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What is an Honours degree?

Research projects in Science and engineeRing

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in HeALTH and SPORT ScienceS

Faculty of

Science, Health, Education & Engineering

2014 Honours projects

Published by University of the Sunshine coast October 2010. | information contained in this publication was correct at the time of publishing, however the University reserves the right to alter any course, procedure or fee. Prospective students should check for any amendments before submitting an application. For the most up-to-date information, visit www.usc.edu.au. | University of the Sunshine coast is registered on the commonwealth Register of institutions and courses for Overseas Students.

cRicOS Provider number: 01595D © University of the Sunshine coast 2010

Research, discover and explore a world of

opportunities.If you want a quality, internationally recognised degree with all the benefits of being

on the Sunshine Coast, discover the best of both worlds at www.usc.edu.au

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www.usc.edu.au/honours 1

Take your talent to the next level and transform the future through honours research… So you’re considering Honours in the Faculty of Science, Health, education and engineering at the University of the Sunshine coast (USc). in this guide you will find information about the Honours degree structure, the type of projects offered, and a list of potential supervisors.

Honours program format (excluding Nursing*)The Honours program consists of a combination of coursework and research project. There are two courses (ReS401 Research Methods, and ADR401 Advanced Discipline Readings) which will be run mainly in an intensive format in the 4 or 5 week days immediately prior to commencement (24-28 February 2014). Some components of the coursework will be run as tutorials and workshops during the semester.

The main topics to be covered in ReS401 are included in the Table below. You will need to complete all required modules and, in consultation with your supervisor/s, select and complete at least four topics from the list of elective modules.

Required modules Elective modules

– Research Framework – Approaches to Literature Review – Research ethics – endnote - Transitioning to Hons

– Qualitative Research – Statistics Workshop – grant Writing – Advanced Laboratory Techniques – Animal and Human ethics – Searching and evaluating Databases – Research communication Skills – Publishing Research

ADR401 consists of lectures and tutorials based on the “Approaches to Literature Review” module, to be delivered in the pre-semester intensive sessions. Students will be provided examples of literature reviews and will analyse the work for structure and content. Students will be divided into groups of 5 and each student within the group will construct a plan for writing their own literature review. Students will present their plan to other members of the group who will in turn provide critical feedback. Discussions will be overseen by the workshop coordinator. The workshops are non-weighted learning items that are aimed at providing students with the necessary skills to write a literature review.

The main topics covered in this course include:

• Whatisthepurposeofaliteraturereview?• Howdoyouconstructaliteraturereview?• Analysisoftheliteraturereviewthroughworkedexamples• Considerationoftheaudience• Criteriaforgoodandnon-satisfactoryliteraturereviews• Examinationofthelinkbetweentheliteraturereviewandyourstudy• Productionofaplanforwritingyourliteraturereviewanditsevaluation

* nursing has a separate Honours format and assessment. Please refer to page 3 of this guide for further information.

Faculty oF Science, HealtH, education and engineering 2014 Honours projects

What is an Honours degree?The Honours degree offers you the opportunity to continue your undergraduate studies at a higher level and specialise in your area of interest.completing an Honours degree develops your ability to design and complete a research project relatively independently within a given time frame. This style of independent learning can give you an advantage when entering the workforce. The short timeframe for the program means that it is very demanding, requiring high levels of analytical and communication skills.

Typically, supervisors meet with their students on a weekly basis, guiding you through the research proposal, instructing you on analytical techniques and helping prepare the thesis. This interaction with your supervisor/s is seen as the most crucial aspect of the program.

Steps to study?Unlike a normal undergraduate degree, Honours applications go directly to the admissions office here at USc.

The form can be downloaded from the USc web page: www.usc.edu.au/apply

The nominal closing date for applications is 16 December 2013, although some flexibility exists for late applications. Please contact the Faculty for more information (See Key contacts).

Remember, you must already hold a Bachelor degree to be eligible for Honours. The high academic demands of Honours means that you must have maintained at least a credit average during your bachelor’s degree for your application to be considered. exceptions may occur where students have attained high levels of achievement during the latter stages of their degree.

Before submitting your application, it is important that you meet with potential supervisors in the faculty to discuss projects and their availability and interest. Remember, maintaining a strong working relationship with your supervisor/s is a key aspect of the Honours program. Make the most of this opportunity and you will find the program a very rewarding one.

What projects are being offered?Please refer to the List of Supervisors and their subsequent research area/interest listings in the latter sections of this booklet.

Commencement and completion datesno doubt the greatest challenge for Honours students is the extremely limited time line imposed by the program.

The Honours program starts on Monday 24 February 2014 (O-week) and runs from the start of semester for 37 weeks for full-time students; or 74 weeks (excluding 4 weeks) for part-time students. Full-time students finish on 27 november 2014; while those studying part-time finish on 10 September 2015.

Published by University of the Sunshine coast October 2013. | information contained in this publication was correct at the time of publishing, however the University reserves the right to alter any course, procedure or fee. | University of the Sunshine coast is registered on the commonwealth Register of institutions and courses for Overseas Students. | cRicOS Provider number: 01595D

2 Faculty of Science, Health, education and engineering | 2014 Honours projects

There are four assessment items in the Honours program, listed below, as well as a compulsory non-weighted preliminary oral presentation. More detailed assessment criteria and guidance will be provided in the honours handbook, which is distributed to all enrolled Honours students.

Assessment items (subject to amendment)

Item Task Weighting Due Date

1Preliminary oral presentation

non-weighted27 March 2014 (F/T) 24 April 2014 (P/T)

2 Budget 0 percent31 March 2014 (F/T) 28 April 2014 (P/T)

3 Research proposal 15 percent28 April 2014 (F/T) 30 June 2014 (P/T)

4 Literature review 15 percent10 November 2014 (F/T) 24 August 2015 (P/T)

5Thesis (including exegesis)

60 percent10 November 2014 (F/T) 24 August 2015 (P/T)

6 Final oral presentation 10 percent27 November 2014 (F/T) 10 September 2015 (P/T)

in addition to the above, students are expected to attend all Faculty research seminars. This is seen by the Faculty as an important part of your training in research.

1. Preliminary oral presentationThe first seminar will take place in Week 4 and is aimed to inform the Faculty of your intended research project. The depth and breadth of researchers within the Faculty means that the feedback that you can gain on your proposed project is invaluable. This seminar is not assessable, but is an essential part of the research process.

2. Research proposalKnowledge gained in the “Research Methods” course can be applied to the write-up of the Research Proposal (3,500 words; graded by two internal examiners). The Research Proposal should include the following:

• Inclusionofareviewoftheliteraturebasedonthecandidatescurrentreadings of relevant publications. gaps in the literature are to be identified.

• Ajustificationfortheproject,includingsignificanceoftheresearchmustbe clearly stated

• Anoverviewoftheprojectshouldbeprovided,statingtheintendedaimsand objectives

• Adescriptionofmethodstobeusedneedstobeprovided,statingwhereappropriate the participants to be recruited, methods of data collection, statistics that will be used to analyse the data. Animal / human ethics and biosafety considerations should be noted.

• Atime-linefortheprojectshouldbeincluded• Abudgetfortheprojectshouldbeincluded• Projectedoutcomesshouldbeaddressed

aSSeSSment (excluding Nursing*)

3. Literature reviewStudents will write a literature review based on their area of study, using skills gained in the ADR401 lectures and workshops. The literature review should be 6,500 – 8,000 words in length, to be submitted for assessment together with the thesis. early planning of the literature review is facilitated through the submission of an abbreviated literature review within the Research Proposal (see above). The Literature review and the thesis will be assessed by two examiners, one of which must be external to the University.

4. Thesis (including exegesis)The major assessment item will be the submission of a thesis, submitted as either a traditional thesis or in the form of a manuscript plus an exegesis towards the end of the candidature. if submitted as a manuscript, it must be of publication standard, but assessment will not be contingent upon either publication or submission for publication. The aim of the exegesis will be to provide more detailed material for the introduction, Methods and Results sections not included in the manuscript. The Literature review and the thesis will be assessed by two examiners, one of which must be external to the University. A third examiner will be used if there is a 10 percent discrepancy in overall mark by the examiners.

5. Final oral presentationKnowledge gained in the “Research Methods” course, and the preliminary oral presentation can be applied to the Final Oral presentation. Talks should be 20 minutes duration, with 5 minutes for questions. PowerPoint is available to candidates, and video clips are permitted if they are integral to the understanding of the material being presented, and compatible with the computer systems within the lecture theatre. if PowerPoint is to be used, an electronic copy of the presentation must be provided to the Honours coordinator at least one day prior to the date of the presentation.

* nursing has a separate Honours format and assessment. Please refer to page 3 of this guide for further information.


HonourS Program Format and aSSeSSment for the Bachelor of Nursing Science (Honours)

Assessment will be based on your Research Project report which is worth 48 units (50 percent of the overall Honours grade), and on four 12-unit courses (50 percent of your overall Honours grade).The Research Project is divided into four courses nUR 731(A) Research Project A, nUR 731(B) Research Project B, nUR 731(c) Research Project c and nUR 731(F) Research Project Final. These courses will be completed under guidance of a supervisor.

Compulsory coursework courses include:• NUR721ResearchinHealthcare(availableSemester1and2–

preferably completed in first semester of enrolment),

• NUR713IndependentStudy(whereyoudevelopyourresearchproposal) (available in Semester 1 and 2),

• NUR709ProfessionalInternship(maybecompletedineither Semester 1 or 2)

In addition each student must complete one elective selected from the following: • PUB708QuantitativeResearchMethods(availableSemester2)

• HLT701QualitativeResearch:ApproachesandPractice (available Session 4)

• NUR751AdvancedHealthAssessment(availableSemester1)

• NUR705RespondingintheEmergencyContext(availableSemester1)

• NUR707GlobalEmergencyIssues(availableSemester2andSession8)

• NUR722AssessmentinMentalHealth(availableSemester2)

• HLT702 SimulationinPracticeEducation(availableSession4)

The candidate should consult with their supervisor prior to selecting the elective course.

The Honours program consists of a combination of coursework and research project.

ASSESSMENT OF NUR731 RESEARCH PROJECT (A-F)

Thesis OverviewThe Thesis is the major assessable output of your Honours Program and represents the culmination of your research activity during the year. The research write-up component of the Thesis can be presented as either a traditional write-up or as a manuscript ready for submission to a peer reviewed journal of your choice. A single electronic copy of your Thesis on cD or memory stick must be submitted by the due date.

Examination and Assessment criteriaThe thesis will be assessed concurrently by two examiners who are selected by the supervisor and endorsed by the Honours coordinator. At least one of these examiners will be external to USc. A third examiner will be used when there is a greater than 10% discrepancy between the marks awarded for the research write-up component by the two examiners.

Final Oral PresentationKnowledge gained coursework courses and by attending other University research seminars, can be applied to the final oral presentation. Talks should be 20 minutes duration, with 5 minutes for questions. Presentations may be prepared using PowerPoint. Video clips are permitted if they are integral to the understanding of the material being presented, and compatible with the computer systems within the lecture theatre. if a PowerPoint presentation is to be used, an electronic copy must be provided to the Honours coordinator at least one day prior to the date of the presentation.’


The degree of Honours will be awarded in one of three classes: class I, class II and class III.

Determination of final grades *

Class I Overall grade ≥ 79.5 percent–100 percent.

Class II-A Overall grade 69.5 percent–79.4 percent

Class II-B Overall grade 59.5 percent–69.4 percent

Class III Overall grade 49.5 percent–59.4 percent

Fail Overall grade ≤49.5 percent

Class 1—refer to “Determination of final grades”, aboveThe assessment item/s show a full understanding of the theoretical basis of the subject matter, and indicate substantial relevant additional reading and/or research. The work reflects a high level of independent thought, presents an insightful and informed discussion of the topic, is well-organised and clearly expressed and presented. There is a demonstrated ability to critically evaluate the literature and provide constructive criticism on the strengths and weaknesses of accepted theories and paradigms. Items presented for assessment have the highest quality of compilation and presentation.

Class 2 (A)—refer to “Determination of final grades”, aboveThe assessment item/s show a full understanding of the theoretical basis of the subject matter, and evidence of original thought and evaluation. There is evidence of an ability to generalise and integrate principles and arguments in an informed and original manner. The work is well organised, clearly expressed and shows a capacity for critical evaluation of the literature and related information. Items presented for assessment have a high quality of compilation and presentation.

Class 2 (B)—refer to “Determination of final grades”, aboveThe assessment item/s submitted demonstrate a clear breadth and depth of understanding in the basic principles of the subject material, integrate appropriate concepts and examples, evidence an appreciation of the complexity and perspectives in the core subject material, and show wider reading and/or research. Items presented for assessment are coherent, well formulated and ordered, logically appraised and correctly referenced.

Class 3This is the lowest passing grade. A pass grade requires demonstration of a grasp of the basic principles of the subject material, evidence of active studies outside formal teaching period, knowledge and understanding of the prescribed subject material, and presentation in an appropriate form of coherent, adequately formulated, ordered, appraised and referenced material.

FailMajor weaknesses in several of the evaluation criteria. Thesis is of poor quality, showing a minimal understanding of the research area, with major deficiencies in content or experimental rigour. Little evidence of creative ability or original thought. Does not demonstrate an understanding of the basic principles of the prescribed research topic, and presentation is not coherent, adequately formulated, ordered, appraised or referenced.

* The following grade classes are subject to approval.

guide to HonourS gradeS

Have questions? Get answers by contacting …School of Health and Sport SciencesHonours Coordinator: Associate Professor Mohammad KatouliEmail: [email protected] Tel: +61 7 5430 2845

Honours/HDR Administrator: Jodie RileyEmail: [email protected]: +61 7 5456 5179

School of Science, Education and EngineeringHonours Coordinator: Dr Scott BurnettEmail: [email protected]: +61 7 5459 4812

Honours/HDR Administrator: nicole LeviEmail: [email protected]: +61 7 5456 5052

School of Nursing and MidwiferyHonours Coordinator: Professor Marianne WallisHonours/HDR Administrator: Kathy MacdonaldEmail: [email protected]: +61 7 5456 5856


Studying Honours provides an opportunity for students who are interested in a particular topic or discipline area to challenge themselves by taking it further.

it is also a worthwhile experience because it allows students to meet people with shared interests and to also get a better sense of the reality of their discipline. Of course, the sense of satisfaction when your studies and research is completed will be immensely rewarding.

Be more employABle... the advantage of Honours is that it allows you to develop skills which will be useful

in a number of areas.

Student ProFile: Honours student to investigate Leptospermum Honey

University of the Sunshine coast Honours student will profile the chemical composition of a range of high purity mono-floral honeys from Australia and new Zealand, and then investigate their bioactivity properties.

Daniel Meloncelli, 38, of Mons, graduated last year with a USC Bachelor of Environmental Science (Chemistry Minor) and has chosen to investigate the chemical and bioactivity properties of Australian and New Zealand honeys as his USC Honours project in 2013.

This project is being undertaken in parallel with the project “The isolation and identification of phenolic compounds in Leptospermum and non-Leptospermum honeys and their wound healing and antimicrobial properties”, which is funded by an internal University Research Grant. External collaborators involved in this project include the UMF Honey Association (UMFHA), New Zealand and the University of Waikato, New Zealand.

“High quality honey from Australia and New Zealand, including manuka and jellybush, are being increasingly substituted with cheaper imitations. This is costing bee keepers and the honey industry greatly. One of my primary aims of this project is to develop rapid analytical techniques to authenticate the floral origin of the honey” Daniel said.

“I am also keen to investigate the wound healing, anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties of these honeys. Manuka honey in particular has been linked to these bioactivities, but there is still a great deal of research required in this field”.

Daniel, who also works as an Academic Skills Adviser and as a chemistry tutor at the USC, is supervised by the USC’s Dr Sarah Windsor, Dr Peter Brooks and Dr Fraser Russell.

“I am especially keen to gain experience on a range of laboratory equipment that is available at the USC, in particular High Performance Liquid Chromatography, Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry and the new Nikon phase contrast microscope”, he said.

PurSue a PaSSion—Honours is rewarding


The Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering supports research in the following areas:

HonourS oPtionS

Biomedical sciencesThe contemporary field of biomedical science uses the study life processes to gain an understanding of health and the methods for diagnosing, analysing and treating disease. Our biomedical science research expertise includes: exercise metabolism and nutrition, obesity and cardiovascular disease, physical activity and fitness, medical microbiology, immunology, infectious disease and pathogenesis, molecular basis of emerging parasitic drug resistance, biomineralisation, neurobiology/muscle physiology, cardiovascular function, wound healing, and biomolecular studies of infectious diseases.

engineeringengineers shape our physical environment through addressing the critical technological challenges of the day. Our particular interests evolve with time with our research expertise including: water-sensitive urban design, pavement technology and performance, climate change mitigation, sustainability, cold regions engineering, development and employment of Remote or Autonomous Vehicles (RAVs) for research purposes, wastewater management, technology-based business development, and computer modelling and analysis.

nursing and midwiferyin the field of nursing and midwifery research includes studies of these disciplines’ history, clinical interventions and their effectiveness, approaches to education and training, and issues that improve client, family and community care. Our research expertise includes: health service evaluation, maternal and child health, childbirth education, assisted conception and breastfeeding, early parenting and adjustments, practice development in midwifery and nursing, transcultural issues, professional nursing issues, development of resilience in nurse education and practice, nursing history, the use of technology and simulation based learning in nursing programs, resuscitation and quality of life.

nutrition and dieteticsnutrition and dietetics research aims to improve the health of individuals, communities and populations by applying an understanding of human nutrition that is informed by a variety of knowledge areas. Research expertise includes: food choice and dietary behaviours, food provision and energy expenditure for athletes, capacity building in public health nutrition, and maternal and infant nutrition.

occupational therapyOccupational therapy research establishes a scientific basis for therapy and then integrates this research with clinical practice. Our occupational therapy research expertise includes: mental health, ageing, chronic disease, quality assurance processes in health care, men’s health and wellbeing, the use of treatment plans, occupational therapy education and employment.

paramedic sciencesParamedics have increasing requirements to provide a wider range of treatment options and to broaden their role in the emergency and unplanned care environment. Research in paramedicine contributes to the body of knowledge and evaluates implications in the paramedic profession. Our paramedical science research interests and expertise include: clinical decision-making and diagnostic reasoning, evidence-based practice, palliative care, assessment and management of pain in paramedic practice, health law, clinical leadership and enhancing community safety.

puBlic healthPublic health focuses on the betterment of public health through research in key issues affecting the health of populations, obtaining, reviewing and analysing health information, and planning and managing health programs or projects. Our research expertise in public health includes: teaching and application of mathematics and statistics, quantitative and qualitative health risk assessment, water-related health risks, climate change adaptation, environmental epidemiology, and indicators of ecosystem health.

sport and exercise sciencesResearch in sport and exercise science is focused on human physiology and mechanics and its application to human health, exercise and sports performance. Our research interests and expertise include: sports biomechanics, technology and software developments, recovery techniques for training fatigue, science communication for coaches, athletes and officials, elite athlete career development and transition, correction of performance errors, enhancing athletic performance, psychological health in populations, effects of physical environment and nutrition, smoking and drinking management and health effects, strength and power training, anaerobic and aerobic conditioning, movement quality and function, lifelong health and wellbeing, exercise prescription and industry practices, performance analysis, optimisation and preventing injury.

science and environmental scienceScientists have long sought to understand the fundamental principles of the land, life, water, and air that surround us. These, and the functioning of environmental systems, are important areas of research for the next generation. Our research expertise includes: physiology, genetics and ecology of plants and animals; climate change adaptation; science curriculum design and evaluation; microbial ecology and biotechnology; bioconversion of waste; bioremediation and bioprocessing; biological control of crop diseases; coastal ecology and conservation; ecology and population genetics; geographical information systems; aquatic pollution and geochemistry; social and sustainability learning; theoretical and analytical chemistry; conservation genetics and conservation ecology; fauna; flora; and marine life and systems.

For more information on the research interests of individual academic staff, refer to the website. www.usc.edu.au/FSHEEstaff

continued overleaf...


genecologyThe genecology Research group is housed in the Faculty of Science, Health, education and engineering and forms an umbrella for research in the areas of genetics, ecology, genomics and Physiology within terrestrial and marine environments, and the interaction between these. The group studies individual species’ biology and ecology, ecological communities and habitats, as well production systems and their environment.

Research covers a range of topics including:

• sustainableproductionsystemsinaquaculture, forestry and horticulture

• reproductivebiologyandphysiologyofplantsand animals

• geneticsandgenomicsofcommerciallyimportant traits in aquaculture, forestry and horticulture

• evolutionandfunctionofmitochondrialgenomes

• environmentalandmedicalmicrobiology,enzymology, virology, parasitology

• molecularbiology,molecularbiotechnologyand molecular engineering

• organicandcarbohydratechemistry,biochemistry, biomineralisation

• plantbiotechnology,micropropagation,forestentomology

• conservationgeneticsofthreatenedspeciesand restoration genetics

• integrationofpopulationecologyandgenetics for threatened species recovery and restoration, translocation habitat and population modelling

• effectsofclimatechangeonspeciesdistributions, reproduction, population growth and genetics

• biodiversityofecologicalcommunitiesincluding the integration of genetics and community ecology, restoration and conservation management and planning

• ecotoxicologyandbioinformatics• microbialcommunities,theirrolesand

mechanism of action in biomedical and agricultural contexts

• engineeringofmoleculardevicesfortherapeutic and diagnostic use

• biodiscovery,thesearchfornovelcompounds

inflammation and healing research clusterThe inflammation and Healing Research cluster aims to provide Honours projects specialising in one or several biomedical disciplines for example, medical microbiology where the diagnosis and research into infectious disease is carried out. Other projects may investigate not only the mechanisms of disease but also possible ways to prevent and treat disease such as the effect of omega-3 fatty acids on severity of aortic aneurysm and endothelial function, or the development of allergy as affected by the immune system. Projects may be designed to work in partnership with medical and other healthcare professionals in order to determine the cause and treatment of inflammatory conditions. Outcomes include the development of methods for prevention, diagnosis, treatment and the translation of research findings into health improvements for both the individual and community.

HonourS oPtionS

cluster for health improvementThe cluster for Health improvement is engaged in health and human performance research with clear relevance to ‘real world’ outcomes for community level health. The cluster aims to act as a catalyst for the advancement of sustainable communities through a holistic approach to health and social wellbeing at each stage of the human life span. This aim includes an emphasis on reducing community vulnerability to the impacts of chronic disease. The cluster for Health improvement focuses research around topics such as:

•evaluationofcurrentprogramsandservicesto identify public health, rehabilitation, performance and wellness needs of communities

•identificationofunmethealth,rehabilitation,performance and wellness needs

•designofsustainableservicedeliverymodelswhich improve health outcomes, build capacity and increase equity of access in the community

•nutritionanddietetics•promotionofhealth,performanceand

wellness in ways that respect the unique cultures and environments of specific communities

•sustainabletransitionofhealthcarethroughthe entire life span

•utiliseinnovativetechniquesandeducationtoimprove the quality of life within communities

•theinterfacebetweentheenvironmentandhealth, such as recreational space and exercise behaviour

The Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering supports research in the following areas:


HonourS SuPerviSor oPtionS

supervisor Key research area/s contact details

School of Science, Education and Engineering

graham Ashford •climatechangeimpactassessment•evaluationofclimatechangeadaptationandriskreductionstrategies•internationalclimatechangemitigationpolicy•carbonandbiodiversityoffsetmechanisms•economiccost/benefitandmulti-criteriaassessment•selectedtopicsinenvironmentalandnaturalresourceeconomics

Tel: +61 7 5430 1141email: [email protected]

Dr Scott Burnett •ecologyandconservationstrategiesforendangeredvertebrates•ecologyofAustraliancarnivorousmarsupials•noveltechniquesformonitoringwildlifepopulations•feedingecologyofowls•faunainventory


Associate Professor Shireen Fahey •climatechangeadaptationforcoastalecosystemsandhumancommunities•adultscienceeducationapproachesandmethods•sciencecurriculumdesignandevaluation


Dr Helen Fairweather •hydrodynamicmodelling•groundwater–surfacewaterinteractions•floodmodelling•watersensitiveurbandesign•useoflong-termweatheranalysesforclimaticriskassessment•renewableenergysolutions


Associate Professor christophe gerber

•structuralengineering.•timberengineeringanddesign.•sustainabilityofstructures.•supplychainandfabrication.•structuralproductdevelopmentanddesign(engineeredwoodproducts,timber

composites and bamboo products). •applicationsoftimberinengineeredstructuresandmultistoreybuildings.•structuralapplicationsofbamboo.•timberbridgeengineeringanddesign.•numericalanalysisandmodellingofthemechanicsofstructures,connectionsand

materials.

Tel: + 61 75459 4563email: [email protected]

Dr Terry Lucke •permeablepavementtechnology•siphonicroofdrainagesystems•watersensitiveurbandesign•engineeringeducation•energyefficientpumpingsystems


Adrian Mccallum •ConePenetrationTesting(CPT)particularlyinfrozengeomaterials•glacialhazards•snowmechanics,snowroadsandrunways•polaroceanography,meteorologyandglaciology•alpineglaciologyandhydrology•coldregionsengineering•polartraverselogistics•light-weightscientificexpeditions•developmentandemploymentofRemoteorAutonomousVehicles(RAVs)for

research purposes•climatechangeadaptation


Dr Rob McDougall •algebra(particularlytheradicaltheoryofassociativerings)•onlinemathematicseducation

Tel:+61 7 5456 5838email: [email protected]

Associate Professor Ayodele Olofinjana

•materialsforEnergy•Pbfreeelectricalinterconnects•structure/Propertyrelationshipinfunctionalmaterials•constructionMaterials•recyclingMaterialsforconstruction

Tel: +61 7 54565987email: [email protected]

Dr Selvan Pather •mechatronicsinHealthCare•medicalRobotics•automation•mechanicalDesign•engineeringEducation


Professor Mark Porter •waterResourcesEngineeringwithemphasisontheinteractionsbetweenhumanactivities and water quality and availability

•agriculturalEngineering


mailto:[email protected]






Tel:+61








Associate Professor Thomas Schlacher

•estuarineecologyandconservation•coastalpollutionbiology•sandybeachecology•trophicarchitectureofdeep-seaassemblages•biodiversityofdeep-seacommunities,particularlyseamounts


Dr David Schoeman •marineclimate-changeecology•quantitativeecology•sandybeachecology•marineconservationecology•ecologicalstatistics


Dr Haylee Weaver •parasitology–host-parasiteecologyofmarsupials(particularlykoalasandbandicoots)

•ecologyandsystematicsofAustralianticks•ecologyofphoreticmitesassociatedwithcarrion

Tel: +61 7 5456 5197 email: [email protected]

Dr Richard White •engineeringeducation•wastewatermanagement•technology-basedbusinessdevelopment•sustainability•chemical/biochemicalreactordesign


Dr Aaron Wiegand •computermodellingandanalysisin:•atmosphericprocesses(airpollutionchemistryanddispersion)•forestry•biomechanicsandsportsscience•microbiology


Dr Sarah Windsor •Intheoreticalchemistry,DrWindsorformulatedanewalgorithmforcalculatingenergy and angular momentum resolved intermonomer density of states; convoluted new algorithm with the intramonomer density of states via the well used Beyer-Swinehart algorithm; and calculated rate constants and species lifetimes using these densities of states.

•Inanalyticalchemistry,DrWindsoranalysedtheamountofmethylglyoxalanddihydroxyacetone in Australian Leptospermum polygalifolium honeys via High Performance Liquid chromatography (HPLc).


Dr John Yeaman •roadengineering Tel: +61 7 5456 5476email:[email protected]

School of Nursing and Midwifery

Associate Professor Patrea Andersen •simulation•teachingandlearning•competencyassessment•practicedevelopment•reflectivepractice


Associate Professor Margaret Barnes •healthserviceevaluation•maternalandchildhealth•practicedevelopmentinmidwiferyandnursing•motherhoodsociologyandbreastfeedingpromotion•professionalissuesfornursingandmidwifery


Dr Marc Broadbent •emergencymentalhealthtriage•mentalhealthcareintheemergencydepartment•emergencynursing•organisationalculture•practicedevelopment


Dr Amanda Henderson •palliativecare•consumerperspective•qualityimprovement•knowledgetranslation


Associate Professor Jennifer Rowe •earlyparenting•adjustmentparentingandfamilyadjustmentfollowingbirth•earlychildhoodhealth


Professor Jeanine Young •infantcarepractices•breastfeedingPublicHealthRecommendations•transitiontoparenthoodIndigenoushealth


Professor Marianne Wallis •acutenursingprolongvascularaccess,woundcareandsymptommanagement•chronicdiseasemanagement:continence,exerciseintervention•healthserviceevaluation


















School of Health and Sport Sciences

Kate Alcorn •mentalhealth•ageing•chronicdisease


Angela calder •performancerecovery•coacheducation


Dr Rebecca Donkin •histology•pathology•tertiaryeducation


Associate Professor Peter Dunn •teachingstatisticsandmathematics•statisticalapplications•powervariancegeneralisedlinearmodels


Dr Lisa Martin •eliteathletecareerdecisionmakinganddevelopment•theimpactofcareertransitiononpsychologicaladjustmentineliteathletes•correctionofperformanceerrorsinsport•enhancingathleticperformance•psychologicalhealthinolderpopulations•psychologicalimpactofunemployment

Tel: +61 7 5459 4638 email: [email protected]

Anita Hamilton •servicedogs•informationmanagementandknowledgetransferusingonlinetechnologies•environmentanddesign•acquiredbraininjury•teachingandlearninginhighereducation


Associate Professor Bill Lord •researchinterestsincludeclinicaldecisionmakinganddiagnosticreasoning,evidence-based practice, palliative care, and the assessment and management of pain in paramedic practice


Professor John Lowe •smokingcessationandprevention•healthpromotion•alcoholanddrugabuse•behaviouralmedicine•media


Dr Rebecca Mellifont •scholarshipofteaching—firstyearengagementandblendedlearning•3-dimensionalmovementanalysis—children’sgait(normalandpathological)and

fundamental movement skill development•sportbiomechanics—swimmingperformance


Dr Ann Parkinson •biomedicaleducation•1styearretentionstrategies—trackingstudentsatriskofattrition•graduateattributes—mappingkeyassessmentitemsinsciencecommunication


Dr Mark Sayers •biomechanicsofteamsports•biomechanicsofrugbyunion•performanceanalysis•efficacyofstrengthandpowertrainingexercises


Dr Brian Sengstock •endoflifedecisionmakingbyparamedics•disasterandemergencymanagement•patientautonomy•workplacebullying


Dr gary Slater •factorsinfluencingthereliabilityofbodycompositionmeasurementtoolsandhowerror can be minimised through test protocols

•dietarystrategiesthatcanbesthelpathletestooptimisetheirbodycompositionforhealth and sports performance

•applicationofcurrentsportsnutritionguidelinestolarge,muscularathletes•dietarystrategiestoassistrugbyunionathletestoenhancetheirperformancein

training and/or competition•optimalweightmanagementapproachestouseinweightcategorysports•nutritionpracticesandknowledgeoffitnessprofessionals


Dr colin Solomon •exercisephysiology•respiratoryphysiology•longdurationexercise




















GeneCology Research Centre

Dr Lesley Brooker •molecularbasisofbiomineralisationinthechitonradula•molluscshellmineralisationprocesses•ultrastructureofthemineralisedtissuesofchitons•elementalanalysisofbiomineralisedstructures•calciumandironbiomineralisation•molluscansystematics


Dr Peter Brooks •Researchinterestsinvolvethechemicalanalysisandisolationofcompoundsfromnatural and synthetic materials, and the synthesis of new or novel compounds. Dr Brooks’ expertise is in chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques applied to the trace analysis of important

•compoundsinbiological,environmentalandindustrialsamples.Positionsheldinclude supervising the chemotaxonomic studies of microorganisms in the Biotechnology Research centre at La Trobe University, Bendigo, and the operation of an analytic service to industry and the community. Dr Brooks’ current interests are in the isolation of bioactive compounds from microorganisms and the chemical monitoring of the environment.


Dr Scott cummins •pheromonecommunicationinmolluscs•molecularbasisofreproductioninfishandinvertebrates•molecularbasisofpeptidesinmarinesponges•evolutionarydivergenceofolfactoryreceptors•crownofthornsstarfishsecretome


Professor Abigail elizur •applicationofdrugdeliverysystemstohormonalmanipulationinaquaculturesystems

•understandingandmanipulatingreproductioninpearloysters•exploringsurrogatetechnologyinaquaculturespecies•usingtheyeastexpressionsystemfortheproductionofrecombinanthormones•drugdeliveryinaquaculturefinfishspecies•applicationoftranscriptomicsinaquaculture


Associate Professor Wayne Knibb •genediscovery•pathologydetection•paternityassignmentandbreedimprovementinaquaculture

Tel: + 61 7 5430 2831email: [email protected]

Dr Anna Kuballa •molecularmechanismsassociatedwithautoimmunedisease•genediscoveryandtraitassociation•geneexpressionandearlydiagnosisinCrohn’sdisease•post-transcriptionalregulationofgeneexpressioninautoimmunediseasessuchas

crohn’s disease and psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis•molluscanmetabolicsuppression


Dr ipek Kurtboke •microbialecology,diversityandsystematics•appliedandenvironmentalmicrobiologyandbiotechnologyandbioremediation•bacteriophagesandbacteriophagetherapy•industrialmicrobiologyandbiodiscovery•wastemanagementandbioconversionofwasteintoenvironmentallyfriendlybio-

fertilisers•biologicalcontrolofplantpathogens•marineandaquaticmicrobiology


Dr Robert Lamont •populationgeneticsofendangeredspecies•breedingandpaternityanalysisinaquaculture•forestecology•fireecology


Dr nguyen Hong nguyen •quantitativegenetics•breedingandselection•geneticimprovementforfarmedaquaculturespecies•optimiseselectionprogramsbyincludingnewgeneticinformation(DNAmarkers)•geneticsandadaptiveresponseofaquaticanimalspeciestochangingenvironment

and climate•controlreproductionandcloseproductioncycleofnewspeciesforaquaculture


Dr Steven Ogbourne •biodiscovery•drugdevelopment•geneticdiversityofplants•plantpropagationforpharmaceuticaldrugmanufacture•plantreproductivebiology


Dr Renfu Shao •comparativemitochondrialgenomicsofinsectswithhighthroughputsequencing Tel:+61 7 5456 5469email: [email protected]















Dr Alison Shapcott •ecologyandpopulationgeneticsofrainforestplants•conservationgeneticsandconservationecologyofrarespecies•habitatfragmentation•maintenanceofbiodiversity•restorationecology


Dr Michael Stewart •invertebrateendocrinology•themolecularbasisofcommunicationinechinodermsandmolluscs•themolecularandcellularbasisofreproductionanddevelopmentincrustaceans


Dr Sanjeev Srivastava •firemanagement•predictivespatialmodelling•GISapplicationtofreshwaterecology•climatechange•GISlearningandteaching


Dr neil Tindale •atmosphericandaqueouschemistryandpollution•physicochemicalpropertiesandtransportofoilslicks•localandregionalairquality,monitoringandhealthimpacts•aerosoltransport,chemistryandspectralproperties•marinebiogeochemicalcycling•nutrientinputsandprimaryproductivity•desertification,desertdustemissions,transportanddeposition•airpollutionmodelling•aquaticpollutionandgeochemistry•waterresources•air-seaexchangeoftracesubstances•real-timeornearreal-timeaccess,display,anduseofenvironmentalmonitoring

data from remote sites


Associate Professor Stephen Trueman •plantpropagationforforestry,horticulture,revegetationandpharmaceuticals•planttissueculture•plantreproductivebiology


Dr Tomer Ventura •comparativeendocrinology•sexualmanipulationsincommerciallyvaluablecrustaceanspecies•regulationofcellmigrationincrustaceans•regulationofmetamorphosisincrustaceans•pestmanagement


Professor Helen Wallace •stinglessbees,resin,propolisandseeddispersal•plantbreeding,geneticsandgeneflowinforestry,horticultureandnatural

ecosystems•nutprocessinginAustralia(Macadamia)andtheSouthPacific(Canarium)•qualityissuesinhorticulturalcrops•breedingsystemsandconservationofrareandthreatenedplants•climatechangeinforestsandhorticulture

Fax: +61 7 5430 1228email: [email protected]

Dr Tiangfang Wang •biofunctionalproteomicsandpeptidomics•ionchemistryanddevelopmentofnegativeionmassspectrometry•computationalchemistry–useofquantummechanicsbasedtheoretical

computational programmes to study synthetic biomolecules and to predict the structures and behaviour of peptides/proteins


Cluster for Health Improvement

Dr Kieran Broome •occupationaltherapy(OT)andmacropractice•professionalissuesinOT•age-friendlyandaccessibletransport•evaluationofclinicalpractice


Professor Brendan Burkett •humanhealthandperformance•sportsbiomechanics•technologyandsoftwaredevelopmentsinhumanhealthandperformance


Associate Professor Lainie cameron •exerciseasmedicine•non-pharmaceuticalarthritiscare•systematicreviewsofclinicalinterventions•clinicalpractitionerdevelopment


Dr Rachel cole •healthpromotion•behaviouralepidemiology•physicalactivityandsedentarybehaviour•healthincommunities,thebuiltenvironmentandpolicy
















Professor Marion gray •bioethics•alliedhealtheducationandpractice•indigenoushealth•chronicdiseasemanagement•impactofdisabilityandprostatecancerepidemiology•diagnosisandtreatment


Judith Maher •nutritionduringpregnancyandbreastfeedingpromotion•settingsbasedresearch•translationalresearch•qualitativeandcriticalmethodologiesinresearch


Daniel Mellifont •optimisingperformanceandpreventinginjury•coalfacemeasuresandinterventionsformovementcontrol•relationshipsbetweenclinicalpracticeandbiomechanicaltesting


Dr Mark McKean •fitnessresearch•movementqualityandfunction•lifelonghealthandwellbeing•exerciseprescriptionandindustrypractices


Dr Florin Oprescu •healthpromotion•healthcommunication•injuryprevention•educationaldevelopment•useofICTinhealthpromotionandsocialmarketing


Dr Fiona Pelly •factorsinfluencingfoodchoiceanddietarybehavioursindifferentpopulations•appropriatefoodprovisionforathletespriortomajorcompetition•labellingofpackagedfoodforpre-schoolandprimaryschoolagedchildren•developmentandevaluationofenvironmentalnutritioninterventionsincluding

point of choice menu labelling


Inflammation and Healing Research Cluster

Associate Professor chris Askew •exercisephysiology•cardiovascularhealthandfunction•exerciseprescription•chronicdiseases.


Associate Professor Mohammad Katouli

•gutbacteriaandmolecularmechanismoftranslocation•molecularandculturebasedcharacterisationofgastrointestinalbacteriaofAtlantic

salmon; impact of diet and temperature•changesingastrointestinalpopulationofuropathogenicEscherichiacoli(UPEC)in

females and risk of urinary tract infection •molecularpathogenesisofenvironmentalstrainsofPseudomonasaeruginosa•atool–boxapproachformicrobialsourcetrackinginsurfacewaters


Dr Dale Lovell •strengthandpowertraining•individualandteamspeeddevelopment•anaerobicandaerobicconditioning

Tel: + 61 7 5459 4464email: [email protected]

Dr Joanne Macdonald •molecularcomputing•smartdiagnosticdevices•therapeuticmoleculardevices•novelmolecularmaterials


Dr David McMillan •pathogenesisandpreventionofstreptococcalinfections Tel:+61 7 5456 5852email: [email protected]

Dr Kate Mounsey •drugresistanceinscabies•developmentofnewtreatmentsforscabies•diagnosisofparasiticinfections•hostparasiteinteractions


Dr Fraser Russell •omega-3fattyacids:mechanismforcardiovascularbenefitsinhypertension•omega-3fattyacidmetabolitesandtheireffectonabdominalaorticaneurysm•anti-inflammatoryandvasculareffectsofbeecerumen


Associate Professor Shelley Walton •immunology/allergy•skinimmuneresponses•immunologyofinflammatoryprocesses•developmentofnovelimmunotherapeuticsanddiagnostics

















University of the Sunshine CoastQUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA

Tel: +61 7 5430 1234Fax: +61 7 5430 1111Web: www.usc.edu.au

CRICOS Provider Number: 01595D

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