UQ Science Research Higher Degree Prospectus

Science

RESEARCH HIGHER DEGREE PROSPECTUS

2012

CONTENTS 02 Research Higher Degrees at UQ: your world of discovery

— Why science at UQ?

— Research higher degrees

03 The Science at UQ advantage

— Facilities and special features

— Research institutes, centres and industry partnerships

— Research commercialisation opportunities

— Skills training and professional development

— Supervision excellence

— Joint PhD opportunities

— Scholarships

— Faculty of Science Postgraduate Travel Awards for Research Excellence

06 Faculty of Science schools

— School of Agriculture and Food Sciences

— School of Biological Sciences

— School of Biomedical Sciences

— School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences

— School of Earth Sciences

— School of Geography, Planning and Environmental Management

— School of Mathematics and Physics

— School of Veterinary Science

07 Research opportunities

— Discover research degree opportunities within the schools of the Faculty of Science

24 How to apply for a Research Higher Degree

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RESEARCH HIGHER DEGREES AT UQ:

YOUR WORLD OF DISCOVERY Why Science at UQ? UQ gives science students the opportunity to be a part of a groundbreaking research environment, boasting some of Australia’s best and brightest inquiring minds and being ranked as one of the country’s top three research universities. The ranking is across measures including PhD graduations, commercialisation of discoveries, industry collaboration and funds received from governments and the private sector.

Founded in 1910, the Faculty of Science is one of Australia’s largest, most diverse science groupings, with more than a century of leadership in cutting-edge research, teaching and learning.

The Faculty of Science offers an outstanding array of study choices.

Talented, inspiring people from all over the world come to study, work and conduct research in the Faculty.

The faculty has inspirational, internationally recognised teaching staff and world-class facilities, with more than 1800 laboratories across four campuses and the most science teaching spaces in Queensland.

Postgraduate science students at The University of Queensland learn from some of Australia’s leading researchers who are exploring new frontiers of a rapidly-changing science revolution. The research institutes and centres allow researchers to engage in pioneering discovery and lead the development of new outcomes, technologies and breakthroughs.

Research Higher Degrees UQ offers Research Higher Degree (RHD) studies in the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Master of Philosophy (MPhil). Career paths for students with postgraduate research qualifications include university teaching and research, and research and development within industry and private companies.

UQ’s research strengths reflect the University’s diversity and depth of research and the quality of Science staff is a key factor in attracting outstanding students. Research excellence is a major criterion for appointment of academic staff to the University and the majority of staff have experience from a wide range of world-class institutions; that leads to a vibrant, internationally orientated research culture providing numerous opportunities for students.

The Science Faculty has a strong interest and success in commercialising its intellectual property and student participation has been an important factor in that process.

On average, a PhD takes four years to complete and the MPhil two years. Undertaking a research higher degree requires a much greater time commitment than a coursework degree – at least 36 hours a week for 48 weeks of the year. It is equivalent to full-time employment in terms of the commitment of hours.

SCIENCE RHD PROSPECTUS

2012 – 3

THE SCIENCE AT UQ

ADVANTAGE The University of Queensland ranks in the nation’s top three institutions by most performance measures. Internationally, UQ is one of only three Australian founding members of Universitas 21, an international consortium of universities dedicated to world’s best practice.

UQ continues to perform well across a range of quality indicators. It is among Australia’s top research universities and has won more national teaching awards than any other Australian university.

UQ is above the world standard in 21 fields of research, according to a comprehensive national assessment of research in all Australian universities released by ERA in January 2011. UQ received more ‘above world standard’ rankings than any other Australian university.

UQ was one of only five Australian universities (and the only Queensland university) in the top 100 in the Times Higher Education’s 2010-2011 World University Rankings, released in 2010.

The University ranked among the top 18 universities in the Asia-Pacific region and 108th worldwide in the 2010 Academic Rankings of World Universities study, conducted by Shanghai Jiao Tong University. UQ was ranked 43rd in the top 200 QS World University Rankings in 2010.

UQ’s reputation as one of Australia’s top research-intensive universities saw it attract more than $303.4 million in research funding for 2009, the most recent year for which figures are available. In the Good Universities Guide 2011, UQ achieved very high rankings for research grants, research intensity and non-government earnings for 2010.

Facilities and special features The University enjoys a diversity of facilities across four campuses that give Research Higher Degree (RHD) students unique access to a broad research environment.

Faculty of Science facilities and special features include:

~ Australia’s most extensive marine science teaching and research facilities, with field stations on the Great Barrier Reef (Heron Island), Low Isles and Moreton Bay (North Stradbroke Island);

~ commercial aquaculture facilities offering hands-on techniques in marine and freshwater aquaculture;

~ centralised plant-growing facilities using a range of commercial glasshouses;

~ Australia’s most comprehensive range of electron optical instrumentation in UQ’s Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis;

~ specialist laboratories for studying robotics, electronics, computer systems, communications, power systems, optics, signal-processing and microwaves;

~ Centre for Advanced Animal Science located at the Gatton campus which conducts animal research in the areas of animal growth, adaptation, welfare, health and vaccines;

~ world-class facilities in Veterinary Science include a Veterinary Medical Centre, Veterinary Teaching Laboratories and a Clinical Studies Centre;

~ six fully equipped multimedia studios and two dedicated Mac video/ animation workshops; and

~ extended hours access to Information Technology facilities and student common rooms.

UQ’s unique location provides opportunities to study environmental disciplines in a subtropical environment, with ready access to arid, temperate, tropical and marine systems, including World Heritage rainforests, the Great Barrier Reef and outback Australia.

From Heron Island, it is a short walk across the reef flat at low tide to a range of reef flat and reef crest communities that support diverse representatives of nearly all animal phyla.

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Research institutes, centres and industry partnerships UQ is an international leader in research and teaching, particularly in bioscience, nanotechnology, sustainable development and social science.

This research is fuelled by the development of research institutes and centres at UQ; many of which are linked to the Science Faculty. In partnership with government, industry and donors, UQ has developed eight globallyrecognised research institutes, which have attracted a community of more than 1500 scientists, social scientists and engineers:

~ Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology

~ Diamantina Institute for Cancer, Immunology and Metabolic Medicine

~ ~ ~ ~

Global Change Institute Institute for Molecular Bioscience Institute for Social Science Research Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation

~ Queensland Brain Institute ~ Sustainable Minerals Institute The institutes are today’s flagships of a tradition of research leadership at UQ. Research outcomes include:

~ discovering a vaccine for cervical cancer;

~ developing a new technology that has the potential to revolutionise targeted drug delivery;

~ contributing to and promoting conflict prevention around the world;

~ identifying a protein that could lead to treatments for serious liver diseases, such as hepatitis;

~ developing a much-needed new approach to treating brain tumours; and

~ developing a framework to monitor and report on mining companies’ community engagement strategies.

UQ and the Science Faculty support government, industry and other tertiary and research institutions to develop specialist centres to conduct highquality, cutting-edge research into many scientific fields.

Industry personnel are encouraged to take appointments as adjunct staff within the faculty and contribute to Faculty of Science programs in teaching and research. Students are encouraged to consider internships and experience with industry to further their practical expertise and knowledge transfer to real-world applications.

Research commercialisation opportunities UQ understands the importance of transforming technologies into products and services making a difference to the lives of millions of people around the world. UQ has more staff dedicated to research commercialisation than any other Australian university and ranks first for licence income, value of equity holdings, invention disclosures, new Australian patents and active start-up companies.

RHD students have access to free commercialisation workshops in conjunction with entities such as UniQuest, IMBcom and JKTech, which are recognised leaders and examples of best practice. The workshops are tailored specifically to postgraduate research students interested in applying their innovations and expertise in the community and cover:

~ basics of commercialisation; ~ intellectual property protection; ~ safeguarding research outcomes and being published;

~ accessing research funding from industry and government grants; and

~ career alternatives.

Workshops assist students to identify the commercial potential of their ideas and expertise, including consulting and research contract work. The workshops also provide opportunities to mix with students from other faculties and institutions and foster multidisciplinary collaborations.

Skills training and professional development The Graduate School provides a wide range of skills training, professional development opportunities and networking activities for postgraduate research students. The programs support the needs of students and staff, encourage cross-disciplinary collaboration, and maximise the postgraduate research experience at UQ. The Graduate School organises two intensive Graduate Student Weeks annually. The programs include a broad range of presentations, workshops, applied training activities, and social and networking functions, specifically designed to support postgraduate research students at any stage of their candidature. More than 30 sessions are available throughout the week, ranging from writing workshops to careers panels to popular keynote presentations.

Supervision excellence UQ is committed to achieving and acknowledging outstanding levels of performance in supervising, mentoring, and training postgraduate research candidates. For more than a decade, UQ has conducted Awards for Excellence in RHD supervision; it was one of the first Australian universities to offer such awards. UQ advisors have been recognised as some of the best in the country. They lead by example, inspire, and provide a research environment that is flexible yet focused.

SCIENCE RHD PROSPECTUS

Research collaboration opportunities PhD students can take advantage of UQ’s extensive network of international partners through a joint PhD program.

Joint PhDs offer students an avenue to develop long-term research relationships and strategic collaborations to enhance their postgraduate research experience and engage with international experts.

Joint PhDs are a planned partnership between the student, UQ, and another university chosen specifically for its expertise in a student’s postgraduate research field.

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BASELINES

Scholarships UQ provides more than AUD$24 million in scholarship funding each year to support 1600 research students. The Graduate School offers a wide range of scholarships for international students that cover tuition fees, living costs, and research travel. The competitive scholarships are provided in four rounds each year. Scholarship information, including eligibility requirements and the application process, is on the Graduate School website uq.edu.au/grad-school/scholarshipsand-fees

Postgraduate travel awards for research excellence Students who demonstrate research excellence in their nominated field of scientific study during their PhD candidature can apply for a Science Travel Award. The faculty offers travel awards of up to $5000 per student to cover airfares, registration and accommodation for successful students to further their research careers by presenting their work at national or international forums.

Applicants must be enrolled in their second or third year of a PhD degree and be the first author of a conference presentation that primarily uses data collected as part of their PhD project.

MATTHEW LYBOLT UQ doctoral researcher Matthew Lybolt, from the Centre for Marine Studies and Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, was a 2010 recipient of the Postgraduate Travel Award for Research Excellence. He attended the Shifting Baselines: Law, Policy and Management Implications workshop at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, in Washington, USA, in May 2010.

“The Faculty of Science Travel Award allowed me to attend an invitation-only workshop focused on getting historical ecological baselines integrated into environmental law. The 18 participants combined scientists, natural resource managers, and environmental lawyers from the USA and Australia.

“Three of the world’s top 20 climate change scientists organised the event. My

supervisor is one of the top 20 but, as an early career researcher with years of experience in government marine resource management and a consultant implementing environmental policies, I’m a bit of a rare breed.

The group was small because our task was tightly focused: identify solutions to the problem and write a science policy forum paper describing them.

“Participating as a peer among this elite group was an extraordinary experience that reinforced the strengths of a multidisciplinary panel of experts.

This is research on politically relevant timescales and the experience has re-framed my perception of the real-world impact of academia.”

Dr Lybolt is pictured at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History in Washington, USA.

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SCHOOLS SCHOOL OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SCIENCES Contributes to finding solutions to world issues, such as diminishing natural resources, climate change, biosecurity, poverty and feeding a growing population.

SCHOOL OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES Spans the biological organisation from molecules and cells to organisms, populations, species and communities.

SCHOOL OF BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES Innovates global research in anatomy; cell biology; developmental biology; neuroscience; pharmacology; physiology, and explores the interface of the genome and cell to understand the human body in health and disease.

SCHOOL OF CHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOSCIENCES Creates understanding and discovery in the disciplines of chemistry, biochemistry, biotechnology, microbiology and parasitology.

SCHOOL OF EARTH SCIENCES Studies the Earth’s processes through time and their impact on today’s physical environment.

SCHOOL OF GEOGRAPHY, PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT Explores human and physical processes and structures to inform institutional arrangements for policy, planning and environmental management capabilities

SCHOOL OF MATHEMATICS AND PHYSICS Gains understanding of the world around us and applies it to advancing technology, systems and processes.

SCHOOL OF VETERINARY SCIENCE Improves animal health, production and welfare.

RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES

SCIENCE RHD PROSPECTUS

2012 – 9

SCHOOL OF

Agriculture and Food Sciences Contact details uq.edu.au/agricultureandfood/ phone +61 7 5460 1321 email safs_enquiries@uq.edu.au The School of Agriculture and Food Sciences is focused on innovative research that will solve issues such as climate change; feeding a growing population; biosecurity; poverty; and diminishing natural resources. The School specialises in research on healthy and innovative foods; food processing technology; food security; agribusiness supply chains from production through to consumers; plant improvement and high-value plants; animal improvement and production systems; equine and wildlife science; animal health and welfare; land, soil and water science; environment and ethical natural resource use; and rural and regional communities’ prosperity. Enjoying close associations with major research clusters and with

in-depth expertise across national and international research environments, the School of Agriculture and Food Sciences offers expertise, infrastructure and resources for postgraduate study and partnerships with industry, communities and government.

Postgraduate research strengths

The School and its staff have a wide network of collaboration with industry and other research organisations.

Being located in the sub-tropics and the Asia-Pacific region creates unique opportunities for research. Graduates from the School of Agriculture and Food Sciences provide Queensland and national industries with the informed expertise that is essential in a competitive market place.

The School of Agriculture and Food Sciences is one of Australia’s leading providers of postgraduate research training in the agriculture, agribusiness, natural resources, rural development, food, and animal and wildlife sciences disciplines. There are opportunities for postgraduate research training in production and recreational animals; poultry; wildlife; soil and water science; crop science (agronomy, agricultural biotechnology, genetics and plant breeding, and horticulture); and food science.

Students have access to a 1000 hectare farm, a nursery and tissue culture facilities, research laboratories and greenhouses, post-harvest facilities and an extensive range of modern agricultural and horticultural plant and machinery.

The facilities for animal science are world class with the opening of the $100 million veterinary science facilities, the Native Wildlife Teaching and Research Facility and the Centre for Advanced Animal Science that conducts research in animal growth, adaptation, welfare, health and vaccines.

featured researcher PROFESSOR DENNIS POPPI Professor Poppi has a broad interest in ruminant production systems with special interest in the nutrition of grazing ruminants, including beef cattle, dairy cows, sheep and goats. His key research areas are nutritional biochemistry, animal nutrition and ruminant production systems.

In northern Australia, Professor Poppi and his team of students have worked on strategies to increase growth of cattle using supplements of energy, protein and phosphorus. The data is used to evaluate mathematical models of energy and protein metabolism

and requirement. This has led to new strategies to supplement cattle and enable producers to meet new market specifications.

In Indonesia, Professor Poppi works in collaboration with the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research examining growth and reproduction in two indigenous cattle breeds. The breeds are very important to the wellbeing of smallholder farmers but growth rates and reproduction rates can be low. Reaching biologically acceptable targets will markedly improve the profitability and wellbeing of smallholders in Indonesia.

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2012 – 11

SCHOOL OF

Biological Sciences featured researcher Contact details biology.uq.edu.au phone +61 7 3365 2491 email biologyadmin@uq.edu.au The School of Biological Sciences is home to a vibrant community of life scientists, whose research span the scales of biological organisation, from molecules and cells to organisms, populations, species, and communities.

An emphasis on interdisciplinary and collaborative research provides postgraduate research students with opportunities to investigate a diverse array of living systems using a wide variety of research approaches and tools, from molecular ecology and physiology, to biotechnology and mathematical modelling. They conduct field research all over the world.

The School considers independent research the single most important component of postgraduate education.

It is integrated with a strong curriculum, an extensive seminar series and overlapping research interests that encourage interactions among students, postdoctoral fellows, and staff in the different research disciplines.

UQ ranks in the top 50 universities globally for research productivity in plant and animal biology, and ecology and environmental biology. Through the School of Biological Sciences’ postgraduate program, the School intends to set the standard for integrative and interdisciplinary communication at every level. The next generation of scientists will have a rigorous foundation in the fundamentals of biology that allow students to develop in-depth specialisations in their chosen areas of research.

PROFESSOR PETER MUMBY Professor Mumby and his team research the effects of climate change on coral reefs and look for practical ways reefs can be conserved more effectively. Their research takes advantage of UQ’s marine research facilities at Heron Island, on the Great Barrier Reef. Group members study the ecology of coral reefs, model the effects of stress on reefs, and design more effective ways to use marine protected areas and fisheries restrictions to improve reef health.

“Coral reefs face an uncertain future but it’s encouraging to see that practical conservation steps, like protecting particular reef fish,

are yielding positive results and improving reef health,” he said.

The research includes ongoing studies in Micronesia, French Polynesia, and the Caribbean.

Professor Mumby said his postgraduate research students “see a clear link between their research and the way reefs should be managed.

“This feedback is a great source of motivation. Graduates from my group are achieving wonderful things in reef science and conservation and it’s a pleasure to continue our collaboration way after the PhD is awarded”.

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SCHOOL OF

Biomedical Sciences featured researcher Contact details uq.edu.au/sbms phone +61 7 3365 3132 email smbs@uq.edu.au The School of Biomedical Sciences is an acknowledged teaching and research leader within Australia. The School is typically ranked around 30 in the world’s top 100 for biomedicine according to The Times Higher Education, World University Rankings.

Research strengths include cell and developmental biology; cell physiology; functional anatomy; molecular pharmacology; and neuroscience.

The School’s interests encompass the dynamic and innovative world of biomedical science, including animal behaviour; the biology of disease; drug development; marine science; neural regeneration; neuropathology; and pedagogical studies.

Research projects are tailored to individual student interests and currently include studies in brain cell growth and regeneration; the development of new anti-inflammatory drugs; foetal development; heart cell physiology; kidney function; musculoskeletal structure and function; and the visualguided behaviours of reef fish.

The School has an active and vibrant research culture, which supports a postgraduate seminar series, an annual postgraduate conference, and participation in national and international conferences. Extensive research collaborations with international laboratories provide opportunities to significantly enhance the global-research experience. Students have dedicated work stations with printer and internet access. The School acknowledges the individual requirements of postgraduate research students and provides a dedicated staff member, who engages with them from pre-enrolment through to graduation and beyond.

DR TRENT WOODRUFF Dr Woodruff is a highlyacclaimed, early-career researcher who has significant work experience within the global pharmaceutical industry. His research into the development of an anti-inflammatory drug that aims to ease suffering for patients with Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s and Motor Neuron Disease, received the Queensland Premier’s Award for Health and Medical Research.

Using an orally active complement C5a receptor antagonist, which was developed at The University of Queensland, Dr Woodruff has found significant ameliorative effects

in rodent models of Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s, Motor Neuron Disease and ischemic stroke.

His research team of Honours and PhD students aim to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying these diseases in an attempt to develop novel therapies to slow their progression.

Dr Woodruff and his team maintain regular links with the pharmaceutical industry and assist in the development and testing of innovative drugs to treat a diverse range of disease.

Further information at uq.edu.au/sbms/staff/dr-trentwoodruff

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2012 – 15

SCHOOL OF

Chemistry and Molecular Sciences featured researcher Contact details scmb.uq.edu.au phone +61 7 3365 3925 email enquiries@scmb.uq.edu.au The School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences is a diverse and powerful research group with unique expertise in the chemical and molecular life sciences. Research income exceeds $12 million annually and the School is recognised internationally for its research quality and output, and the commercialisation of discoveries.

The coherent integration of molecular, biological and chemical sciences in one school is unique in Australia and has helped the Faculty of Science take a leading role in several interdisciplinary areas.

Research themes are biomaterials and nanotechnology; bioorganic and medicinal chemistry; cellular biochemistry; infection and immunity; metals in biology; molecular genetics; molecular microbiology; organic photonics and electronics; and structural and computational biology..

Students enrolling in postgraduate research programs in the School join more than 400 other students with access to professional development opportunities, including student symposia and conference travel.

Scholarships are available to outstanding international postgraduate research students.

In all aspects of its teaching, the School aims to convey the essential theory and background knowledge of the field; make clear the importance of the study area in the context of modern society; train students in relevant practical skills for working in the sciences; and convey the School’s commitment to research and innovation. Graduates are industry ready and well informed about new developments in science and technology.

PROFESSOR MELISSA BROWN

Professor Brown’s breast cancer genetics research is funded by research grants from the National Health and Medical Research Council, the Australian Research Council, the Cancer Council Australia and the National Breast Cancer Foundation. The laboratory is interested in the regulation and function of several breast cancer-associated genes, including those encoding BRCA1, BRCA2, and a range of miRNAs. Various molecular and cellular techniques are used to study how the expression of the genes is regulated and to examine the molecular and cellular consequences of disrupting their

function in breast epithelial celllines and the mammary gland of mouse models.

Professor Brown was the recipient of a 2010 Award for Excellence in postgraduate research supervision. A rigorous research environment with structured opportunities for professional development, exposure to expertise beyond her own lab, and a focus on post-doctoral career opportunities are features of her supervisory approach.

Professor Brown is pictured in conversation with a postgraduate research student.

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SCHOOL OF

Earth Sciences featured researcher Contact details www.earth.uq.edu.au phone +61 7 3346 4132 email rhd.coordinator@earch.uq.edu.au Research strengths at the School of Earth Sciences cover a broad range of fields, including geochronology, isotope geology, environmental geochemistry, marine geology, coal geology, structural geology, tectonics, geodynamics and computational geoscience. The combination of internationally recognised researchers and strong industry links enables RHD students to develop both pure and applied projects.

Postgraduate research The close-knit, collegial environment at the School of Earth Sciences provides a broad cross-disciplinary research experience for postgraduate research students. Frequent opportunities for fieldwork are available through the School’s hands-on teaching approach and its active overseas research projects around the world.

The key to successful postgraduate research studies within the School is found in the exemplary combination of world-class laboratory and supercomputing facilities. The diversity of onsite laboratories allows an easy access to various facilities, including high-performance supercomputer, stable isotope laboratory, argon geochronology laboratory and geochemistry laboratory.

The supercomputing facility at the Earth Systems Science Computational Centre includes 3D stereographic visualisation capabilities and the Altixbased Earth Systems Simulator, which permits development and application of numerical modelling to large-scale finite and discrete element simulation.

DR KURT KNESEL

Dr Knesel is a geochemist who has developed novel methods for investigating isotopic signatures of various material components of magmatic systems and innovative experimental techniques to better understand the physical processes and pathways by which magmas are formed and transported.

rocks and employs the data to unravel the life cycles of active volcanoes and predict potential volcanic events. His work has been published in prestigious journals, including Nature and Science.

Dr Knesel applies high-resolution noble gas isotopic techniques to derive geochronological information on young volcanic

eastern Australia.

His current field projects include the study of volcanoes in the Andes, Brazil, Vanuatu and

Dr Knesel is pictured in the field in Chile.

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SCIENCE RHD PROSPECTUS

2012 – 19

SCHOOL OF

Geography, Planning and Environmental Management Contact details gpem.uq.edu.au phone +61 7 3365 6455 email gpem@uq.edu.au The School of Geography, Planning and Environmental Management is a vibrant, multidisciplinary school with extensive research programs covering the fields of geography and geographical information science, environmental management and planning. It is one of UQ’s fastestgrowing schools and has a leading role in research into the natural and built environment and stainability.

Postgraduate research

Research strengths

The School aims to understand the processes and structures of natural and human settlement systems and their built environments and use that knowledge to inform institutional arrangements for policy, planning and environmental management capabilities .

That framework underpins teaching and research in all areas of the school.

The School has a strong research profile.

It supports research activity across all its fields of expertise, organised into research groups and formally constituted research centres. It enjoys considerable success in nationally competitive grants, and staff participates in seven Cooperative Research Centres. Staff and graduate students have a solid record of high quality publications.

Students have access to extensive computing resources, well-equipped laboratories, dedicated postgraduate rooms and state-of-the-art field equipment and studios. Other facilities include a specialised physical geography laboratory, an image processing facility, workshops and a wide range of field equipment, including spectrometers, total stations, portable weather stations, radar, and light detection and ranging (LIDAR).

The Schools strengths include the Centre for Spatial Environmental Research; the Queensland Centre for Population Research; the Climate Research Group; the Working Group for Cleaner Production; the Environmental and Social Planning Research Group; the Landscape Ecology and Conservation Group; and the Biophysical Remote Sensing Group.

featured researcher ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR RON JOHNSTONE

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Associate Professor Johnstone has a long professional history in coastal nutrient and ecosystem function research and the communication of science to the community, government, and private sector bodies.

With an international reputation in his field, Associate Professor Johnstone has spent 20 years undertaking research and project management in more than 13 countries on behalf of government and international donor agencies, including IOCUNESCO, Sida and the World Bank.

Within Australia, his work is focused on understanding benthic habitats, with an emphasis on nutrient processes and dynamics in coastal ecosystems, including the influence of land-based inputs on coastal ecosystem functions and their influence on specific outcomes, such as toxic algal blooms.

Pictured: Professor Johnstone and his team are deploying new-technology marine sensors throughout Deception Bay to measure Brisbane River flood impacts on Moreton Bay.

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SCHOOL OF

Mathematics and Physics featured researcher Contact details smp.uq.edu.au phone +61 7 334 67264 email student@smp.uq.edu.au The School of Mathematics and Physics is committed to excellence in research and teaching. It is one of the top quantum research hubs in the world, attracting students and researchers from around the globe. The School is active in condensed matter physics, contributing to many cross-disciplinary research initiatives; home to a highly successful astrophysics group; and has a strong array of researchers interested in optics, biophotonics and laser science.

In the discipline of mathematics and statistics, the School boasts internationally acclaimed researchers in the top one percent of the world; a large and active postgraduate research student body; and access to the latest ideas and research in mathematics and statistics. Areas of interest range from pure to applied mathematics and statistics, including financial mathematics.

Postgraduate research As a postgraduate research student, you will be mentored by internationally active researchers in physics, mathematics, and statistics. All the School’s postgraduate research students have the opportunity to travel to international conferences, thanks to a school travel bursary, and the chance to collaborate with colleagues around the globe. That gives students an international experience and the ability to take their maths, physics or statistics passion anywhere in the world.

DR TAMARA DAVIS

Dr Davis is a cosmologist interested in investigating new fundamental physics, such as the properties of dark energy and dark matter and the mass of the neutrino.

A winner of the 2009 Australian L’Oreal Women in Science Fellowship and the Astronomical Society of Australia’s Early Career

Research Award, Dr Davis joined the astrophysics team at UQ to work on the WiggleZ Dark Energy Survey, which will map about a quarter of a million galaxies across half the observable universe. It is the largest-scale galaxy redshift survey ever undertaken. Dr Davis hopes it will lead to a range of new discoveries about the science of astrophysics and cosmology.

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2012 – 23

SCHOOL OF

Veterinary Science Contact details uq.edu.au/vetschool/ phone +61 7 5460 1834 email vetenquiries@uq.edu.au The School of Veterinary Science has outstanding teaching and research programs encompassing all aspects of veterinary science. The School’s specific research strengths lie in infectious diseases; genetics; medicine; nutrition; farm animal medicine; production; and reproduction.

The School has access to world-class animal facilities including two small animal clinics and hospitals; an equine clinic and hospital; rural veterinary practices; an animal genetics laboratory; a Droughtmaster stud; a piggery, a dairy; specialist horse facilities with extensive stables; 1000 hectares of field facilities at

UQ’s Pinjarra Hills farm and the St Lucia and Gatton campuses; and rural clinical practices at Goondiwindi, and Dayboro.

The School of Veterinary Science has relocated to new premises featuring a combination of three new and one refurbished building at the Gatton campus.

Postgraduate research The single-site strategy for all UQ animal production and health activities enhances state, national and international opportunities for collaboration and interaction within and external to the University and is a key component of UQ’s strategic commitment to sustainable management of landbased natural and production systems.

World-class facilities for animal science, health, welfare and production underpin

excellence in teaching and research. The combination of the relocated School of Veterinary Science, and the new Centre for Advanced Animal Science, makes the Gatton campus the most comprehensive animal research and training centre in Australia.

The Veterinary Science Building’s stateof-the-art laboratories support a very broad portfolio of applied research, including biosecurity (infectious diseases and pathology); public health; epidemiology; companion animal health; animal welfare; animal production (sustainable beef cattle enterprises); genetics (gene function in a physiological context); and new technologies (stem cell biology and advanced reproductive techniques). Researchers and postgraduate research students benefit from the open-plan laboratories and collaborative spaces that encourage interaction.

featured researcher DR MICHAEL NOAD Dr Noad’s primary research interests are understanding the function of humpback whales’ songs and the impacts of anthropogenic noise on marine mammals.

“The ocean is a wonderful medium for sound as it travels much further in water than in air,” Dr Noad said. “Many marine animals use sound for communication, but none as elaborately as humpback whales.

Humans also produce a lot of noise in the ocean and this may inadvertently impact on marine mammals in various ways.”

Dr Noad is a principal

investigator on the Behavioural Responses of Australian Humpback whales to Seismic Surveys (BRAHSS) project, one of the largest experimental studies on baleen whales ever conducted. BRAHSS aims to assess the effects of noise produced by seismic surveys, which are used by industry to prospect for deposits of oil and gas under the sea floor.

Other research interests include the respiratory and auditory anatomy of marine mammals, the population ecology of the eastern Australia and Oceania populations of humpbacks, and the cultural transmission of the humpback’s songs.

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HOW TO APPLY

for a research higher degree ENTRY REQUIREMENTS The different nature of research higher degrees mean that, at UQ, selection for candidature is more like selection for employment than applying to study coursework.

The UQ Graduate School administers the MPhil and PhD programs; awards scholarships for research higher degrees; oversees submission and assessment of theses; and provides a range of services to promote graduate study at UQ. Postgraduate student support staff, who can advise on research interests and areas, and application processes, are available in each of the Schools in the Faculty of Science.

Identify your research interests and search for potential advisors You can find potential advisors through:

~ UQ researchers: uq.edu.au/uqresearchers

~ UQ Experts: uq.edu.au/uqexperts ~ individual school websites Simply search for your field of interest, complete an expression of interest form uq.edu.au/grad-school/candidatureforms and submit it to the school or institute which best matches your research interests. The form helps the school or institute to match your research interests and experience to advisors and resources.

Develop your research proposal If your expression of interest is successful, you will be invited by the school to further develop your research proposal. The proposal is the recipe for a successful candidature and details all the necessary components for a successful research candidature, including:

~ the significance of the research question is appropriate to the degree;

~ the research methodology is academically strong;

~ the expected outcomes are described;

~ the research can be completed within two years for a MPhil or four years for a PhD;

~ the right academic experts are available; and

~ there is adequate funding and facilities.

Once you have developed your research proposal, complete an application for admission and scholarship form and submit it to the school. If you are not an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or New Zealand citizen, you will require a visa to undertake postgraduate research.

Complete the application for enrolment If your research proposal is approved, you will be invited to formally apply for admission to UQ. For more information visit uq.edu.au/grad-school/domesticor-international-applicant

The Graduate School The University of Queensland St Lucia 4072 QLD Australia +61 7 3346 0503 +61 7 3346 0512 graduateschool@uq.edu.au

W029 MAR11 3K PW CRICOS PROVIDER NO 00025B

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