The research activities in the School of Molecular Sciences (SMS) can be broadly classified into the three areas in which it conducts its undergraduate Bachelor of Science programs and is performed within the following specific research groups:
- Biotechnology
- Food Science
- Synthetic Chemical and Analytical Science
These groups interact strongly with each other as well as engaging with a wide range of local and international universities, government and private research groups, centres and organizations.
The SMS research activities are supported by world-class faciltieis and are conducted by highly qualifies and experienced research staff. The SMS has a wide range of research projects and has attracted both private and government financial support for its programs. Much of the research attracts industry funding on a collaborative or contractual basis, however, there is much scope to develop project of a fundamental nature as well.
Biotechnology Research Group
Research within the Biotechnology Research Group (BRG) involves a broad range of biotechnology disciplines, including microbiology, cell culture, biochemistry, reproductive biology and molecular biology. Specific expertise within the BRG includes protein chemistry, enzymology, gene expression, genetic engineering, gene discovery, fermentation technology, food and anaerobic microbiology.
Chemical Synthesis and Analytical Science Research Group
The Chemical Synthesis and Analytical Science (CSAS) research group encompasses research activity in the general area of synthetic orgnic chemistry and applied analytical chemistry. The group has major research interests in the following areas: analysis of environmental pollutants; environmental chemistry; separation and analysis of trace constituents of commercial materials, metallic ores and biological substances; development of novel instrumentation for atomic analysis and wine science; polymer stabilization and degradation; polymer packaging science; landfill technology; waste minimization; applied analytical and inorganic chemistry and separation technology; biocatalysis in the synthesis of materials of commercial importance; occupational and environmental health and safety; preparation of vitamins and neutraceuticals with increased bioavailability; chemical education.
Food Science Research Group
The Food Science Research Group (FSRG) is a recognised key research unit within the Faculty of Health, Engineering and Science. The unit facilitates an integrated, multidisciplinary approach to research and brings together much of the Faculty's resident expertise in the broad areas of microbiology, and food science and technology. Specific expertise within the FSNU includes food microbiology, analytical biochemistry and chemistry, rheology, nutrition, protein chemistry, enzymology, fermentation technology. This range of expertise is seen as a particular strength of the FSRG, as complementary skills can be brought together to address both strategic and applied research activities and, as result, the unit has attracted extensive financial support for its research programs. The current areas of research interest in the FSRG include:
- Grain Science and Processing Technology: physical properties, chemical composition, enzymology and quality attributes including: pigments in wheat; biochemical of starch as markers of wheat and noodle quality; functional components in grains; bakery products, and other wheat based products such as, noodles and steamed breads. Cereals as source of dietary fibre and application in cereal based products.
- Food Microbiology, Dairy and Fermentation Technology: probiotics and functional foods; food and industrial applications of lactic acid bacteria; isolation and characterisation of natural antimicrobials from native plants, herbs and spices and bacteriocins.
- Food Chemistry and Biochemistry: enzymatic and non-enzymatic deteriorative changes in foods; enzymatic analysis; immobilized enzyme and cell technologies; extraction and fractionation of food components, supercritical fluid technology in food and bioprocessing; membrane processing and; NIR analysis of foods. All of the above research activities are supported by world-class facilities and highly qualified research staff.
Gene Expression: Applications in Forensics and Cancer Research
Postgraduate students can conduct research in Forensic Investigations Using Genetic Polymorphisms, Probing The Molecular Basis Of Cancer and Biodiversity Determination By Molecular Methods through the School.
