Major Research Areas:
| Environmental Safety and Risk Engineering | |
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The University Centre for Environmental Safety and Risk Engineering undertakes multidisciplinary studies that are concerned with the assessment of risks and the identification of cost-effective designs for infrastructure facilities related to safety. These facilities present a threat to the safety of life, property and the natural environment arising from fire and other hazards. Currently a major research effort is directed at the development of cost-effective fire safety system designs for buildings. The Centre is also undertaking a major program to reform existing building codes and develop new fire engineering design codes for Australia. |
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| Communication and Optical Technology | |
| This field of research encompasses the major electrical engineering areas of mobile communications - system design, digital signal processing and communication software -together with the powerful optical technology area of applied physics. All perspectives focus on developmental aspects, including efficient modulation schemes for wireless channels, power amplifier linearisation, the development of computer aided software engineering tools and expert systems for mobile network management. | |
| Packaging, Transportation and Storage | |
| This multidisciplinary research area involves applications of disciplines such as dynamics, chemistry, food science, materials science, management, heat and mass transfer, robotics, and environmental science to the technological advancement in the field of packaging, transportation and storage. The studies focus on numerical modelling and laboratory simulations of the physical distribution environment, evaluation and assessment of environmental impacts of packaging systems, interactions between product sensitivity and packaging performance, compatibility between product (e.g. food) and packaging materials, etc. | |
| Bioprocessing and Food Technology | |
| Research undertaken in this centre covers more disciplinary studies in the area of food bioprocessing, environmental control and human wellbeing. Studies range from bioremediation and food technology incorporating new products and processes through animal and human studies looking at fertility, reproduction and cellular regulation, to improving human health at large, by incorporating nutritional, pharmacological and physiological intervention approaches. In order to measure desirable outcomes research studies incorporate molecular biology, microbiology, biochemistry and various physiological tools. | |
| Food Science and Biotechnology | |
| The Food Science and Biotechnology Research Unit (FSBRU) is a recognised key research unit within the Faculty and one of the lead participants in the University's Key Research Area on The Integrated Food Value Chain. The unit facilitates an integrated, multidisciplinary approach to research and brings together much of the University's resident expertise in the broad areas of microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, biotechnology and food science and technology, as well as incorporating the expertise of the Biocatalytic Synthesis Unit (BISUN). | |
| Reproduction and Family Health | |
| The Reproduction and Family Health Research Unit examines the many facets of reproduction and family health while focussing on perinatal development. In particular it links physiology, psychology, pharmacology, nutrition and natural medicine to provide a multidisciplinary approach to investigate foetal programming of adult disease, the role of the placenta in foetal growth and development in diabetes, control of ovarian function, hormone replacement therapy, implantation, embryo development and the effect of stress on wellbeing. | |
| Exercise Metabolism ad Muscle Biochemistry | |
| Comprising the Exercise Metabolism Unit and Muscle Cell Biochemistry Laboratory, this research area offers a multidisciplinary approach to the study of the function of skeletal muscle in health and disease. Current topics of investigation include physiological & pathological conditions associated with glycogen depletion or sugar excess , NADPH oxidase and its role in skeletal muscle and neural degradation, dietary supplements in health, training and disease, and the use of the Swiss-Ball in spinal health and rehabilitation. |
