronics COE is an exciting new initiative at the University of Newcastle focusing on the development of new electronic devices at the intersection between semiconductors and plastics. The Centre brings together researchers from Physics and Chemistry to address the scientific challenges associated with developing new organic electronic materials and devices with applications in renewable energy research, biotechnology and photonics. http://livesite.newcastle.edu.au/coe Director: Professor Paul Dastoor Discipline of Physics, Faculty of Science and Information Technology Paul.Dastoor@newcastle.edu.au Program Leader: Associate Professor Erica Wanless Discipline of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Information Technology Erica.Wanless@newcastle.edu.au

Centre for Reproductive Science Bringing together researchers from the existing Mothers and Babies Research Centre and the Reproduction Science Group, the Centre for Reproductive Science will address one of the Australian Government’s most important national research priorities – ‘A Healthy Start to Life’. Recent research demonstrates that the long term health and welfare of individuals is critically affected by the quality of the gametes that form the embryo and the nature of the intrauterine environment provided by the mother during foetal development.

The University of Newcastle is internationally recognised for its contribution to studies of human reproduction. The Reproductive Science group within the Faculty of Science and Information Technology offers state-ofthe-art facilities in proteomics, image analysis and molecular biology and a range of research projects targeting the fundamental mechanisms that drive the reproductive process and the application of this knowledge in the pursuit of applied aims in assisted conception, fertility regulation and ecotoxicology.

This research nexus also incorporates the ARC Centre of Excellence in Biotechnology and Development with a specific research focus on the cell biology of male germ cells. http://livesite.newcastle.edu.au/crs Director: Professor John Aitken John.Aitken@newcastle.edu.au Deputy Director: Professor Eileen McLaughlin Eileen.McLaughlin@newcastle.edu.au

Centre for Brain and Mental Health Research The Centre for Brain and Mental Health will focus on: •• The leading cause of disease burden – brain disorders. Recent scientific advances have put discovery of the causes, means for prevention and better treatment of these conditions within reach.

•• Understanding the basis of individual differences in vulnerability and resilience to brain disorders.

•• The four key disease research programs: schizophrenia, stroke, affective and addictive disorders, and chronic pain syndromes.

The Centre will aim to achieve better means for early detection and prevention of morbidity in these areas, and hopes to produce more interventions that directly target the problem. www.newcastle.edu.au/research-centre/ cbmhr Director: Associate Professor Christopher Levi School of Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health Christopher.Levi@newcastle.edu.au Program Leader: Dr Frini Karayanidis School of Psychology, Faculty of Science and Information Technology Frini.Karayanidis@newcastle.edu.au

Centre for Energy The goal of the Priority Research Centre for Energy (PRCfE) is to develop technologies that can reduce greenhouse gases internationally by two per cent and nationally by 20 per cent by 2030.

The PRCfE carries out research and development using its state of the art laboratories which span the University of Newcastle and off-campus facilities, in a variety of capacities. The PRCfE focuses on four main areas of research: •• Low Emission Coal: Oxyfuel, chemical looping, CO2 capture, fundamentals of turbulent combustion.

•• Renewable Energy Systems: Wind, geothermal, biomass.

•• Transportation Fuels and Energy Storage and Conversion: Ammonia, methanol and hydrogen as energy carriers, devices such as batteries, super-capacitors and fuel cells.

•• Energy and the Environment: Energy efficient contaminated soil treatment, energy efficient housing, sustainable and integrated waste processing/utilisation with energy recovery and generation, industrial ecology, sustainability principles, energy minimisation and recovery, environmental repair and pollution abatement. www.newcastle.edu.au/research-centre/ energy Director: Professor Bogdan Dlugogorski Discipline of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment Bogdan.Dlugogorski@newcastle.edu.au Program Leader: Associate Professor Scott Donne Discipline of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Information Technology Scott.Donne@newcastle.edu.au

Centre for Advanced Particle Processing The Centre for Advanced Particle Processing is aimed at addressing important problems for the mineral industry, the largest single contributor to Australia’s exports. In particular, the research is aimed at developing innovative processes which maximise the separation of products from waste material, and use methodologies that reduce water and energy usage.

The research is focussed in two primary areas as pertain to the processing, transport and storage of minerals: •• Multiphase Processes which includes research into flotation, flocculation and comminution, and is perhaps best known for its work on the development of the Jameson Cell, an innovative flotation device that has been installed in mines around the world.

•• Bulk Solids Handling which has a long history in research and consultancy to industry in the fields of pneumatic and hydraulic conveying of particulate material, innovative operation of belt conveyors as well as the delivery of particulates from storage systems such as silos. http://livesite.newcastle.edu.au/capp Director: Professor Kevin Galvin Discipline of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment Kevin.Galvin@newcastle.edu.au Program Leader: Associate Professor Erica Wanless Discipline of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Information Technology Erica.Wanless@newcastle.edu.au

Physics research includes multi-scale first principles simulations of catalytic reactions.

Physics contact: Associate Professor Marian Radny Marian.Radny@newcastle.edu.au

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OTHER RESEARCH CENTRES AND INSTITUTES The Faculty has several research centres and institutes and is also involved with a number of others that are located external to the Faculty namely: ARC Centre of Excellence for Biotechnology and Development (Biological Sciences); ARC Centre of Excellence for Integrative Legume Research (Biological Sciences); Complex Dynamic Systems and Control (Mathematics); Bioinformatics (Mathematics); Centre for Mental Health Studies and the Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health.

ARC Centre for Complex Dynamic Systems and Control The ARC Centre of Excellence for Complex Dynamic Systems and Control (CDSC) is funded by the Australian Research Council and linked to the Schools of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science; Mathematical and Physical Sciences at the University of Newcastle; and, School of Mathematical Sciences at the Queensland University of Technology.

The object of the Mathematics Systems Programme is to add to the battery of mathematical knowledge that allows us to better understand both continuous and discrete dynamic systems exhibiting complex behaviour. In addition, expertise of the Chief Investigators in modern analysis, optimization and experimental mathematics is exploited to aid the solution of problems driven by particular projects being undertaken by the Centre.

Programme Leader: Associate Professor Brailey Sims Brailey.Sims@newcastle.edu.au The Statistical Inference and Modelling Programme of the CDSC is a research concentration with a strong applied focus.

It has research projects in: Smooth tests of goodness-of-fit Bayesian modelling, particularly using approximate Bayesian computation (ABC); Bayesian hierarchical modelling in a number of contexts, including healthcare indicators, women’s health, alcohol-related harm, remote 38 | The University of Newcastle

sensing; Hidden Markov Models for DNA segmenting; Quantile distributions, including modelling, estimation methods (including ABC); Data Mining (particularly classification); and Bayesian theory (particularly choice of prior distributions).

Programme Leader: Professor John Rayner – John.Rayner@newcastle.edu.au http://livesite.newcastle.edu.au/cdsc Centre for Space Physics The Centre for Space Physics is internationally recognised as leading Australia’s studies of the near Earth space plasma and geomagnetic environment. Research in the Centre focuses on improving our understanding of space weather processes, which can have important effects on a range of modern technologies including satellites, communication, navigation and defence systems. This is achieved using a variety of ground and space-based observational platforms, in conjunction with theoretical modelling programs.

The Centre operates instrumentation in Australia and Antarctica to measure currents and perturbations in geospace (e.g. where spacecraft orbit) and in the ionosphere (where radio signals propagate). These instruments include magnetometers, imaging radio receivers (riometers), optical imagers that observe the auroral light, and large sophisticated over-the-horizon research radars.

The global nature of the phenomena we study requires the Centre to obtain data from and contribute to a wide variety of international programs, including satellite missions operated by NASA, the European Space Agency, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (USA) and the Japan Exploration Agency. This work is at the very forefront of science and technology, for example the Centre developed its own payload on Australia’s most successful ever spacecraft, and research students gain a strong grounding in experimental, analytical and theoretical concepts.

http://plasma.newcastle.edu.au/plasma Director: Professor Brian Fraser Brian.Fraser@newcastle.edu.au Deputy Director: Professor Fred Menk Fred.Menk@newcastle.edu.au Centre for Sustainable Ecosystem Restoration (CSER) CSER aims to bring together academics, researchers, students, community groups, industry and government to provide skills in all disciplines linked to ecology, and to address significant ecological problems.

Key activities at present range from mine spoil rehabilitation to forest-woodland restoration and reconstruction. These also include studies of the biology and management of threatened species and communities. In addition we are developing models and methods of determining restoration potential, dispersal potential, species migration capacity, sustainability and resilience at long-term study sites.

This is being realised at the Ravensworth State Forest Vegetation Complex, a Model Site for the restoration and reconstruction of forest-woodland ecosystems that is being developed with the support of Xstrata Coal NSW and Thiess Pty Ltd. This model site has been recognised as a highly commended site in the Global Restoration Network. www.newcastle.edu.au/research-centre/ cser Director: Mr Mike Cole Mike.Cole@newcastle.edu.au Director: Conjoint Professor Tina Offler Tina.Offler@newcastle.edu.au

RESEARCH areas Centre for Urban and Regional Studies (CURS) Contemporary global processes of social, cultural, economic, political and environmental change continue to drive the complex transformation of urban and regional geographies and their environments in Australia and internationally. These transformations produce critical challenges for urban and regional governance, for the prospects and practices of creating just and sustainable urban and regional communities, economies and environments, and for devising public policy to guide inclusive forms of social, economic and urban development.

From geographical and interdisciplinary perspectives, the Centre for Urban and Regional Studies focuses on geographical analysis of the factors driving urban and regional transformations, their outcomes and the policy challenges they present.

Through basic, applied and communityengaged research, conducted at multiplescales, CURS’ research contributes theoretically informed and empirically grounded knowledge and policy-relevant insights on the processes, dynamics and challenges of urban and regional change and development, focusing on the key research areas of: •• City lives, city politics, city natures •• Sustaining urban and regional communities and environments •• Critical development studies and geopolitics www.newcastle.edu.au/research-centre/ urban-and-regional-studies Director: Professor Pauline McGuirk Pauline.McGuirk@newcastle.edu.au Deputy Director: Associate Professor Jenny Cameron Jenny.Cameron@newcastle.edu.au

The Tom Farrell Institute for the Environment – ‘Regional Solutions for a Sustainable Future’ The Tom Farrell Institute for the Environment aims to become a world-class environmental institute with the primary purpose of promoting environmental sustainability within the Hunter Region, Australia and internationally.

The Institute conducts environmental research and community projects in an effort to provide long term practical solutions which will benefit current and future generations. These important projects are conducted in partnership with government, corporations and the community.

Regular public forums are held throughout the year to bring together environmental experts, decision makers and concerned citizens to facilitate discussion and better understanding of highly topical issues.

The Institute has begun to support several environmental research scholarships for University of Newcastle students from across all faculties. www.newcastle.edu.au/tfi Director: Professor Tim Roberts Tim.Roberts@newcastle.edu.au

DESIGN, COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Clinical knowledge and reasoning Research on modelling knowledge in health and medicine; Clinical reasoning in virtual environments – the virtual patient; investigation of clinical decisions; medical decision support systems; the representation, interpretation, and dissemination of knowledge in clinical guidelines and clinical algorithms. As a member of the Health Informatics Research Group and the Research Centre for Gender, Health and Ageing, Peter’s research is cross-disciplinary and has practical applications. Much of it is carried out in conjunction with staff in the John Hunter Hospital and the School of Nursing and Midwifery.

Academic contact Dr Peter Summons Peter.Summons@newcastle.edu.au Computational modelling (Ourimbah) Research into the use of computers in modelling of natural and economic systems and scientific computing. This research is based at the Ourimbah campus.

Academic contact Dr Ric Herbert Ric.Herbert@newcastle.edu.au From data to knowledge: A need for further investigation Vast amounts of data are collected in today’s IT systems. Extracting knowledge from these data sets is still an ad-hoc, manual and timely endeavour. Research and development in tools, methods and techniques for data integration and analysis has the possibility to enable knowledge extraction and discovery as a mainstream activity. Areas for investigation include: •• Modelling semantics for automated reasoning and data integration •• Tools, techniques and methodologies for data integration and analysis platforms •• Methodologies for knowledge discovery

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Academic contact Dr Rukshan Athauda Rukshan.Athauda@newcastle.edu.au Health informatics Exchange and integration of health information; the use of mathematical models as the key tools for security design and assessment and for modelling information structures; investigation of barriers to possible technological solutions raised by human, organisational and political factors.

Academic contact Dr Brian Regan Brian.Regan@newcastle.edu.au Visual information processing Research on Image Processing, Pattern Recognition, Multimedia Technology, Interactive Media, Medical Imaging, Bioinformatics and Pathology Informatics.

The research has many applications in the areas in collaboration with many industry partners funded by ARC. Academic contacts Professor Jesse Jin Jesse.Jin@newcastle.edu.au Dr Suhuai Luo Suhuai.Luo@newcastle.edu.au Wildlife representation Application of traditional and new media technologies in the visual interpretation of areas such as archaeology, palaeontology, botany and earth sciences; use of these technologies in the representation and dissemination of educational information about local wildlife; exploitation of new media technologies in natural history illustration; effective representation of wildlife for online independent learning.

Academic contacts Dr Trevor Weekes Trevor.Weekes@newcastle.edu.au Dr Anne Llewellyn Anne.Llewellyn@newcastle.edu.au

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Practice-based research Aims to gain new knowledge through an engagement with creative practice. The practice based areas of video and sound production, and digital or new media production are investigated through the development of creative projects and/or creative events. A variety of methodologies are employed to investigate these creative activities primarily using Practitioner Based Enquiry (PBE). The analysis of the project usually takes the form of the making of the production itself accompanied by a written exegesis which provides documentation of the research process, as well as critical analysis or explanation to support its position which demonstrates critical reflection.

Academic contact Ms Susan Kerrigan Susan.Kerrigan@newcastle.edu.au Perceptual data mining Research and development of tools that rely on human perceptual skills to find patterns in large data sets. Research in this area is both theoretical and applied.

For example, a typical project might investigate: •• Multisensory displays for identifying new trading patterns in data •• Improving displays for computer games •• Identifying temporal and special pattern in complex systems.

Academic contact Dr Keith Nesbitt Keith.Nesbitt@newcastle.edu.au Simulation and agent-based systems Simulation of large systems using agentbased simulations, this includes research into algorithms for distributed systems.

Academic contact Dr Ric Herbert Ric.Herbert@newcastle.edu.au

Creativity and innovation in cultural production Creativity is not, according to the latest research, a process of self-discovery in a freely expressive romantic process. Nor is it simply confined to the arts. In fact the latest research is showing that creativity and innovation involves an agent who necessarily engages with the social and cultural structures that both limit and enable their creative activity. It is a basic human activity that works across both the arts and sciences. It is multifactorial in origin. One of the confluence models developed from the current body of research, the systems model of creativity, is being tested at this University in a number of areas. These include video and documentary making, website construction, sound and radio production, journalism, creative writing and so on.

Projects are invited that explore similar areas of creative concern via an application of the systems model. Methodologies include quantitative and qualitative forms (experiments, surveys, ethnographies and case studies) as well as practitioner-based enquiry (PBE).

Academic contact Dr Phillip McIntyre Phillip.McIntyre@newcastle.edu.au Public relations Public relations is both a professional practice and a subfield of communication with its own research and theory base.

Public relations is relatively young as an academic field, having developed identifiable theory in only the last 30 years. The theoretical debates are far from settled and scholars from across the world, including scholars from this university, are contributing their research findings to further these debates in areas including the construction of meaning in contested spaces and the strategic management of communication.

The field of public relations has developed into a theoretically based area of applied communication that has the potential to inform several areas of communication/ mass communication and to offer theoretic and conceptual tools in many areas of communication industry practice.

The advent of social media and new technologies potentially provides the field of public relations with huge challenges and opportunities, some of which are the focus of research being undertaken at the University of Newcastle. Projects are invited that explore aspects of the management of communication in public relations contexts, including from critical perspectives offered through discourse or semiotic approaches.

Academic contacts Ms Melanie James Melanie.James@newcastle.edu.au Dr Helene de Burgh Woodman Helene.Deburgh-Woodman@ newcastle.edu.au Journalism Research in the field of journalism encompasses a very broad area. For example, research can focus on journalists and their actions or journalism and society.

Students can research and engage with texts or journalists or their audiences/ readers/listeners. Research at the University of Newcastle in journalism has included traditional quantitative and qualitative approaches as well as creative projects where students have combined an exegesis with a creative work. Students interested in journalism-related topics have a very open brief to develop a research question that will maintain their interest and academic staff work with them to focus that interest in a manner that will result in research work that is focused, enjoyable and very achievable.

Academic contact Mr Paul Scott Paul.Scott@newcastle.edu.au

Collaborative intelligence analysis This field encompasses such dimensions as data security, information privacy, digital collaborations, business intelligence and knowledge management. An active research group within the School is exploring means of fostering increased collaborative data use while maintaining stringent security and privacy protection.

With regards to health research links have been established with podiatry investigating the effects of foot orthoses and lumbopelvic stabilising exercises on pain and disability in people with low back pain.

Academic contact Dr Geoff Skinner Geoff.Skinner@newcastle.edu.au

Nutrition, food and health (Ourimbah) There are five broad subdisciplines: Molecular Nutrition/Nutritional Genetics, Functional Foods/Food Chemistry, Food Processing, Post-Harvest Technology and finally Herbal Therapies/Xenobiotics. Active programs within these sub-disciplines include: Improving the health of groups in the community through targeting their diet with bioactive micronutrients; nutritional genetics – the interaction of nutrients and genes in modifying clinical phenotype; reduction of waste and more efficient utilisation of food and medicinal herb crops; development of new food products arising from innovation with micronutrients and beneficial microflora; diet and healthy ageing; developing edible films and novel coatings of plant food origin.

ENVIRONMENTAL AND LIFE SCIENCES Exercise and sport science (Ourimbah) Research within exercise and sport science is diverse and wide-ranging and our research focus ranges from the general population through to elite athletes. In 2011 new laboratories will be available in the Exercise and Sport Science building at the Ourimbah campus.

A strong research focus is the timemotion analysis of soccer through our link with the Central Coast Mariners Football Club. GPS technology is used to record position, velocity and acceleration during matches and training. This information allows for estimation of the physiological demands of the sport and provides practical information for coaches. A second research area is strength training and nutritional supplementation, with a particular focus on women. Fluctuations in female steroid hormones cause many physiological changes, including in substrate utilisation and understanding of this area may revolutionise training and supplementation for female athletes.

The effect of compression garments on physiological and performance responses is another area of our research.

Compression garments have become very popular sporting apparel that are claimed to have benefits for sporting performance.

Few of these claims, however, have been scientifically proven.

Academic contact Dr Xanne Janse de Jonge X.JansedeJonge@newcastle.edu.au

Academic contact Dr Mark Lucock Mark.Lucock@newcastle.edu.au Sustainable use of coasts and catchments (Ourimbah) The development of innovative techniques, management and conservation strategies; marine protected areas; the ecology of marine fishes and invertebrates and its application to conservation and management; riparian and rainforest vegetation ecology; environmental and social impact assessment; river rehabilitation strategies and design; historical channel and floodplain changes and their causes; fish-habitat associations; fish passage; estuarine and deltaic ecology; ecology of marine pest species; invasive weeds and their management; disturbance ecology; social sustainability, and computational modelling of marine population dynamics.

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Academic contact Professor Wayne Evskine Wayne.Evskine@newcastle.edu.au Advanced synthetic materials The Advanced Synthetic Materials research group is concerned with the chemical synthesis and properties of manmade materials, including, but not limited to: complex inorganic species, battery materials, natural products, new drugs, polymers; catalysis: both heterogeneous and homogeneous; colloids and surfaces: surfactant and copolymer characterisation; coordination chemistry: synthesis of ligands and complexes, kinetics and equilibrium studies; materials: battery materials, ionic liquids; natural products, organic and medicinal chemistry: green chemistry; development of computational methods for the advanced analysis of chemical data, data fitting of complex kinetic and equilibrium investigations, model free analyses of multivariate data sets, image analyses. Several members of the Group are also part of the three Priority Research Centres: Organic Electronics, Energy, and Advanced Particle Processing.

Academic contact Dr Robert Burns Robert.Burns@newcastle.edu.au Environmental biology and biotechnology Research outputs of the Wildlife Biology and Management Group contribute to understanding and manipulating key processes that underpin the maintenance and establishment of sustainable populations of Australian native animals, and the habitats on which they depend.

The group has wide expertise including: molecular biology, reproductive physiology, ecology, animal behaviour, ecotoxicology, bio-indicators, bio-remediation and evolutionary biology. Group research, and its industry and end user partnerships, supports innovation in the development and application of new management information and tools for more sustainable land and biodiversity management systems regionally, nationally and internationally.

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A particular feature is research to provide a platform for biotechnological innovation in two areas of marsupial and amphibian biology: •• fertility control for overabundant native and pest species and, •• threatened species management and the reintroduction of lost species to restored or rehabilitated habitats.

The other major area is innovation in ecotoxicology and bioindicators in estuarine systems using molecular, physiological and ecological methods,

Genomes organelles and development The primary interests of the group lie in gaining a better understanding of a range of fundamental cellular processes and how we can modify these processes in a beneficial manner. Research involves aspects of how control of gene expression leads to the efficient functioning and development of cells. The group members have strong national and international profiles through their inclusion in ARC centres of excellence and EU 6th framework projects.

Academic contact Professor John Rodger John.Rodger@newcastle.edu.au

The group encompasses molecular, cell and structural biology, as well as biochemistry, and involves research on gene expression in microorganisms, plants and higher mammals. This wide range of expertise is important in aiding focus on common fundamental, as well as organism-specific processes. In particular, all members of the group share a common interest in the mechanisms involved in control of gene expression and the downstream effects on cellular metabolism of modifying gene expression.

Environmental and climate change Specialises in palaeoclimatology and earth-surface processes. The group undertakes research on: •• palaeoclimate reconstruction over short (annual-decadal), intermediate (millennial) and long (astronomical) time scales focusing on speleothems from Australian, Southeast Asian and European cave systems.

•• the environmental impacts of climate change; •• the modelling of landscape, climate, hydrosphere or biosphere systems.

The group also has a strong focus on hydrologic and geomorphic processes at the hill-slope and catchment scale with a research focus on soil carbon as well a degraded landscape and mining landscape rehabilitation using both field and modelling approaches. GIS and remote sensing is extensively employed to address these research issues. The group is well-equipped for stable isotope mass spectrometry, trace element analysis by ICP-MS/ICP-AES, and micro-sampling.

Academic contact Dr Greg Hancock Greg.Hancock@newcastle.edu.au

The group is involved in ultimate research outcomes including the development of new therapies to treat microbial infections, infertility and the manipulation of plants to improve plant quality (e.g. protein/ oil content) and production of novel compounds (including therapeutics).

Academic contact Dr Peter Lewis Peter.Lewis@newcastle.edu.au Molecular structure and detection Molecular structure of proteins, peptides, supra and inorganic/organic molecules; identifying and profiling bio-molecular and chemical systems; development of mass spectrometer technology and protocols; computational modelling; cell and molecular profiling technology; environmental cell biology, contaminant tracing in soils and waters, identifying sources of faecal contamination, fate of pollutants in the environment.[TO1].

Academic contact Associate Professor Hugh Dunstan Hugh.Dunstan@newcastle.edu.au Plant science Research within the Plant Science Group is centred around two key themes: •• nutrient allocation impacting upon crop yield and quality using molecular and cellular approaches; and •• reconstruction of sustainable ecosystems with native vegetation.

Nutrient Allocation: Both fundamental and applied research is directed at: Nutriomics – nutrient (especially sugar) transport and metabolism within organs of agronomic significance (e.g. fruit and seed); Transfer cell development – specialised cells that play a vital role in nutrient allocation; Cotton fibre development – a single-cell system, ideal for studying cell growth and cellulose synthesis; Biofuels – maximising carbon capture by key crops (e.g.

Sorghum) as a bio-fuel feedstock Reconstructing Sustainable Ecosystems (see Centre for Sustainable Ecosystem Restoration, page 38): Rebuilding soils – using plant-microbe associations to re-establish nutrient cycling; Restoration potential – addressing ecological bottlenecks by modifying, monitoring and modelling native vegetation communities.

Researchers are also involved in the external Australia-China Research Centre for Crop Improvement.

Academic contact Professor Chris Grof Chris.Grof@newcastle.edu.au Reproductive sciences Factors that determine a healthy baby; novel strategies for fertility regulation including reversible male contraception and the development of dual action topical contraceptives that target both fertility and the transmission of sexually transmitted disease; causes of human infertility; environmental impacts on reproduction.

Academic contact Professor John Aitken John.Aitken@newcastle.edu.au Tectonics and Earth resources Lithospheric processes that form the physical environment; plate tectonic framework that focuses on the formation and dispersal of continents; magma generation and granite emplacement; relation of magmatism to metamorphism and crustal deformation; physical processes and consequences of volcanism and sedimentation; stable isotope and fluid inclusion systematics of metallic ore deposits; tectonic controls on reforming environments.

Academic contact Dr Glen Phillips Glen.Phillips@newcastle.edu.au Urban and regional studies Geographical perspectives on urban and regional change, focused on the socio-cultural, political, economic and environmental processes reshaping cities and regions in Australia and internationally. Expertise covers urban political geography, cultural geography, critical development studies, geographies of housing; asset based community and economic development; cultural politics of the environment, social impacts of environmental change.

Academic contact Professor Pauline McGuirk Pauline.McGuirk@newcastle.edu.au MATHEMATICAL AND PHYSICAL SCIENCES MATHEMATICS Applicable differential geometry Applications of differential geometry and mathematical physics; ‘higher order symmetries’ of various equations of mathematical physics, and underlying geometrical interpretation; superintegrability.

Convex, functional and nonlinear analysis Investigate Banach algebras and lattices, geometry in Banach and metric spaces, variational inequalities and the use of ultraproduct methods in analysis and non linear and non smooth optimisation, fixed points of non-expansive type mappings on Banach and metric spaces.

Group members: Jon Borwein, Brailey Sims, George Willis Academic contact Associate Professor Brailey Sims Brailey.Sims@newcastle.edu.au Discrete mathematics We have an active research program in each of the following: Diophantine equations arising from geometry and graph theory; algebraic graph theory; graph-labelling problems and graph decompositions.

Group members: Brian Alspach, Jim MacDougall Academic contact Dr Jim MacDougall Jim.MacDougall@newcastle.edu.au Experimental mathematics Using high performance computing in conjunction with numerical and computational analysis to discover, explore, expose, illuminate, test and establish conjectures, facts, patterns and relationships.

Group members: Jon Borwein, Bishnu Lamichhane Academic contact Laureate Professor Jonathan Borwein Jonathan.Borwein@newcastle.edu.au

Academic contact Dr Ian Benn Ian.Benn@newcastle.edu.au

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Harmonic analysis, signal processing and numerical analysis Fourier analysis, wavelets, time-frequency analysis, sampling and signal processing applications; singular integrals and frames; Clifford analysis and applications to hypercomplex signal processing; harmonic analysis on discrete groups; numerical methods for partial differential equations, mixed and hybrid finite element methods, domain decomposition methods, nonconforming discretisation techniques, nearly incompressible elasticity, approximation theory.

Group members: Jon Borwein, Jeff Hogan, Bishnu Lamichhane, George Willis Academic contact Dr Jeffrey Hogan Jeff.Hogan@newcastle.edu.au Number theory Diophantine equations, Diophantine analysis, cryptography, arithmetic, algebraic and combinatorial properties of solutions of differential and difference equations; (in)dependence of numbers that come as values of special functions.

Group members: Jim MacDougall, Wadim Zudilin Academic contact Associate Professor Wadim Zudilin Wadim.Zudilin@newcastle.edu.au Optimization and operations research Fundamental and applied research in optimization, including integer programming, combinatorial optimization, nonlinear and non-smooth optimization, supply chain management, revenue management and their application to industrial, health and business planning problems. Current application projects include coal export logistics, open-pit mining, airline planning, renewable energy network design, retail pricing and health applications.

Group members: Natashia Boland, Faramroze Engineer, Masoud Talebian, Frank Tuyl, Hamish Waterer

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Academic contact Professor Natashia Boland Natashia.Boland@newcastle.edu.au Topological groups Achieve for totally disconnected groups the same level of understanding as was obtained for connected groups more than 60 years ago. Totally disconnected groups occur as symmetries of relational structures such as binary trees, while connected groups occur as symmetries of smooth structures such as spheres. Apply the understanding gained to harmonic analysis, discrete geometry, number theory and information technology.

Academic contact Associate Professor George Willis George.Willis@newcastle.edu.au PHYSICS Medical physics Dosimetry with amorphous silicon electronic portal imaging devices including development of new devices and realtime dosimetry. MRI in radiation oncology treatment planning and adaptive treatment using cone-beam CT scanning. Dosimetric verification of brachytherapy. Quality assurance and dosimetric verification, particularly for clinical trials in radiation oncology. Imaging and treatment localization for radiation oncology.

Academic contact Dr Peter Greer Peter.Greer@newcastle.edu.au Nano-physics and nano-chemistry on semiconductor substrates A distinct subsection of the Surface and Nanoscience group with an explicit combination of experimental (Scanning Probe Microscopy – STM/ STS) and computational (first principles simulations) research on atomic/molecular architectures on semiconductor surfaces for nanoelectronics applications.

Group members: Marian Radny, Ali Shah, Phil Smith, Xiaojing Zhou Academic contact Associate Professor Marian Radny Marian.Radny@newcastle.edu.au

Photonics Lasers and optical fibre communications, spectroscopy.

Group members: Chris Fell, John Holdsworth, Bruce King Academic contact Dr John Holdsworth John.Holdsworth@newcastle.edu.au Space physics The effects of the variable solar radiation on the near-earth space environment; wave and energy transport in the magnetosphere and ionosphere and dynamics of associated boundary regions; experimental programs (using magnetometers, radars and other instruments); mathematical modelling; analysis of ground and spacecraft data obtained from international collaborators.

Group members: Brian Fraser, Fred Menk, Murray Sciffer, Colin Waters Academic contact Professor Fred Menk Fred.Menk@newcastle.edu.au Surface and nanoscience The primary research of the group is the study of the outermost layers of materials (from atomic layer to a micron thick) to understand how they interact with their environment; development of new models to describe that behaviour and to apply that knowledge to the development of new materials and devices for application in advanced technologies.

This includes theoretical studies of the atomic and electronic structure of clean metallic and semiconductor surfaces and the effect of the interaction of various absorbates on such surfaces; theoretical studies of the formation and properties of carbon and non-carbon nanotubes.

Group members: John Furst, Vicki Keast, Bruce King, John O’Connor, Marian Radny, Ali Shah, Phil Smith Academic contact Professor John O’Connor John.OConnor@newcastle.edu.au

STATISTICS Bayesian analysis A strong focus of the statistic group includes various aspects of Bayesian statistics. Of interest to the group is its role with hierarchical models, metaanalysis, MCMC methods and consensus priors. Applications of these include the development of clinical indicators and through various other aspects of the health discipline.

Group members: Peter Howley, Darfiana Nur, Elizabeth Stojanovski, Frank Tuyl Academic contact Dr Frank Tuyl Frank.Tuyl@newcastle.edu.au Categorical data analysis This area of research encompasses a variety of aspects concerned with analysing categorical data including correspondence analysis, linear and non-linear correlation and more general measures of association.

Group members: Eric Beh, John Rayner Academic contact Associate Professor Eric Beh Eric.Beh@newcastle.edu.au Statistical modelling Focus areas of research of our group include the development and application of stochastic modelling, structural equation modelling, ecological and environmental modelling, linear and non-linear time series analysis, log-linear models, association models, modelling data using the generalised lambda distribution and goodness-of-fit.

Group members: Eric Beh, Robert King, Darfiana Nur, Elizabeth Stojanovski Academic contact Associate Professor Eric Beh Eric.Beh@newcastle.edu.au

Total quality management An important focus of the group is methods for and application of process improvement. These cover issues concerning total quality management approaches, statistical tools for quality, statistical data analysis, design of experiments, sampling, methods for evaluating change and risk, evolutionary operations and development of appropriate control charts.

Group members: Peter Howley, Elizabeth Stojanovski, Frank Tuyl Academic contact Dr Peter Howley Peter.Howley@newcastle.edu.au PSYCHOLOGY Clinical and health psychology Application of psychological science and practice to the prevention and treatment of both physical and mental ill-health; factors disposing people to develop and maintain ill-health and poor coping; effectiveness of strategies for the promotion of healthy behaviour and the treatment of disorders.

Academic contact Professor Mike Startup Mike.Startup@newcastle.edu.au Human Experimental and Applied Dynamics (HEAD) At its most general level, the Human Experimental and Applied Dynamics research group studies the dynamics of complex human behaviour. Many of society’s greatest problems have a foundation in behavioural questions. Realworld behavioural systems are usually made up of a large number of agents that interact in varying ways, leading to complex behaviour that is difficult to understand.

However, recent mathematical and computational advances have made such complex behaviour easier to model and simulate, increasing our ability to predict and manage behavioural outcomes. At a regional and national level, research from the HEAD group contributes to the productivity and safety of Australian citizens.

The issues addressed by the HEAD research range from basic to applied research. Specific cognitive topics include cognitive development, response time in choice tasks, absolute identification, speed-skill acquisition, and recognition memory. Specific personality topics include personality structure and assessment, measurement of ethical behaviour, and value-directed behaviour. Specific social topics include intergroup relations, social cognition, stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination. Applied foci include human factors in aviation, 3D interpretation of drawings, and selection of professional students.

Academic contact Dr Stefania Paolini Stefania.Paolini@newcastle.edu.au Neuroscience Sensory systems (vision, audition and chemical senses) incorporating development, plasticity, individual differences and evolution; Cognitive Neuroscience, the neural bases of highlevel cognitive functions such as attention, memory, language processes, planning and decision-making; neuro-immunology – how the neural by-products influence peripheral immune suppression and how activity in the immune system has consequences for neural function. In addition, there are a number of applied interests such as understanding the underlying causes of sensory abnormalities, exploring the neural circuits that underpin cognitive deficits in those with psychosis and the impact of early life events such as exposure to bacteria, on lifelong susceptibility to disease.

Academic contact Dr Frini Karayanidis Frini.Karayanidis@newcastle.edu.au

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THE WOLLOTUKA INSTITUTE Umulliko Indigenous Higher Education Research Centre is the primary focus of Indigenous research and research training for the University and The Wollotuka Institute.

The ideals of Umulliko are grounded in what is referred to as ‘an Indigenous framework of being’. That is, Indigenous people take more than just a linear view of the history of Umulliko to this point in time. A deeper level of framework is seen, in which the past, the present and the future are combined to form a holistic Indigenous understanding.

Umulliko takes on the challenges of increasing Indigenous control of research practice and outcome through the development of high quality Indigenous student research education and practice.

Research options are diverse in the multidiscipline approach practised by the specialised services of Umulliko. Research in the emerging areas of Aboriginal legal, environmental and health research in a collaborative framework with specialist disciplines is encouraged.

Indigenous staff will also guide research in Aboriginal Studies covering broad discipline offerings across all faculties through collaborative supervision arrangements. Your research topic options are therefore potentially unlimited within the University’s comprehensive range of disciplines.

Umulliko Research Centre Director: Professor John Maynard T +61 2 4921 6863 F +61 2 4921 6985 E Wollotuka@newcastle.edu.au W www.newcastle.edu.au/school/wollotuka/research

46 | The University of Newcastle

2011 SEMESTER DATES Semester 1 commences

Monday 28 February

Semester 1 Recess (includes Easter and Anzac Day public holiday) Friday 22 April to Friday 29 April Anzac Day public holiday

Tuesday 26 April (to be confirmed)

Semester 1 resumes

Monday 02 May

Semester 1 concludes

Friday 03 June

Mid Year Examinations

Tuesday 07 June to Friday 24 June

Queen’s Birthday public holiday

Monday 13 June

Mid Year Recess

Monday 27 June to Friday 22 July

Semester 2 commences

Monday 25 July

Semester 2 Recess (includes Labour Day public holiday)

Monday 26 September to Friday 07 October

Semester 2 resumes

Monday 10 October

Semester 2 concludes

Friday 04 November

End of Year Examinations

Monday 07 November to Friday 25 November

NATALIE

After completing my degree in Environmental Engineering I chose to stay on to research “Climate Variability and Change: Impact on Ecosystem Health”.

I decided to undertake an RHD as I enjoy computer modelling and examining data to understand the cause of observed processes. I am inquisitive and like to know why things happen and this is a great opportunity to find out why.

I am currently building an Australia-wide model of natural climate processes that can be used to understand and predict how the different processes influence rainfall and streamflow across Australia.

This model will then be used to assess how the climate processes affect ecological health.

RHD study has helped me to be more independent and improved my ability to think analytically. It also gives me the opportunity to present at different conferences and therefore travel throughout Australia and around the world. I have no idea where this could take my career in the future – there are so many opportunities that I can’t possibly just choose one at this point. I’m happy to just see where this takes me.

Natalie, MPhil (Environmental Engineering)

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A GUIDE TO APPLICATION AND ENROLMENT OFFICE OF GRADUATE STUDIES The Office of Graduate Studies is the first point of contact for domestic research higher degree applicants. We will respond to your queries by email, phone or in person. Our office is located on the Ground Floor, East Wing, The Chancellery, Callaghan campus.

T +61 2 4921 6537 F +61 2 4921 6908 E research@newcastle.edu.au W www.newcastle.edu.au/unit/office-of-graduate-studies International applicants should contact International Admissions and obtain an international application form: international-admissions@newcastle.edu.au With regard to research higher degree candidates, the Office of Graduate Studies is responsible for: •• research higher degree candidature, rules and regulations •• applications for admission (domestic only) and research scholarship •• monitoring enrolment and re-enrolment •• research scholarship administration •• academic progress reporting coordination •• variations to research candidature (e.g. leave of absence, transfer of program, topic, supervisor or School) •• submission and examination of thesis.

Our website contains essential information that you will require as a research candidate.

You are encouraged to access the information on our website throughout your candidature.

The University has an established Code of Practice for Research Higher Degree Candidature which forms the basis for the provision of support and services to research higher degree candidates. It clearly defines the rights and responsibilities of all parties in our research endeavours. This Code of Practice should not be regarded lightly, but rather should be referenced often to monitor the provision of services and the fulfilment of responsibilities of individuals who contribute to your candidature. It also provides a guide to your responsibilities to the University and to those involved in your research.

Code of Practice for Research Higher Degree Candidature: www.newcastle.edu.au/policy/000061.html Research Higher Degree Candidates Guide: www.newcastle.edu.au/students/research-higher-degree/candidates-guide DEGREE RULES The rules governing research higher degrees are available at: www.newcastle.edu.au/policy/000830.html The associated MPhil and PhD schedules are also available at www.newcastle.edu.au/students/research-higher-degree/policies-guidelines

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ADMISSION AND ENROLMENT

PRIVACY AND CONFIDENTIALITY

The Faculty sections of this prospectus detail areas in which MPhil and PhD candidates can be accepted. The qualifications required for admission are set out on page 6 of this prospectus and in the degree schedules available at www.newcastle.edu.au/students/ research-higher-degree/policies-guidelines

The information gathered by the University from your completed application form and during the period of your enrolment will only be used in accordance with privacy legislation to assist the University to enable you to complete your program of study. It will not be disclosed to third parties without your consent unless the University is under a legal obligation to do so. Government departments such as Centrelink, the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, the Australian Taxation Office and the Department of Immigration and Citizenship are authorised to request specific types of information for their purposes.

To apply for candidature please complete the application form within this section, attach all required documentation and lodge your application with the Office of Graduate Studies. Upon receipt we will register your application and conduct an eligibility assessment. It is highly recommended that you provide an email address as many of our electronic processes require this. If you provide an email address you will receive an acknowledgement email which provides an applicant login number.

You will be able to track the status of your application by logging into the online student self service website at http://myhub.newcastle.edu.au with your applicant login details.

If you are made an offer you will action it at the same myHub website.

Your application will then be sent to the relevant faculty and school for an academic assessment and determination. Once a determination has been made the application will be returned to the Office of Graduate Studies where outcome correspondence will be prepared and despatched to you. Assessment times can vary. Please allow at least six weeks. During the scholarship assessment period (Oct-Dec) scholarship applications are prioritised.

The recommendation to admit an applicant is the responsibility of the Head of School in which the research program is to be pursued, and must also be approved by the Pro Vice-Chancellor (or nominee) of the Faculty.

The University may also be required to provide information to law enforcement agencies if a subpoena or warrant is served on it, or if an application is made under the Freedom of Information Act.

Approval requires that: •• an applicant is appropriately qualified, •• there are projects available within the applicant’s areas of research interest, •• the school can provide supervision and resources.

Conditions may be placed on an offer of admission such as enrolment in prescribed courses or the mastery of specific skills, and applicants will be advised of these by the Office of Graduate Studies when informed of the outcome of their application.

STUDY COSTS – RESEARCH TRAINING SCHEME The Commonwealth Government’s Research Training Scheme (RTS) is the basis for funding the research training activities of universities. Under the RTS Guidelines, each university is provided with a funded research candidate quota. These include a standard exemption from Higher Education Loan Programme (HELP) levy for Australian citizens, permanent residents and New Zealand citizens. This means you do not have to pay tuition fees: •• for Doctor of Philosophy candidates – for four years full-time or part-time equivalent •• for Master of Philosophy candidates – for two years full-time or part-time equivalent The RTS Guidelines impose specific conditions for circumstances such as transfers and upgrades from MPhil to PhD candidature. The full RTS Guidelines are available at: www.innovation.gov.au/section/research/pages/researchtrainingscheme.aspx It is expected that candidates will submit their thesis within the RTS funded period.

Candidates who have not submitted their thesis within the funded period may be charged tuition fees should the candidature continue beyond this time.

The University of Newcastle | 49

COMPLETING YOUR APPLICATION FORM Closing dates Closing dates are not applicable for general RHD candidature applications with the exception of PhD Clinical Psychology and PhD Health Psychology. Candidates may commence on almost any week day of the year.

Conditions of application •• Applicants will be assessed on the information provided.

•• The application form must be signed and dated.

•• Applications will only be considered if all relevant supporting documents are provided.

•• A valid email address should be provided.

•• Applicants will be required to accept their offer and to enrol in their program via the University’s online student self service website ‘myHub’ at http://myhub.newcastle.edu.au Documentation Please retain a full copy of your application.

Certified copies of all previous qualifications including testamurs (if applicable) and academic transcripts with grading system descriptions must be provided. If transcripts only are provided they must clearly state that the qualification was awarded, and the date of award.

If your name has changed since the award of your qualification(s) you must provide evidence of your name change.

Do not send original documents as they will remain the property of the University for the purposes of this application only. The copies must be verified as true copies by either: 1. an official stamp and signed and dated by an authorised person of a recognised tertiary or higher education institution (this includes staff in the Office of Graduate Studies) 2. a Justice of the Peace, identified by name, JP number, address and phone number 3. anyone who is currently employed as: •• an accountant •• a bank manager •• a credit union branch manager •• a barrister, solicitor or attorney •• a police officer of the rank of sergeant or above •• a postal manager •• a principal of an Australian secondary college, high school or primary school.

Please ensure that the authorised person states their position clearly and provides contact details.

Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence that they have met the University’s English Language Proficiency requirements. The full English Proficiency Policy is available at www.newcastle.edu.au/policy/000104.html If academic qualifications are in a language other than English, official English translations must be provided as well as certified copies of the original documents.

50 | The University of Newcastle

The closing date for PhD Clinical Psychology and PhD Health Psychology is 1 October each year.

There are additional criteria that must be addressed by applicants for these two programs. Please go to www.newcastle.edu.au/students/ research-higher-degree/futurestudents for details.

Scholarship applications for 2011 awards close 31 October 2010.

Scholarship applications received after this date will not be considered.

If you miss the closing date in 2010 and wish to apply for a scholarship in the following year you will need to submit an application between 1 January and 31 October 2011.

Completing the form One application form is used for both research higher degree candidature and for scholarship. If you wish to apply for a scholarship please tick the relevant box on the form. Your application for candidature will be assessed and, provided you receive an offer of admission to a research higher degree, you will then be considered for the award of a postgraduate research scholarship.

The numbers below correspond with the question numbers on the application form. Read these instructions carefully and ensure that all questions are completed. Incomplete applications cannot be processed.

Step 1 – Student number If you have previously been enrolled at the University of Newcastle print your previous student number in the area provided. Indicate if you do not recall your student number or if you were enrolled under a different name.

Step 2 – Personal details Provide your current personal details. If you are seeking admission on the basis of qualifications gained under another name you need to provide evidence of your name change before your application can be assessed. Suitable documents include a birth certificate, marriage certificate, court documents evidencing dissolution of marriage, or deed poll.

Step 3 – Contact details All correspondence from the University will be sent to both your mailing address and email address. Include an area code with your telephone number(s). If you change address after lodging this application please advise the Office of Graduate Studies.

Step 4 – Citizenship All applicants, including those born in Australia, must provide certified evidence of Australian citizenship or permanent residency. Applicants who have previously been a student at the University of Newcastle and who have previously provided this evidence do not need to provide this evidence again. If you were not born in Australia or New Zealand your evidence of citizenship or permanent residency must include the date granted. Certified copies must be provided. If you answered NO to all of the questions in step 4 then you are ineligible to apply on this form. Contact the International Admissions Office on +61 2 4921 6595.

Step 5 – English proficiency An applicant who does not speak English as a first language must satisfy one of the following English language requirements.

A pass at the required level in one of the following qualifications, completed no longer than two years prior to the submission of the application to study at the University of Newcastle.

TOEFL •• a paper-based test score of 575 or more with a TWE rating of 4.5; or •• an internet test overall score of 93 with no subtest score less than 21.

IELTS •• a minimum score of 6.5 with no individual sub-test score less than 6.0 in the Academic Module; The full English Proficiency Policy is available at www.newcastle.edu.au/policy/000104.html Step 6 – Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander origin All applicants are invited to complete this section.

Step 7 – Current enrolment Provide details of any current enrolment. An academic transcript should be provided evidencing your enrolment at all institutions.

It is a requirement of the Research Training Scheme that all previous enrolments for an incomplete research program at another institution be disclosed to your intended institution.

Recognition may be granted for previous research study which may reduce the duration of your candidature and your entitlement under the Research Training Scheme. If you are currently enrolled in an undergraduate or other degree any offer of admission will be conditional upon completion of that study or, in some circumstances, withdrawal from that study. Certified evidence must be provided.

Step 8 – Scholarship details Provide all details of scholarships you are receiving or have previously received.

Step 9 – Tertiary studies Supply details of all tertiary/higher education studies undertaken including the status of the study (completed, incomplete, currently studying) and dates commenced and completed.

Step 10 – Relevant experience and employment Provide details in the space provided or attach a Curriculum Vitae detailing relevant experience and employment.

Step 11 – Research experience/publications Provide details of any research or development work undertaken to date. A statement verifying your research experience from a previous supervisor should be submitted with your application.

Evidence of claimed publications/exhibitions/research attainments must be provided by scholarship applicants. Include a copy of the abstract as proof of authorship of any published papers.

Step 12 – Referees List the names and email addresses of academic/professional referees. If possible, one referee should be a senior member of academic staff of the University in which you gained your degree.

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Step 13 – Proposed program Please state the code, level and name of the program for which you wish to apply. Please refer to the table of programs and codes at the back of this prospectus. Indicate at which campus you propose to undertake the program: Callaghan or Ourimbah.

Step 17 – Ethics and Safety Approval It is a University requirement that research projects that involve the use of animals or the use of human subjects receive prior ethical clearance. Some research projects also require safety clearance.

NB: Scholarship applicants wishing to be considered for more than one program in separate discipline areas must submit a separate application for each discipline area.

While the responsibility for this rests with your supervisor, it is expected that you will be actively involved in drafting information and preparing documents to lodge with your ethics or safety application. Detailed guidelines are included with the applications for animal or human ethics clearance and are available from the School/Faculty offices or the Research Office located in the East Wing of The Chancellery; phone +61 2 4921 7733.

Off-campus enrolment Normal expectation is that studies are undertaken on campus.

However, it is possible to apply for off-campus candidature if you reside and work outside a 50 kilometre radius of the Callaghan or Ourimbah campuses. If you wish to be considered for offcampus candidature please complete page 7 of the Variation to Candidature form at www.newcastle.edu.au/students/researchhigher-degree/forms.html and submit it with your application.

Step 14 – Proposed commencement Provide your anticipated commencement date. Research candidates may commence at any time of year. If coursework is recommended as a component of your research higher degree the usual semester dates will apply. Please refer to the semester dates listed in this prospectus.

Step 15 – Proposed study load Indicate your proposed study load as either full-time or part-time.

Please note that scholarship holders are normally required to be enrolled on a full-time basis.

Step 16 – Research proposal A statement outlining the proposed area of research must be attached to the application form. The statement should define the chosen area of study, detail the aims of the proposed research program and provide an indication of the approach to the research you wish to take. Sufficient detail is required to enable the Faculty to determine that it has the resources, including suitably experienced supervisors, to support your candidature. A research proposal template is included on page 57 of this prospectus and is also available at www.newcastle.edu.au/students/researchhigher-degree/future-students Applicants are encouraged to consult with academics in the chosen research field at the University prior to submitting an application for admission. Contact details are provided in the faculty sections of this prospectus or you may search the University’s directory of research expertise at www.newcastle.edu. au/research/warp.

You may also access the University’s Voluntary Register of Supervisors at www.newcastle.edu.au/students/research-higherdegree/supervision/voluntary-register.html Please include the name/s of any prospective academic supervisors at this question and on your research proposal.

52 | The University of Newcastle

In some instances applications are also required for ethics clearance from other institutional ethics committees, such as the Hunter New England Area Health Service or the Department of Education and Training.

If you know that your research will require clearance please indicate this at question 17. If you do not know, you should raise this issue with your supervisor at the beginning of your candidature.

Step 18 – Impairments The University can provide support services for people with impairments or a long term medical condition that may affect studies. Please indicate any impairment you have and visit www.newcastle.edu.au/service/disability for further information on support services.

Step 19 – Signing your form Please read then sign the declaration. If you choose to cross out any part of the declaration your application will not be processed.

In signing the declaration you acknowledge and accept that the Code of Practice for Research Higher Degree Candidature defines the respective rights and responsibilities of all parties in our research endeavours and forms the basis of understanding and commitment between the parties. The Code of Practice for Research Higher Degree Candidature is available from the University website at www.newcastle.edu.au/policy/000061.html Step 20 – Application checklist Use the application checklist to confirm your application is complete.

the university of newcastle 2011 application form for research higher degrees You must submit a complete application containing certified documents and a research proposal.

Incomplete applications cannot be processed.

This application form is used by domestic applicants for both research higher degree candidature and for research scholarships.

To be eligible for consideration for a research scholarship you must first be offered candidature in a research higher degree program.

Please tick the appropriate box(es) If I am successful with my application for admission, please consider me for:

I wish to apply for:

Research Higher Degree Candidature

Closing dates are not applicable for general RHD candidature applications. Candidates may commence on almost any week day of the year.

Closing date for PhD Clinical Psychology and PhD Health Psychology: 1 October 2010. There is additional criteria that must be met for these two programs. For further details please go to www.newcastle.edu.au/students/ research-higher-degree/future-students

Postgraduate Research Scholarship

Closing date: 31 October each year.

Scholarship applicants only: Do you wish to request consideration for educational disadvantage? For example, carer responsibilities, medical reasons, educational disadvantage. If so, please attach a supporting statement.

Yes

No

NB: If you commence, or have commenced your RHD prior to being awarded a scholarship, previous enrolment will be deducted from the tenure of the scholarship.

1. University of Newcastle student number (if applicable)

2. Personal details Title

Dr

Mr

Mrs

Ms

Miss

Other

Family name Other name(s)

Gender

Male

Previous family name

Date of birth

(Evidence of name change is required if qualifications are under a different name)

DD

Female MM

YY

3. Contact details Mailing address

Home address (if different to mailing address)

City/Suburb Country

State

Phone: Home

Mobile

Postcode

City/Suburb Country

State

Postcode

Business

Email

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4. Citizenship What is your country of birth?

If you were not born in Australia, in which year did you first reside in Australia?

Are you an Australian citizen?

Yes

No

Are you a New Zealand citizen?

Yes

No

Are you an Australian Permanent Resident* (Permanent Visa)?

Yes

No

Yes

No

Date permanent residency granted DD

MM

YY

Are you the holder of a Permanent Humanitarian Visa* (within Australia)?

*If you are the holder of a Permanent Humanitarian Visa or you are an Australian Permanent Resident and have not previously provided your visa details, please attach a certified copy of your visa and arrival date stamp.

If you have answered No to all these questions then you are ineligible to apply on this form – please contact International Admissions on +61 2 4921 6595 or email international-admissions@newcastle.edu.au

5. English proficiency What is your first language?

Do you speak another language at home? If yes, please state the language: If your first language is not English, you must provide evidence of your proficiency as detailed in the instructions accompanying this form.

6. Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander origin Are you an Australian Aboriginal person, eg Goori, Koori, Murri or Nunga?

Are you of Torres Strait Islander descent?

Yes

Yes

No

No

(If you are of both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander origin, please tick both ‘Yes’ boxes)

7. Current enrolment Are you currently enrolled in a university/institution?

Yes

No

If ‘yes’, name of university/institution: Degree title

Discipline

When do you expect to complete your current enrolment?

8. Scholarship details Are you currently receiving a postgraduate scholarship?

Yes

No

If ‘yes’, please complete the following: Scholarship

Institution

Have you ever received a postgraduate scholarship before?

Value Yes

Duration No

If ‘yes’, please complete the following: Scholarship

Institution

Value

Duration

9. Tertiary studies Certified true copies of academic records must be attached. Official English translations are required for documents in a language other than English.

Completion and Duration Institute Name

54 | The University of Newcastle

Qualification title

Date commenced

Date completed

Duration (Full-time equivalent)

10. Relevant experience and employment Provide details in the space provided or attach a Curriculum Vitae detailing relevant experience and employment.

Date: eg 6/04 to 10/06

Employer

Position held

11. Research experience/publications (attach additional statement if necessary) Provide details of any research or development work undertaken to date. Evidence of any claimed publications/exhibitions/research attainments must be provided. Attach the front page of publication or advertisement for exhibition. Where evidence is not provided, publications/exhibitions cannot be considered in the assessment of your application.

12. Referees Please state referees’ name, title, institution, email address and phone number.

1.

2.

13. Proposed program Please state the code, level and name of the program for which you wish to apply. Please refer to the table of programs and codes in this prospectus.

NB: Scholarship applicants wishing to be considered in more than one program in separate discipline areas must submit a separate application for each discipline area.

Program Code

Program Level and Name (e.g. PhD Education)

Campus*

* Off campus enrolment requires additional approval. Please complete page 7 of the Candidature Variation form (www.newcastle.edu.au/ students/research-higher-degree/forms.html) and submit with this application.

14. Proposed commencement Please provide your anticipated start date:

DD

MM

YY

15. Proposed study load

Full-time

Part-time

Please note that scholarship holders must be enrolled full-time unless part-time enrolment is approved by the Dean of Graduate Studies.

16a. Research proposal (attach a typed research proposal) A research proposal must be submitted with this application, indicating the nature of research you wish to undertake. You are encouraged to consult with academics at the University in your chosen discipline to discuss your proposed research prior to lodging your application.

A research proposal template is available in this prospectus and can be accessed from www.newcastle.edu.au/students/research-higherdegree/future-students

16b. If you have discussed your proposal with a potential supervisor(s), please state their name here and include it in your research proposal:

The University of Newcastle | 55

17. Ethics and Safety Approval Do you expect that your research will require approval from any of the following committees: Animal Care and Ethics Committee

Yes

No

Do not know

Human Research Ethics Committee

Yes

No

Do not know

Occupational Health and Safety Committee

Yes

No

Do not know

18. Impairments A. Do you have a disability, impairment or long term medical condition that may affect your studies?

Yes

No

B. If you answered yes to ‘a’ please visit the following website for information and advice on support services, equipment and facilities which may assist you: www.newcastle.edu.au/service/disability

19. Declaration I hereby apply for enrolment in accordance with the Act, By-law, and Rules of The University of Newcastle and declare that: • I understand that I must enrol in courses that comply with the requirements of the degree program to which I have been admitted • I authorise the University to release information regarding my enrolment to Government agencies in accordance with legal requirements • I understand that failure to pay fees and charges owed to the University or its partner organisation by the due date may result in my access to University services being restricted, the cancellation of my enrolment and/or action to recover any remaining debt • I certify that all information and documentation supplied by me to the University is true, accurate and complete • I consent to the collection, storage and disclosure by the University, Universities Australia (UA) or any UA member institution of a record of any such information or any other irregular activity that may be considered to be untrue or misleading in any respect • I agree to comply with the rules, policies and by-laws of the University of Newcastle • I acknowledge and accept that the Code of Practice for Research Higher Degree Candidature describes the respective rights and responsibilities of both parties and forms the basis of understanding and commitment between the two parties

• I agree to abide by the Code of Practice for Research Higher Degree Candidature • I understand that agreement to all of these terms is a condition of my enrolment at the University of Newcastle.

Informed consent: • I understand that the University of Newcastle is collecting the information in this form for the purpose of assessing my entitlement to Commonwealth assistance under the Higher Education Support Act 2003, and allocation of a Commonwealth Higher Education Student Support Number (CHESSN) to me • I understand that the University of Newcastle will disclose this information to the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) for the above purposes and that DEEWR will store the information securely in the Higher Education Information Management System (HEIMS) and that the information may be used in connection with the National Data Collection on University Applications and Offers and/or other collections as DEEWR may lawfully require from time to time • I accept that DEEWR may disclose the information to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), and that the University of Newcastle will not otherwise disclose the information without my consent unless required or authorised by law.

In signing this form you are agreeing to all of the above conditions.

Signed:

Date:

20. Application checklist Tick the boxes when you have completed the following steps:

Completed your application form

Provided a valid email address

Provided certified copies of testamurs and transcripts

Provided evidence of citizenship

Provided evidence of publications (where appropriate)

Attached supporting documentation (certified copies where appropriate)

Attached research proposal

Signed the declaration

56 | The University of Newcastle

Once you have completed all of the above, mail all forms and attachments to: Office of Graduate Studies The Chancellery The University of Newcastle Callaghan NSW 2308 Australia

RESEARCH PROPOSAL TEMPLATE When preparing an application for entry into a research higher degree program it is necessary to supply a clear statement describing the proposed area of research (a research proposal). Consultation with a faculty or school academic staff member in the research area of interest is recommended prior to submission of an application.

General Length: From one to three pages is often suitable, depending on the area of research.

Detail: The following outline may be used as a guide. You should consider each of the areas that will be

relevant to your research.

Minimum: The recommended minimum requirements are identified with an asterisk (*).

Applicant name: Academic contact/s: Research topic/title: Research topic/title* An initial working title should be provided and should describe the content and direction of your project.

For example: A template for assisting research students in the development of a research proposal.

Project Description Background What is already known or unknown? Set the scene.

Aims* What do you want to know, prove, demonstrate, analyse, test, investigate or examine?

List your project aims in a logical sequence, i.e.: The aim of this project is to: a) Provide an outline of a research proposal b) Enable a prospective student to prepare a research proposal Methodology* How do you anticipate you will achieve these aims?* What do you need? (specify any special equipment, software or material) Can you access necessary data or expertise?

Do you require particular resources?* Are there barriers or pitfalls?

Does the project involve human ethics, animal ethics or safety implications?

Is travel or fieldwork required? If so, where to, how long and at what intervals?

Expected outcomes, significance or rationale Why is it important?

What do you expect it will deliver?

What are the expected outcomes?

Establish the importance of your project by highlighting its originality or why it is worth pursuing. Highlight the benefits, positive expected outcomes or innovative applications of knowledge.

Timetable* Indicate the timeframe for each broad stage considering literature surveys, data collection, production, modelling, review, analysis, testing, reporting, chapter and thesis writing, and thesis submission date.

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ENROLMENT AND CANDIDATURE INFORMATION ACCEPTING AN OFFER, ENROLLING AND GETTING STARTED Offer and acceptance If your application is successful you will receive an offer letter which will include any conditions that have been placed on your candidature. The letter will outline your program, supervisory arrangements and other details relevant to your initial enrolment.

The offer may be conditional upon receipt of further evidence from you. It is important that you attend to any conditions promptly to avoid delays in commencement. If a scholarship application has also been submitted separate advice will be provided regarding its outcome. Advice on admission to candidature will precede scholarship outcome advice. First round scholarship offers will be made in mid to late December and must be accepted within 28 days.

To accept your candidature offer you will visit http://myhub.newcastle.edu.au and login with the applicant login details emailed to you when your application was registered.

Choose the ‘Accept’ link. If deferral is possible this will be indicated in your offer letter. If your offer was conditional you will not be able to enrol until these conditions have been met. You can also decline an offer at this website.

When you accept an offer your new student login details will be generated. They can be accessed at the myHub website under the ‘Student Login Details’ link.

Enrolling Once you have accepted your offer and all requirements have been met you will be able to self enrol via myHub. To allow time for internal processes to run you need to wait 48 hours between acceptance of your offer and completing your enrolment. Login with your student login details and complete the enrolment using the guide referred to in your offer letter. You and your proposed principal supervisor will receive confirmation of your enrolment and commencement via email.

If you do not have reliable internet access please advise the Office of Graduate Studies so that manual processing can be organised.

Obtaining a student card and activating NUmail New candidates should visit www.newcastle.edu.au/study/enrolment/studentidcards. html for information on how to get a student ID card.

A University NUmail email account will be created and you need to activate this account.

Follow the instructions available at www.newcastle.edu.au/service/email/student-email Please note that all future email correspondence will be sent to your NUmail account which you will therefore be required to check regularly.

Induction Induction sessions for RHD candidates are held each semester by the Office of Graduate Studies. An online induction is also available. Induction provides information about various aspects of the University that will be relevant to you and your role in the management of candidature and scholarship. In addition, you may be invited to an induction session conducted by your faculty or school at which key faculty personnel will be introduced and academic and resource information will be provided.

Extraneous or concurrent enrolment As a research candidate you are not normally permitted to undertake courses extraneous to your research program of study. Requests to do so must be approved by your supervisor, Head of School and Assistant Dean (Research Training).

58 | The University of Newcastle

Off-campus enrolment You may apply for off-campus enrolment if you reside and work outside a 50 kilometre radius of the Callaghan or Ourimbah campuses. In applying for off-campus candidature you must advise how often face-to-face contact with your supervisor will take place and by what method contact will be maintained. Off-campus enrolment must be approved by your supervisor, Head of School and Assistant Dean (Research Training).

You will be responsible for providing your own resources and you should be aware that the University does not provide special services should you wish to undertake this mode of study. To apply for off-campus enrolment complete page 7 of the Candidature Variation form which is available from the Office of Graduate Studies or may be downloaded from www. newcastle.edu.au/students/researchhigher-degree/forms.html

Confirmation year requirements The University of Newcastle requires research higher degree candidates to undertake a confirmation process within 12 months of commencement of candidature on a full-time basis (or part-time equivalent). The purpose of the confirmation process is to support students in the early stages of their candidature.

The process will allow students to receive objective confirmation that their research direction is sound, the methodologies are appropriate and the standard of writing satisfactory. Any difficulties that might impede successful completion are identified and remedied. The process also encourages students to start writing, which many find difficult early in their candidature.

Candidates are required to satisfy the following requirements within twelve months of commencement of candidature on a full-time basis (or part-time equivalent): Present to the Confirmation Committee a written document containing at least: •• a critical review of recent work in the field •• an updated research proposal •• an updated plan of research •• an updated timetable for completion of the thesis •• a comprehensive statement of the resources required to complete the project within the funded period •• give an oral presentation to the Confirmation Committee •• give a verbal defence of the research proposal before the Confirmation Committee.

In addition, the issues of ethics approval, intellectual property and data retention and management must also be considered.

Academic progress reports Research higher degree candidates are required to provide an annual report on progress. Additional reports may be required at other times. The reporting process allows candidates and supervisors to submit independent reports plus a joint report identifying progression and completion targets.

Program transfers In a limited number of circumstances you may be able to apply for a transfer of your research program from one School to another, or from one level of program to another (e.g. MPhil to PhD).

Such transfers require approval from your supervisor, Head of School and Assistant Dean (Research Training). Further information regarding program transfers can be found within the Candidature Variation form at www.newcastle.edu.au/students/research-higherdegree/forms.html

Vaccination cards Any candidate who needs to enter a public health facility for a placement, research, or any other purpose is also required to maintain a vaccination card as a proof of the currency of their vaccinations.

International candidates with vaccination records in languages other than English must provide a certified translation in English.

Prohibited employment declarations Under the requirements of the Child Protection (Prohibited Employment) Act 1998, candidates undertaking placement in any area involving direct and unsupervised contact with children under the age of 18 years are required to disclose whether they are a “prohibited person”. This is defined as a person who has been convicted of a serious sex offence or who is a registrable person under the Child Protection (Offenders Registration) Act 2000.

All candidates proceeding on such placements, including candidates entering the NSW public health system, must complete a Prohibited Employment Declaration. The Criminal Record Check Consent Form, Vaccination Record cards and Prohibited Employment Declaration forms may be obtained from and lodged with the Student Hubs, once you have enrolled in your program.

PLACEMENTS IN OTHER AGENCIES Criminal record checks Candidates who need to enter a public health facility for a placement, research, or any other purpose, or are involved in the teaching or care of children, the ill or other people in a vulnerable position must obtain a criminal record clearance prior to entering the facility.

A Criminal Record Check Consent Form must be completed. Forms are available at www. newcastle.edu.au/study/admissions/criminalrecords.html and can be submitted to any Hub. There is a $30 processing fee charged by the agency that undertakes the checks.

Failure to comply with the instructions issued with the consent form may result in delays in a clearance being issued. If the relevant agency declines to permit you to undertake this aspect of your studies, then you may not be able to complete the requirements of the program.

The University of Newcastle | 59

RESEARCH HIGHER DEGREE PROGRAM TITLES AND CODES Applications for Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) research degrees will be accepted throughout the year.

The following is a list of application code numbers. The application code needs to be included in stage 4 of your application form.

IMPORTANT DATES FOR YOUR RESEARCH HIGHER DEGREE APPLICATION FORM FIXED closing dates for specific applications •• 1 October for PhD Clinical Psychology •• 1 October for PhD Health Psychology •• 31 October for Research Higher Degree Scholarship Closing dates for general Research Higher Degree entry: Applications for candidature may be submitted at any time.

Master of Philosophy research programs

Duration in years

Program code (MPhil)

M Phil (Aboriginal Health Studies)

2

11644

M Phil (Aboriginal Studies)

2

11617

M Phil (Accounting and Finance)

2

11601

M Phil (Anatomical Pathology)

2

11641

M Phil (Anatomy)

2

11629

M Phil (Architecture)

2

11618

M Phil (Behavioural Sciences in Relation to Medicine)

2

11643

M Phil (Biological Sciences)

2

11661

M Phil (Building)

2

11619

M Phil (Chemical Engineering)

2

11626

M Phil (Chemistry)

2

11662

M Phil (Civil Engineering)

2

11624

M Phil (Classics)

2

11607

M Phil (Clinical Pharmacology)

2

11645

M Phil (Communication and Media Arts)

2

11657

M Phil (Community Medicine and Clinical Epidemiology)

2

11647

M Phil (Computer Engineering)

2

11621

M Phil (Computer Science)

2

11620

M Phil (Cultural Studies)

2

11678

M Phil (Design)

2

11658

M Phil (Drama)

2

11603

M Phil (Economics)

2

11598

M Phil (Education)

2

11606

M Phil (Electrical Engineering)

2

11622

M Phil (English)

2

11608

M Phil (Environmental and Occupational Health)

2

11637

M Phil (Environmental Engineering)

2

11625

M Phil (Environmental Science)

2

11663

M Phil (Exercise and Sport Science)

2

11720

M Phil (Experimental Pharmacology)

2

11630

60 | The University of Newcastle

Master of Philosophy research programs

Duration in years

Program code (MPhil)

M Phil (Fine Art)

2

11605

M Phil (Food Science)

2

11664

M Phil (General Practice)

2

11646

M Phil (Geology)

2

11665

M Phil (History)

2

11609

M Phil (Human Geography)

2

11666

M Phil (Human Physiology)

2

11631

M Phil (Immunology and Microbiology)

2

11632

M Phil (Information Systems)

2

11659

M Phil (Information Technology)

2

11660

M Phil (Law)

2

11600

M Phil (Leisure and Tourism Studies)

2

11599

M Phil (Linguistics)

2

11611

M Phil (Management)

2

11602

M Phil (Marine Science)

2

11667

M Phil (Mathematics)

2

11671

M Phil (Mechanical Engineering)

2

11627

M Phil (Medical Biochemistry)

2

11633

M Phil (Medical Genetics)

2

11634

M Phil (Medical Physics)

2

11670

M Phil (Medical Radiation Science)

2

11638

M Phil (Medicine)

2

11648

M Phil (Modern Languages)

2

11612

M Phil (Music)

2

11604

M Phil (Nursing)

2

11653

M Phil (Nutrition and Dietetics)

2

11639

M Phil (Occupational Therapy)

2

11640

M Phil (Oral Health)

2

11635

M Phil (Paediatrics)

2

11649

M Phil (Pharmacy)

2

11642

M Phil (Philosophy)

2

10191

M Phil (Physical Geography)

2

11668

M Phil (Physics)

2

11672

M Phil (Physiotherapy)

2

11636

M Phil (Politics)

2

11597

M Phil (Psychiatry)

2

11650

M Phil (Psychology)

2

11656

M Phil (Religious Studies)

2

11694

M Phil (Reproductive Medicine)

2

11651

M Phil (Social Work)

2

11616

M Phil (Sociology and Anthropology)

2

11614

M Phil (Software Engineering)

2

11623

M Phil (Speech Pathology)

2

11615

M Phil (Statistics)

2

11673

M Phil (Surgical Sciences)

2

11652

M Phil (Surveying)

2

11628

M Phil (Sustainable Resource Management)

2

11669

M Phil (Theology)

2

11723

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Doctor of Philosophy research programs

Duration in years

Program code (PhD)

PhD (Aboriginal Health Studies)

4

11125

PhD (Aboriginal Studies)

4

11159

PhD (Accounting and Finance)

4

11032

PhD (Anatomical Pathology)

4

11126

PhD (Anatomy)

4

11132

PhD (Architecture)

4

10184

PhD (Behavioural Sciences in Relation to Medicine)

4

11134

PhD (Biological Sciences)

4

10061

PhD (Building)

4

10853

PhD (Chemical Engineering)

4

10380

PhD (Chemistry)

4

10095

PhD (Civil Engineering)

4

11028

PhD (Classics)

4

10450

PhD (Clinical Pharmacology)

4

11139

PhD (Clinical Psychology)

4

11539

PhD (Communication and Media Arts)

4

10729

PhD (Community Medicine and Clinical Epidemiology)

4

11135

PhD (Computer Engineering)

4

11459

PhD (Computer Science)

4

11029

PhD (Cultural Studies)

4

11677

PhD (Design)

4

10728

PhD (Drama)

4

10050

PhD (Economics)

4

10494

PhD (Education)

4

10367

PhD (Electrical Engineering)

4

10332

PhD (Engineering)

4

11719

PhD (English)

4

10426

PhD (Environmental and Occupational Health)

4

11144

PhD (Environmental Engineering)

4

11468

PhD (Environmental Science)

4

10319

PhD (Exercise and Sport Science)

4

11721

PhD (Experimental Pharmacology)

4

11590

PhD (Fine Art)

4

10727

PhD (Food Science)

4

10955

PhD (Gender and Health)

4

11214

PhD (General Practice)

4

11136

PhD (Geology)

4

10439

PhD (Health Psychology)

4

11540

PhD (History)

4

10041

PhD (Human Geography)

4

11030

PhD (Human Physiology)

4

11140

PhD (Immunology and Microbiology)

4

11128

PhD (Information Systems)

4

11185

PhD (Information Technology)

4

11524

PhD (Law)

4

10147

PhD (Leisure and Tourism Studies)

4

10852

PhD (Linguistics)

4

10114

PhD (Management)

4

10389

62 | The University of Newcastle

Doctor of Philosophy research programs

Duration in years

Program code (PhD)

PhD (Marine Science)

4

11478

PhD (Mathematics)

4

10033

PhD (Mechanical Engineering)

4

10209

PhD (Medical Biochemistry)

4

11133

PhD (Medical Genetics)

4

11129

PhD (Medical Radiation Science)

4

11130

PhD (Medicine)

4

11137

PhD (Midwifery)

4

11593

PhD (Modern Languages)

4

10333

PhD (Music)

4

10938

PhD (Nursing)

4

10939

PhD (Nutrition and Dietetics)

4

11131

PhD (Occupational Therapy)

4

11127

PhD (Oral Health)

4

11591

PhD (Paediatrics)

4

11138

PhD (Pharmacy)

4

11592

PhD (Philosophy)

4

11613

PhD (Physical Geography)

4

11031

PhD (Physics)

4

10299

PhD (Physiotherapy)

4

11463

PhD (Politics)

4

11482

PhD (Psychiatry)

4

11141

PhD (Psychology)

4

10216

PhD (Religious Studies)

4

11693

PhD (Reproductive Medicine)

4

11142

PhD (Social Work)

4

10738

PhD (Sociology and Anthropology)

4

11151

PhD (Software Engineering)

4

11474

PhD (Speech Pathology)

4

11472

PhD (Statistics)

4

10284

PhD (Surgical Sciences)

4

11143

PhD (Surveying)

4

11462

PhD (Sustainable Resource Management)

4

11480

PhD (Theology)

4

11724

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STUDENT INFORMATION AND SERVICES The University website contains a vast amount of information for students. This can be accessed at www.newcastle.edu.au/ students Information specific to RHD candidates can be accessed at www.newcastle.edu.au/students/research-higher-degree/ current-students The following information has been highlighted for you.

RHD Rules and Schedules The websites for the RHD rules and schedules are as follows: Rules Governing Research Higher Degrees www.newcastle.edu.au/policy/000830.html Doctor of Philosophy Schedule www.newcastle.edu.au/policy/000091.html Master by Research Schedule www.newcastle.edu.au/policy/000216.html Intellectual Property Policy www.newcastle.edu.au/policy/000831.html Plagiarism Plagiarism is passing off the thoughts or works of another person as one’s own. Plagiarism involves giving the impression that a person has thought, written or produced something that has, in fact, been borrowed from another. It is a form of theft, which may be done by copying exactly what another writer has said, or by summarising another writer’s ideas as if they were your own.

Any copying or summarising of someone else’s words or ideas must be done in such a way as to make it clear you are quoting or summarising and must include an acknowledgment of the author(s). Anything else is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

When plagiarism is detected in a student’s work it may be considered to be academic misconduct, for which disciplinary action may be taken.

For a detailed statement of the Plagiarism Policy, refer to the guidelines provided by your faculty. Research candidates should familiarise themselves with the University of Newcastle’s Student Academic Integrity Policy at www.newcastle.edu.au/ policy/000608.html

64 | The University of Newcastle

Occupational Health and Safety The University of Newcastle is committed to ensuring the highest level of health and safety of staff, students and others within its premises or wherever its staff and students may be working, studying and researching. The University of Newcastle will comply with all relevant Acts and Regulations to ensure that the workplace and/or study areas are safe and without risk to health.

In the absence of specific legislation, the highest professional standards will be maintained. Resources will be made available in line with the importance attached to occupational health and safety. Occupational health and safety is both an individual and shared responsibility. The success of the Occupational Health and Safety Policy and programs depends on the commitment and cooperation of all members of the University community.

The University of Newcastle will ensure that all staff, students and other persons within its premises are aware of this policy.

For further information refer to www.newcastle.edu.au/service/ health-safety Injury/Incident/Hazard Reporting www.newcastle.edu.au/service/health-safety/injurymanagement/incident-injury-hazard-reporting.html Students should familiarise themselves with the following policy: Smoke-free Environment Policy www.newcastle.edu.au/policy/000329.html Disability Services The Disability Support Service offers practical assistance and advice to students with a permanent or temporary disability or medical condition.

The support and assistance provided through the Disability Support Service aims to assist each student to meet the inherent requirements of their program whilst maintaining as much academic independence as possible. Further details are available from www.newcastle.edu.au/service/disability