Adelaidean NEWS FROM ADELAIDE UNIVERSITY DECEMBER 4, 2000 Embarrassing health problems a silent epidemic PELVIC floor disorders may be much section has been supposed to lessen the floor problems after pregnancy are very likely,” 30% of women. more common than previously chances of resulting pelvic floor disorders, but he said. “The survey highlights the high prevalence and thought. the researchers discovered that birth by The cross-sectional population survey involved major social impact of pelvic floor prolapse and caesarean section reduces those risks only Adelaide University researchers, in the first more than 3000 South Australians. incontinence in our society,” said Professor comprehensive study of its kind in the world, slightly. Most of these complaints were still MacLennan. common among women who had never had a Urinary incontinence was found in 4% of men, have found a remarkably high prevalence of “It is a silent epidemic, as those with the vaginal birth. but in 35% of women aged from 15 to 95, pelvic floor disorders in the general population. increasing to 50% among older women. problem are often embarrassed to talk about it.” These disorders can be a serious cause of “It seems that caesarean section, contrary to More than 14% of women were found to suffer The results of the study are being published this discomfort and even disease, especially among popular belief, cannot avoid permanent from rectal incontinence of flatus or faeces, month in the British Journal of Obstetrics and women. The disorders may prompt incontin- connective tissue changes that seem to happen Gynaecology. while fewer than 10% of men suffered from the ence, vaginal or uterine prolapse, and during pregnancy,” said Associate Professor Alastair MacLennan of the University’s same conditions. The research will also feature in the December haemorrhoids. Bowel and bladder problems can issue of Climacteric, the journal of the add to a marked reduction in the quality of life. Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology Other health factors associated with pelvic floor (Women’s & Children’s Hospital). International Menopause Society, which will Pelvic floor problems have traditionally been disorders were found to be weight, coughing, devote its editorial to a discussion of the associated with pregnancy, the bearing of large “Pelvic floor exercises and surgery can help, but osteoporosis, arthritis, and reduced quality of life. problem and a plea that it should receive greater numbers of children and with having them unless mothers avoid giving birth, by means Symptoms of haemorrhoids also increased with medical attention. delivered by instrument. Delivery by caesarean such as surrogacy or adoption, future pelvic age, appearing in 20% of men and more than —Rob Morrison Art history courses open British medal for physicist gallery to students
ADELAIDE University and the Art Core subjects will be in European, Australian and Gallery of South Australia have Asian Arts, with elective subjects in areas such joined forces to provide new as contemporary art, Australian colonial and postgraduate courses in art history indigenous art, European paintings in 2001. connoisseurship, Japanese and Southeast Asian art, prints, drawings and photographs. The new courses are the first of their kind in Australia, drawing on existing teaching The Graduate Diploma and Masters programs strengths in the University’s Faculty of will also offer opportunities for internship or Humanities & Social Sciences, and making use curatorial placement at the Art Gallery. of the Gallery’s extensive collections and Students who enrol in an internship will not only curatorial expertise. experience work in the curatorial department, There are four new courses: a Professional but also have exposure to other areas of the Certificate, Graduate Certificate in Art History, Gallery’s administration, such as public Graduate Diploma in Art History, and a Master of programs, marketing and public relations, and Arts (Studies in Art History). sponsorship and registration. Each combines formal University lectures with “Collaboration with other institutions always sessions working with collection curators at the provides unique opportunities for staff and Art Gallery. In addition to developing an under- students. This will be an excellent example of Professor Tony Thomas. Photo: Brenton Edwards. standing of the study of the history of art, and the such profitable working together,” Professor Gillies said. goals and methods of connoisseurship, students THEORETICAL physicist Professor “abstract ideas have been developed to the point will have the opportunity to view and study “The Faculty is extremely pleased to be able to Tony Thomas has been awarded the where they can be tested experimentally… masterpieces not available for current viewing. offer these academic programs in conjunction Professor Thomas’s work has had, and continues with the Art Gallery, and we expect them to be Harrie Massey Medal from the UK “This is an exciting and intensive program, Institute of Physics. to have, a major international impact.” which we have developed in close collaboration in demand both locally and nationally.” Professor Thomas will be presented with the “It is a great honour to have one’s work with the Gallery’s Director, Mr Ron Radford. We —David Ellis recognised in this way,” said Professor Thomas, shall be offering a choice of early-evening medal during the 14th National Congress of the “however I must also acknowledge a courses to provide maximum flexibility for those Australian Institute of Physics, to be held at tremendous debt to my colleagues at the CSSM studying either for their personal or their Adelaide University from 10-15 December. and around the world. My own work has professional interests,” said the Executive Dean The medal, awarded biennially, acknowledges benefited greatly from the personal exchanges of the Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences, outstanding contributions made to physics in which are essential to good science.” Professor Malcolm Gillies. Australia, or by an Australian physicist working “The program has been designed to encourage anywhere. The President of the Institute of Physics, students to consider fundamental questions and The citation describes Professor Thomas, Professor Sir Gareth Roberts FRS, will present problems in the history and historiography of art Director of Adelaide University’s Special the medal to Professor Thomas. as it relates to their own direct experience of Research Centre for the Subatomic Structure of The award will be made during a special plenary original works. Matter (CSSM), as “one of Australia’s most session of the Australian Institute of Physics “By exercising the eye as keenly as the mind, outstanding theoretical physicists, who has Congress in Bonython Hall on 11 December at students will be able to exploit the incredibly made internationally recognised contributions to 5.45pm. After the presentation, Professor rich collections of the Art Gallery of South a tremendous number of problems in nuclear Thomas will deliver the Harrie Massey lecture, Australia,” he said. and particle physics”. entitled “Probing the heart of matter”. The lecture is open to the public and free of charge. This is the first time that a collaborative program One example of his research cited is the “cloudy in art history has been offered jointly by the bag model” invented by Professor Thomas and —Rob Morrison premier university and art museum of any his co-researchers. It led to three papers now Australian State, with academic and curatorial classified as famous by the SPIRES database at staff of the University and the Gallery providing The Art Gallery of South Australia. Stanford Linear Accelerator. See also our feature article on subatomic the teaching. Photo: David Ellis. “Wherever possible,” continues the citation, physics, page 5. INSIDE
Stephen Cole Ethical issues a Summer’s here - Prizes matter of course time for school
page 2 page 4 page 8 Approved For Print Post 565001/00046 For Print Post Approved PAGE 2 DECEMBER 4, 2000 ADELAIDEAN STEPHEN COLE PRIZES EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING
DECEMBER is the month of graduations at “Because Physiology is studied by medical Adelaide University, a time to highlight students’ students as well as science students, I deal with achievements, their years of hard work, and the students from many backgrounds and cultures, realisation of their goals. which is something that I really enjoy about my But the graduation ceremonies also highlight the teaching,” she says. achievements of academic staff who play an “I have a particular interest in indigenous health, instrumental role in teaching those students. and also enjoy meeting and helping This year, during the graduations in Bonython international, as well as Australian students, Hall from 18-21 December, the Stephen Cole the with their studies.” Elder Prizes for Excellence in Teaching will be Dr Hudson’s philosophy on teaching is simple: “I awarded to four staff members who have made try to show enthusiasm, concern and respect for unique contributions to teaching at Adelaide all students and their learning,” she says. University. “I aim to integrate educational practice and scholarship by advancing or transforming For Department of Chemistry senior lecturer Dr knowledge in a creative, disciplined and Mark Buntine, teaching is as much about informed manner.” “hands-on” learning as it is anything else. Dr In an added bonus, Dr Hudson will receive her Buntine prides himself on making his teaching as Stephen Cole prize at the same December accessible, and easy to understand, as possible. graduation ceremony as her daughter, Dr Sarah “I’ve always been heavily into research but I Hudson, will receive her PhD in Obstetrics & also really enjoy my teaching, so receiving the Gynaecology. award is a very pleasant bonus,” he says. Making teaching as practical and as hands-on Dr Buntine specialises in the area of physical as possible is also Dr Gerald Schneider’s chemistry, which can be very costly to teach secret to teaching. due to the expensive nature of the equipment A lecturer in the Department of Mechanical needed for experiments. Engineering, Dr Schneider has played a key role “While the experiments can be expensive, they in establishing aerospace engineering at are also the best way to learn. Physical Adelaide University. He has supervised a chemistry has a reputation of being a ‘boring’ number of students in this field, and the Dr Nicky Hudson, one of the recipients of the Stephen Cole the Elder Prize for Excellence in subject, but I think that with the right students have been so keen to learn more about Teaching for 2000. Photo: Ben Osborne. combination of course material and aerospace engineering they have, under Dr Schneider’s guidance, established a Student experiments, students can really become to have good students, and the School has these The eight ceremonies for the December Branch of the American Institute of Aeronautics motivated towards it,” he says. in droves,” he said. graduations are as follows: and Astronautics. “I’m not a big fan of the modern trend towards “For me, teaching is a wonderful frustration. It • Monday, 18 December - 10am flexible delivery, and computer-based learning, “I feel very privileged and honoured to be is wonderful because I get to see the ‘lights turn Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences and the other buzzwords of today’s education. awarded such a prestigious prize for teaching at on’ for students on a regular basis. It is In chemistry, and in physical chemistry in Adelaide University,” Dr Schneider says. frustrating because when I look back at a term’s • Monday, 18 December - 3pm Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences particular, the best way to learn is by rolling up “I would like to thank the people who have nom- teaching it is just so obvious what I could have your sleeves, getting in a laboratory and doing inated me for this prize, with special thanks to The done better.” • Tuesday, 19 December - 10am things for yourselves.” Sir Ross and Sir Keith Smith Fund for supporting Dr Woodbury knits together what the School School of Commerce Dr Buntine ranks one of his biggest teaching my position as Lecturer in the Department.” calls ‘creative action’ with ‘critical thought’: “I’m School of Economics Graduate School of Management achievements during his time at Adelaide as Dr Schneider believes his job as a teacher is constantly requiring students to both propose being one of the founders of the Australian becoming easier thanks to new sources of designs and take various critical stances on • Tuesday 19 December - 3pm Physical Chemistry Enhanced Learning Project information and versatile teaching aids, such as their own work and the work of their peers. This School of Architecture, Landscape (or APCELL), which involves 35 Australian the internet, video, and powerpoint worked especially well this year in my first year Architecture & Urban Design universities pooling their physical chemistry presentations. He says he gets enormous composition class. The quality of work and level Elder Conservatorium - School of Performing resources in order to further enhance student satisfaction from teaching. of debate in the year’s final presentations was Arts (including AMEB) learning. “I can remember one particular case when the quite amazing.” • Wednesday, 20 December - 10am The diversity of students’ backgrounds is one of parents of a fourth year student came up to me Among other things, Dr Woodbury teaches Dental School the prime attractions of teaching at Adelaide during our project exhibition and thanked me for computing in design, especially how computers Medical School University, according to Department of teaching their son how to learn. They said they are transforming the practice of architecture. • Wednesday, 20 December - 3pm Physiology lecturer Dr Nicky Hudson. have not seen him studying a subject He has also helped pioneer the use of the Faculty of Science Dr Hudson joined the Department of Physiology (Aerospace Engineering) so enthusiastically internet as a teaching tool. before and that I had made a real difference.” • Thursday, 21 December - 10am in 1995, after a career in paramedical research “If my efforts here have had a focus it has been School of Engineering and teaching around the world in such places as Associate Professor Rob Woodbury from the on encouraging students to become diverse in School of Mathematical & Computer Sciences Canada, England and Fiji. School of Architecture, Landscape Architecture their skills and robust in learning new things • Thursday, 21 December - 3pm Working in some many different places has led & Urban Design believes he is just one of several about computers. It is marvelous to see that a staff in his School who could have won the prize. Faculty of Agricultural & Natural Resource to a greater appreciation of different cultures, an growing number of our graduates are both Sciences appreciation which has followed on to her “Being surrounded by excellent teachers makes capable and fearless in using and adapting this School of Law teachings in Australia. teaching well yourself a lot easier. It helps too relatively new medium,” he says. Adelaidean Michelle is our supervisor of the year Volume 9 Issue Number 22 DR MICHELLE Barnes from the School of Economics was named Adelaide University’s Supervisor of the Year Editor at the Postgraduate Students Association awards. David Ellis At the time the awards were announced in October, Dr Barnes was out of Layout the State. The Adelaidean was keen to catch up with her when she Julie Ryke returned. Printed by Dr Barnes has supervised numerous PhD, Masters and Honours students Cadillac Color since taking up an academic position-her first-at Adelaide in 1998. Writers Born in the United States, she completed both her PhD and Masters in Ben Osborne Economics at John Hopkins University in Maryland after obtaining her Rob Morrison Bachelor of Quantitative Economics and Decision Sciences from the John Drislane University of California, San Diego. Dr Barnes has been involved in the Contributors development of the Finance curriculum at Adelaide, and is presently Kim McBride Honours Coordinator for the Bachelor of Finance, as well as the Adviser Rob Perrin for the School of Economics on issues pertaining to the Bachelor of Sally Raphael Finance. Next semester she will be on study leave as a Visiting Scholar at UC Berkeley. Room G07 Mitchell Building, South Australia, 5005. The Postgraduate Students Association presents annual awards to Tel (08) 8303 5174; Fax (08) 8303 4838; Email: academic and general staff for their valuable contribution to postgraduate [email protected] study. Dr Barnes described her award as a “real thrill”. “The relationship http://www.adelaide.edu.au/Adelaidean/home.html between a postgraduate student and the supervisor is quite a powerful Material may be reproduced without permission but one,” she said. “I really enjoy helping people, so I’m quite pleased that acknowledgement must be given to the Adelaidean. my students were happy enough to nominate me.” —Ben Osborne Dr Michelle Barnes. Photo: Ben Osborne ADELAIDEAN DECEMBER 4, 2000 PAGE 3 Head start for gifted students GIFTED secondary school students in Adelaide’s metropol- itan area now have the chance to get a head start at uni. Adelaide University has launched a new A time to celebrate Headstart Scholarship Program for 2001, an accelerated entry scheme for academically One of the most popular events in our 125th anni- gifted secondary students. versary celebrations last year was the end-of-year Designed in consultation with schools, the “town-and-gown” party on the Goodman Crescent new program is aimed at meeting the needs Lawns. Many staff remarked how much they of gifted and exceptionally motivated enjoyed mixing with colleagues, alumni and friends of students who require a challenge beyond the the University in a festive and informal setting. Year 12 curriculum. I hope as many staff as possible will come along to The program targets students who have this year’s town and gown party at Goodman already successfully completed subjects at Crescent on Friday 8 December (4.30pm-7pm). Like SACE Stage 2 or International Baccalaureate last year, it will provide an opportunity for hundreds Diploma level. of members of the University community to get together with friends from the public and private During the course of Year 12, those students sectors in a shared celebration of the University’s chosen for the scholarship can study up to achievements. There’s no shortage of reasons to 12 units (or the equivalent of a half-year’s celebrate: it’s our 126th year, it’s the festive season workload) of first-year study at Adelaide and it’s the end of the academic year. University. transition from high school to university. “Although similar schemes exist in other As a University, we can take pride in what we’ve They will attend classes and sit exam- Because the program is a scholarship, it States, Adelaide’s Headstart Program does not incur a cost to students.” achieved over the past 12 months. In a difficult inations on the same basis as other students. provides funds to cover the students’ HECS external environment—continuing funding press- Grades will be recorded and can be used for and other fees for that year. The number of places offered to the Headstart ures and ever-increasing international com- status once the students are admitted into an “This is the first time Adelaide University has Scholarship Program is limited, and each petition—we have made good progress in several academic program at the University, allowing offered such a scheme, and it is an exciting application will be assessed on its merits. key areas of research and education. I want to take them to fast-track their study or take a wider venture both for us and for secondary For more information contact Paula Ritchie, this opportunity to thank all staff members for their range of courses than usual. students,” said the Director of the phone 8303 4379 or email:
IT USED to seem so simple. Matter. “They don’t pass through each other Atoms were the smallest particles of matter. An because of the electromagnetic interactions, Physicists have a vital role to atom was indivisible; and then they divided it. without which life could not exist. Yet atoms play... because of their capacity Splitting the atom unleashed much more than an also need nuclei, and it is the strong interaction for solving problems from first atomic explosion. It rewrote Newton’s which binds different combinations of protons principles. and neutrons into the stable nuclei of the “ fundamental laws of physics, and changed the very ways in which we look at matter and different elements,” he explains. energy. “Stars, including our sun, burn small nuclei to theoretical understanding of weak couplings is produce bigger nuclei. The mass that is lost in profound, it is incomplete when it comes to the Physics was once the science of tangible, strong couplings. It ”is this area that is of special the process becomes the energy that is visible matter and how it behaves, but a whole interest to the Special Research Centre. new branch of physics now examines matter at released.” the subatomic level, and the process of The electromagnetic interaction gives us light, The Centre’s researchers are leading an attack dissecting subatomic particles seems to the radio and microwaves among others, while the on some of these problems through a multi- novice a never-ending one. weak interaction is responsible for radioactive pronged approach, from mathematical modelling and cooperation with experimenters Take an atom apart, and negative electrons are decay. It is also responsible for the means by which supernovae give off their energy as at the world’s major particle accelerators, to the found surrounding a nucleus of positive protons use of advanced supercomputers. and neutral neutrons. But these nuclear neutrinos, their cores collapsing into neutron particles can be broken down further, into stars and black holes. The latter involves a technique known as Lattice quarks and gluons. “In some ways, the weak interaction is the most Gauge Theory. Space-time is represented by a four-dimensional lattice. The computer Such particles are hard to visualise. enigmatic of the forces,” says Professor Thomas. “It is responsible for many forms of extrapolates to infinitesimal lattice spacings and Conventionally they are drawn as a small solar infinite lattice volumes, allowing the extraction system, with electrons whirling like tiny planets radioactive decay of unstable nuclei. It lets one kind of nucleus turn into another, and plays a of quantities of physical interest. These around a central sun-like nucleus. As you extrapolations require calculations involving struggle with this model, however, it becomes crucial role in the stellar cycle. ever-increasing numbers of lattice points; engineering, because of their capacity for less satisfactory the further you go, for electrons “When all the nuclei in a star eventually prompting the need for a powerful computer. can behave like particles but also like waves. combine to form the biggest nucleus, iron, the solving problems from first principles.” Tiny objects may not have precise positions, star’s fuel is exhausted. Gravity plays a role Adelaide University is now home to the National As the subatomic aspect of physics moves and they can tunnel through walls. Empty space here, for without it, stars would blow apart and Computing Facility for Lattice Gauge Theory, more deeply into the realm of mathematics, it is not empty, and some events do not have a cease to burn,” he says. “Gravitational with the Orion supercomputer capable of 110 relies increasingly on the interplay between cause. interaction also determines the motion of billion calculations per second. All current physical insight and the brute force of modern lattice gauge theory groups in the country are These are some of the postulates of quantum tangible objects, planets, solar systems and the supercomputers. “It is the need to use ever- represented in the Centre, which competes in theory, and they seem constantly at variance universe itself.” larger grids in order to better approximate the the forefront of international research. with the reliable laws that govern the Ideally, all of the four forces would arise from a real universe that drives our unquenchable thirst macroworld that we know. In fact, dealing with single ‘theory of everything’. As yet, there is no Professor Thomas says that just as the simple for larger and larger supercomputers!” says the subatomic world requires a bit of radical such candidate. The organising principle for planetary model of an atom has become Professor Thomas. rethinking. almost all our understanding of modern physics complicated by the requirements of quantum The challenging area of subatomic physics will All observable physical phenomena are now is the Standard Model. In one elegant theory, so the once simple realm of physics has be among several areas of physics to be thought to be understandable in terms of four framework it combines the first three of these required some reappraisal. debated in December, when Adelaide University fundamental forces; strong, weak, four fundamental physical interactions. “Physics is an all-enveloping discipline which hosts the 14th National Congress of the electromagnetic and gravitational. Strong All three can be analysed by the sophisticated attempts to explain all observable phenomena in Australian Institute of Physics. The program interactions bind atomic nuclei, provide the fuel mathematics of quantum field theory, especially terms of the fewest fundamental constants and runs from 10-15 December. for stars, giving us the nuclei of chemical gauge field theories, but there remain tantalising with the simplest mathematical framework,” he During the Congress, the prestigious Harrie elements and ultimately living things. holes in the understanding of this physical says Professor Thomas. Massey Medal will be presented to Professor Thomas for his outstanding research “Clap your hands together,” says Professor Tony realm. “All sciences are subsets of some of these contributions [see article on Page 1]. Thomas, from Adelaide University’s Special There is, for example, no generally accepted phenomena. Physicists still have a vital role to Research Centre for the Subatomic Structure of gauge field theory for gravity, and while the play in these related fields, as well as in —Rob Morrison
3D images go to the Has life from Mars already root of plant research landed on Earth?
AN Adelaide University scientist will FREE PUBLIC SEMINAR: “Novel Nano- These filamentous and yeast-like cells provide travel to Britain early next year to Organisms (Nanobes): Living Analogues for further evidence for nano-scopic life in the learn more about using medical Martian Nanobacteria?” by Dr Philippa same size range as the controversial Martian technology to study plant roots. Uwins, Centre for Microscopy and nanobacteria. Microanalysis, University of Queensland. Dr Annie McNeill from the Department of Organised by Adelaide University’s Centre for Agronomy and Farming Systems hopes the trip With an introduction by Professor Paul Biomedical Engineering, this seminar will assist in starting a similar research program Davies, Visiting Professor, Imperial College, promises to be a stimulating and provocative at the University’s Roseworthy campus, and London. discussion. has already begun preliminary investigations On 7 August 1996, NASA made the historic If nanobes are novel life forms as claimed, into the technology. announcement that a Martian Meteorite it forces us to reconsider several Medical CAT scan equipment from Dr Jones and (ALH84001) could contain evidence for past eternally fascinating questions. What is life? Partners at St Andrews Hospital in Adelaide is life on Mars. How did it evolve? Is there life outside the being used to scan plant roots while they are Earth? still in the soil, providing 3D images that give a Central to the thesis, and perhaps the most Dr Philippa Uwins is a Senior Research Fellow true indication of root morphology, distribution controversial aspect of the findings, were the at UQ. She has a degree in Geology from the and dynamics. fossil remnants of sub-bacteria sized “cells” called nanobacteria. University of Edinburgh and a PhD in The technology will allow scientists to take Palynology (the study of organic microfossils) sequential shots of the plants to measure exact Medical imaging also has uses in agriculture, While the results were of great scientific from the University of Aberdeen. rates of root growth, without causing any as shown here by a look at plant roots under interest they fuelled a fierce and highly disturbance to the roots. the surface. contentious debate, not only concerning the She has also worked at Robertson Research existence of Martian microbes, but a International’s head office in North Wales as a According to Dr McNeill, the ability to see how unique conditions.” controversy surrounding the minimum palynologist, focusing on Tertiary the root system responds to adverse conditions possible size of life on earth. biostratigraphy of North Sea petroleum such as salinity, compaction, low levels of Dr McNeill funded in needed to buy the special reservoirs. Dr Uwins has been at the moisture and high levels of disease or toxic computer equipment and software needed to It has remained unresolved to this day University of Queensland, Centre for elements, will be of particular importance to process the scans. And although the project is whether these mineralised nanobacteria were Microscopy and Microanalysis since 1989. dryland farming areas of Australia. still in its early stages, Dr McNeill can see an fossilised remnants of independent life-forms, “As far as I’m aware, the only other root exciting future. artefacts of sample preparation or unusual SG15 Hone Lecture Theatre, Ground Floor, mineral deposits. Medical Building South, Frome Rd. 5.30pm, research program in Australia currently using “Having a CAT scan machine dedicated to plant Wednesday 6 December. medical imaging equipment is based in research would be the ultimate aim of the However, more recently, the existence of novel Canberra,” Dr McNeill said. project and would give South Australia the nano-organisms (nanobes) was reported For more information contact the Secretary of “It would be of huge benefit to have a project opportunity to become a research leader in this growing on Triassic and Jurassic sandstones the Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Mr based in South Australia that was research- field,” she said. collected from petroleum exploration boreholes Andrew Allison: 8303 5283 or email ing the function of plant roots in our —Sally Raphael offshore Western Australia.
STAFF and students at Adelaide databases such as Medline, Compendex and University now have online access Web of Science. Both from work and from to more than 720 journals from the home, University staff and students will able to major publisher in science, search and browse the database, view the full technology and medicine. text of articles, and download and print them in html or PDF format. The service is the result of an Adelaide-led consortium of five of Australia’s leading The moves to create a national consortium have research universities—Adelaide, ANU, been led by Adelaide University’s Librarian, Mr Melbourne, Monash and UWA—in agreement Ray Choate, and the Electronic Resources with publisher Elsevier Science. Access to the Librarian, Mr Stephen Cramond. journals has been made possible via the “The rapid increase in the price of journals has company’s online publishing platform, forced cancellations to many Elsevier journals ScienceDirect. since 1992,” Mr Cramond said. The agreement with Elsevier Science ensures “By agreeing to move from print to an that the full text of the journals subscribed to in exclusively online delivery for most of these common will be accessible to the University titles, and to refrain from cancelling any further community. Elsevier titles for the life of the agreement Some of the features of the service include the [which ends in Dec 2002], Adelaide will ability to browse and search across all the maintain access to the 260 titles to which it journals in the collection, the provision of currently subscribes, regain access to around automatic e-mail alerts for titles and subjects 240 titles cancelled since 1992, and provide that match personal research interest access for the first time to 220 new titles—a profiles, the ability to create personalised home total of 460 additional titles. In most cases the pages and journal lists, and the ability to electronic versions are available back to 1995,” bookmark specific titles or articles for later he said. inadequate, and until this is improved print Collection, or direct from
Advertisement Royal awards showcase science achievements
TWO ADELAIDE University scientists received awards at the Royal Society of South Australia’s recent Annual General Meeting. Emeritus Professor Tom White, an Honorary Research Fellow at the Department of Applied and Molecular Ecology, received the prestigious Verco Medal for his outstanding contribution to animal ecology. Mr Ben Smith, a PhD candidate in the Department of Environmental Biology, received the Society’s inaugural Postgraduate Presentation Award for the finest student presentation at the Society’s Adelaide University scientists, Mr Ben Smith meetings in 2000. (centre) and Dr Tom White (right) with Royal Both men received their awards from the Society’s Society of South Australia patron Sir Eric Neal at patron, the Governor of South Australia, Sir Eric the Society’s recent Annual General Meeting. Neal. Photo by Robyn Cane. The two recipients represent the Royal Society of South Australia’s proud tradition in the anthropology, the earth sciences or biological dissemination of scientific information and its role in sciences to participate in next year’s program, the development of younger scientists. commencing March 2001. The Society welcomes any persons interested in —Ben Osborne ADELAIDEAN DECEMBER 4, 2000 PAGE 7 SEASON’S International students graduation GREETINGS A Graduation Dinner Dance for ON behalf of the staff of the international graduands was held on Alumni and Community Relations 21 November in the Ballroom of the office I extend our warmest Stamford Grand, Glenelg. wishes to all Alumni Association The event was hosted by the Vice-Chancellor members during this festive and organised by a committee representing the season. Vice-Chancellor’s office, Overseas Students I would also like to take this opportunity to Association, International Students Centre, thank all of our alumni and friends for their Graduations office, and the Alumni and support and commitment to the Alumni Community Relations office. Association and Adelaide University during International students enjoyed the opportunity the past year. to celebrate their upcoming graduation with 2000 has been a year of much change and family and friends, and staff of Adelaide growth in the Alumni Association and I thank University. you for your patience, your words of In his welcoming remarks the Hon Greg encouragement, and active support during Crafter, Chair of the Alumni Association and this dynamic period. Master of Ceremonies for the evening, spoke of In addition to our membership steadily the benefits to both students and the Univer- increasing over the past few months, we sity in maintaining contact following have also enjoyed a renewed interest by graduation. One way in which this can be longstanding members in the activities of the achieved is through the Alumni Association’s Association. Chapters (three international and twelve Australian). Leaders of the future: international students from Adelaide University. We look forward to continuing this trend in 2001 by reaching out to even more of our Professor Edwina Cornish, Deputy Vice- students to all aspects of Adelaide University attached to being a graduate of Adelaide alumni. Chancellor (Research) provided the opening address on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor life. University and wished all graduands much Rachael Oliphant success in their future careers and studies. Director, Alumni and Community Relations congratulating all graduands and highlighting Mr Mark Lee, President of the Overseas the significant contribution of international Students Association, spoke of the prestige —Kim McBride ✁ Hong Kong graduates ball Adelaide University Alumni Association REGISTRATION FORM
Open to graduates, students, staff, former staff and friends of the University.
Your details: Title (Prof, Dr, Mr, Ms, Mrs, etc) ...... Former Family Name (if applicable) ...... Family Name ...... Given Names ...... Address ...... State...... Postcode ...... Country ...... Country of Brith ...... Phone Home ( ) ...... Phone Work ( ) ...... Gender M F (circle) Date of Birth ...... Email ...... The Hon Greg Crafter, Chair of the Alumni Association, Mrs Rae Crafter and the Director, Alumni and Community Relations, Rachael Oliphant are pictured having dinner with Pei Kwun Adelaide University Degree(s) or Qualification(s): Yap, President of the University of Adelaide Alumni Association Hong Kong Inc., and other Qualification Course Year of Graduation members of the Chapter. During the trip to Hong Kong Mr and Mrs Crafter and Ms Oliphant also attended the Graduates Ball 2000 of the Federation of Australian Alumni Associations in ...... Hong Kong. Hong Kong alumni from Adelaide University attended the Ball with alumni from 18 other Australian universities...... I would be interested in receiving information and details about events from the following Chapters: ❐ Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences Chapter Campus tours: Cornell Chapter Annual ❐ Chapman Association (Engineering) Summer schedule Dinner 2000 ❐ Sir Joseph Verco Dental Chapter ❐ Cornell Chapter (Arts/Performing Arts) THE Cornell Chapter Annual Dinner 2000 was held on 9 2000- 2001 ❐ Florey Medical Chapter November, following the Annual General Meeting, in the ❐ Science and Mathematical Sciences Chapter Learn about the history and heritage elegant ambience of the Senior Common Room of St of South Australia’s oldest University. Mark’s College. All present thoroughly enjoyed the ❐ MBA Alumni Association See the University’s historic presentation by Mr Greg Mackie, Councillor, City of ❐ Roseworthy Old Collegians Association (ROCA) buildings and beautiful grounds. Adelaide, Co-proprietor of Imprints Bookshop, and ❐ Economics/ Commerce Chapter Individuals, families and groups Founding Chair of the Adelaide Festival of Ideas. Mr ❐ are all welcome. Mackie spoke of the pleasure and excitement of growing Leonardo da Vinci Chapter (Italian-Australian alumni) up in Adelaide in the sixties and seventies, and how that Tours are conducted by trained ❐ John Bray Law Chapter developed his interests and attitudes and his belief that ❐ guides from the University’s Alumni open and informed public debate is essential for the The University of Adelaide Chapter of Australian Alumni Singapore Association. Tours last one hour. wellbeing of the community. He was introduced by Brian ❐ Architectural Alumni Chapter There are some strenuous sections, Coghlan and thanked by Tim Mares (both former Chairs of ❐ including stairs; your guide can The University of Adelaide Alumni Association Hong Kong Inc. the Cornell Chapter) and was warmly received by a ❐ advise of alternative outdoor routes. gathering of Cornell Chapter members and distinguished Adelaide Uni Alumni Malaysia Bhd Regular tours are offered each guests including the Hon John Bannon, Master of St Tuesday morning at 10:30 am and Please send this form REPLY PAID TO: Marks, the Hon Justice and Mrs Legoe, the Hon Justice Alumni & Community Relations Office are free of charge. Groups may make and Mrs Perry, and Professor Malcolm Gillies, Executive arrangements for tours at other times The University of Adelaide Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences and President of Reply Paid 498 by calling the Alumni and Community the Australian Academy of the Humanities. The musical Relations office on (08) 8303 3196. Adelaide SA 5001 interlude was provided by the Accelerando Cello Quartet, AUSTRALIA Please meet at University Gate 20 a group of Conservatorium students with a growing next to the Art Gallery of South CONTACT DETAILS: reputation. “Their choice of a contemporary and a mid- Fax: +618 8303 5808 Tel: +618 8303 5800 Email: [email protected] Australia on North Terrace. The last twentieth century piece showed their courage and tour for 2000 will be held on 12 intelligence as musicians and was justified in the All information provided on this form will be added to the University’s Alumni and Community Relations December. Tours for 2001 will reception of their performance,” said Tim Mares, Cornell databases for University and University related purposes only and will not be passed on to any third party resume on 6 February. chapter Committee member. not affiliated with the University. PAGE 8 DECEMBER 4, 2000 ADELAIDEAN Advertisement Summer’s here – time for school THINKING of doing something different this summer? Adelaide University’s Summer School might have what you’re looking for. The Summer School is run through the University’s Centre for Professional and Continuing Education from January to March, and gives people of all ages more than 60 courses to choose from. For the first time, the Summer School is offering award courses normally taught at the University during the academic year. Subjects include Anthropology, Clinical Legal Education, Chemistry, Advanced English Language Development and Mathematics. “The offering of award courses follows in the tradition of other great universities, such as Oxford, Edinburgh and UCLA, all of whom offer large and well-established Summer Schools through their various Continuing Education departments,” said the Director of Professional & Continuing Education, Ms Liz Pryzibilla. “Many award courses offered through our Summer School are also available as Language and Language for Travel, which not The Business Essentials Program covers Community Interest Courses and can be taken only teach language skills but also provide other everything from strategic thinking and on a non-award basis,” she said. cultural tips for “surviving” overseas. Business planning, to budgeting and managing special English as a Second Language will help those projects. Other courses deal with business The program for 2001 provides a strong mix of from a non-English speaking background who writing for writing reports and correspondence, professional development and community are looking for employment or currently managing stress, speaking with confidence, interest. employed, while those who want to delve into and time management. One of the biggest drawcards for the Summer the artistry of language may be interested in Writing History is a new course aimed at Japanese and Chinese Calligraphy. School is the variety of language courses on teaching the techniques of historical research offer. Whether getting ready to travel for work A range of other courses on offer as part of the and presentation. Summer School participants or pleasure, wanting to learn a language or Summer School provide both professional and can learn from practising historians how to simply improve your current language skills, personal development. write and edit their work, produce exhibitions, the Summer School has something for every A three-day course on Mediation teaches the and publish their work both conventionally and level of learning. Intensive, 10-week courses skills of constructive communication, problem- on the internet. will teach beginners everything they need to solving and negotiating a solution. Technology know, while for those who want to maintain or A copy of the full Summer School program can Commercialisation introduces the ideas of be received from Professional & Continuing develop their language skills there are intellectual property and commercialisation, intermediate and advanced Conversation Education. Call 8303 4777 or visit the Adelaide how to assess and manage risk, prepare University website:
KENSINGTON PARK: 730. $6250 ono. Ph 8363 games room. Exc location, ACCOMMODATION Tudor house to let, 3br with 9198 (ah) or
Security Awareness TUESDAY 5 DECEMBER WEDNESDAY 13 DECEMBER 4.15pm History Staff / Postgrad- COMING 1.10pm Genetics Seminar: To be WORKING AFTER HOURS uate Seminar: Spearing the Governor, advised by Professor Rob Saint. Seminar Note the following points: by Philip Jones (SA Museum). Seminar EVENTS Room, Ground Floor, Fisher Building. Room, Ground Floor, Napier Building. • Ring your campus Security number 5th December — 7.30pm Free Public Lecture: Dr and advise them you are in your 5.00pm Physiology Seminar: Motor Frankenstein’s creation will always remain work area. cortex in human motor control, by 20th December science fiction by Dr Helena Ward (CRC • Building and room number. Professor John Rothwell (MRC Human for Tissue Growth & Repair). Rennie Lecture Theatre, Johnson Building. • Approx time you will be leaving. Movement and Balance Group, Institute of THURSDAY 7 DECEMBER • Security is available to escort you to Neurology, London). Hone Lecture Further details 8303 4965 or 8303 3196. your car or transport service. Theatre, Ground Floor, Medical School 12noon HCCR Seminar: South Wing. Cold shock SECURITY ESCORTS domain proteins, by Peter Diamond THURSDAY 14 DECEMBER The University Security Section is (Division of Human Immunology). Verco available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year WEDNESDAY 6 DECEMBER Theatre, IMVS. 12noon HCCR Seminar: Cancer: the to escort you by vehicle or foot to your 4.00pm British Studies AGM/Talk: emergence of the big picture by Dr B vehicle or transport service. Remember News from Lilliput: Reading the Scrib- Coventry. Robson Theatre, RAH. if catching public transport advise 10.10am Electrical & Electronic lerians now, by Dr R Phiddian. Seminar Security in advance as offers may be Engineering Research Seminar: An Room, Ground Floor, Napier Undercroft. commited to other tasks. introduction to Quantum computation: A FRIDAY 15 DECEMBER nanoscopic solution to a big problem, by SECURITY NUMBERS Joseph Ng (Electrical & Electronic FRIDAY 8 DECEMBER North Terrace Engineering). Room EM212, New 1.00pm Environmental Biology General 35990 Emergency 35444 Engineering and Mathematics Building. Seminar: Biologically active alkaloids of 10.10am Electrical & Electronic amphibian skin: Arthropod and other Waite 1.10pm Genetics Seminar: To be Engineering Seminar: Peculiar effects sources by JW Daly (National Institutes of General 35990 Emergency 35444 advised, by Dr Andreas Houben. Seminar in Nanoparticle WO 3 & Gold Films; (with Health, USA). Mawson Lecture Theatre. Thebarton Room, Ground Floor, Fisher Building. technical applications) by Prof Laszlo B General 35990 Emergency 35444 5.30pm Biomedical Engineering: Kiss (Uppsala University). Room EM212, New Engineering & Maths Building. FRIDAY 20 DECEMBER Roseworthy Novel nano-organisms (Nanobes): living General 37999 Emergency 35444 analogues for Martian nanobacteria? by Dr 3.00pm Science/ACUE Seminar: Philippa Uwins, introduction by Professor Integrating Education and Research by 1.10pm Genetics Seminar: To be Security awareness presentations can be PCW Davies. SG15 Hone Lecture Theatre, Professor Dean Zollman (Kansas State advised, by Dr Chunyan Huang. Seminar arranged for your area. Ground Floor, Medical School South. University). Seminar Room, Level 2 Schulz, Room, Ground Floor, Fisher Building. AUGUST 28, 2000 Bulletin Board, PAGE 2
effective assessment of its performance and role. COUNCIL A preliminary report from the Warden of the Senate, SITUATIONS reporting on the resolutions from the annual Senate VACANT IN BRIEF meeting, was tabled at the meeting. (These resolutions are included in the report from the Clerk For all information about the LECTURER LEVEL B, A meeting of the Adelaide University Council was of the Senate in this Adelaidean). Council resolved following vacancies please INTEGRATED FARMING held on Monday 27 November in the Molecular Life to note the report, thank the Senate for its refer to Human Resources’ SYSTEMS Sciences Building. contribution, and look forward to receiving the full Web page at
First workshop Monday 4 WHYALLA December Perimeter gates to Site works FIXED TERM CONTRACT UNTIL 28 JUNE 2002 - 1.0 Time Who are you? Why are you close on Xmas Day RESEARCH ASSOCIATE $43,282 to $46,459 pa, or here? What do you want? There will be a deal of sitework RESEARCH FELLOW $48,905 to $58,075 pa What will you become? on the terrace campus over the + Excellent employment conditions From midnight on 24 December Christmas long vacation period The SACRRH is one of seven University Depts of Rural Health Create your Future* 2000 to midnight on 25 with one of the more noticeable located in rural and remote areas in States and Territory around Your Future Edge is a training December 2000, all perimeter activities being an upgrade to the Australia. The SACRRH is a joint venture between the Adelaide and development company at vehicle and pedestrian access to the Thebarton Commerce and steps and stairs in the many University, the University of South Australia and the Common- the Campus will be closed. Research Precinct of Adelaide courtyards. Legislative require- wealth Department of Health and Aged Care. The SACRRH is University. We help people to University staff needing entry to ments dictate certain improve- located at the Whyalla campus of the University of South Australia explore, discover and create the Campus on Christmas Day ments such as new handrails and and has a support base with staff in the Adelaide University. should contact the Security stair tread markings. All work is positive futures. Run by trained The SACRRH is seeking a research associate or research fellow with Office, tel 8303 5990. planned to be completed before and accredited psychologists and epidemiological or other quantitative skills to provide support for consultants, Your Future Edge JOHN LARWOOD O week 2001. ROD PAGE research activities undertaken by the centre. The current research conducts a series of four 3-hour Manager, Projects & Facilities foci are on Injury Prevention, Mental Health and Aboriginal Health. workshops over two weeks. Property Services Essential criteria for this position include: The Explore Your Future! workshops systematically guide • A relevant Honours Degree, Masters Degree or equivalent participants through a program Campus maps experience. of well-established and Course Information • Experience in quantitative research processes and methods. innovative exercises and Coloured campus maps are due Evening • Skills in conducting reviews of literature. techniques that are the tools to for their annual update. Please The position is available from January 2001. Further information Create Your Future. check your department’s listing A Course Information Evening from Mr Jeff Fuller, Director, Public Health, SACRRH, tel (08) 8647 Workshops 1 & 2 provide people on the relevant North Terrace, will be held at Adelaide Univer- 6021, mobile: 0419 821 830, fax (08) 8647 6164 or email with a clear sense of identity and Waite, Roseworthy or Thebarton sity from 5- 8pm on 3 January
NHMRC PROGRAM GRANT (APA(I) only) [formerly SPIRT APA(I)] “Additional Text” component of their • assisting in determining the format of APPLICATIONS FOR 2002 Internal close: 12 April applications as soon as possible, on the the first FEAST event “Enhancing The final policy statement for the new 1 June 2001: Linkage - Infrastructure basis of the 2001 guidelines, for review by Research through Collaboration and NHMRC Program Grants Scheme is now [formerly RIEF] Internal close: 19 April their colleagues. Linkages available on the NHMRC website at:
Adelaidean Schedule 2001 Research Branch
The publication dates and deadlines for Bulletin Board entries, Job Advertisements, REMINDER Classifieds and booking of advertising space are listed below: AUSTRALIAN RESEARCH COUNCIL INFORMATION SESSION: Tuesday 12 December 2000, 10.30am - 1.00pm, Council Room, Level 7, Wills Building, North Publication Date Bulletin Board Deadline Human Resources Deadline Terrace Campus. (Monday) (Thursday 5.00pm) (Friday 5.00pm) 5 February 25 January 19 January RESEARCH FUNDING SUPPORT FOR 2002 19 February 8 February 2 February Mrs Janet Dibb-Smith, Professor Doug McEachern, Professor Russ Baudinette, Dr Gus Nathan together with Research Branch and Scholarships Branch staff will provide 5 March 22 February 16 February information to assist you with applications for ARC Grant Schemes for 2002 funding 19 March 8 March 2 March Topics to be covered will include: 2 April 22 March 16 March • changes to the schemes and/or guidelines for 2002 • comment and feedback on the 2001 application round 16 April 5 April 30 March • plus a question time to assist researchers in preparing successful applications 30 April 19 April 12 April ALL INTENDING APPLICANTS ARE INVITED TO ATTEND 14 May 3 May 27 April RSVP and any enquiries to Research Branch, tel 8303 5137. 28 May 17 May 11 May NOTE: NEW GUIDELINES, APPLICATION FORMS AND INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS ARE NOW AVAILABLE ON THE RESEARCH BRANCH WEBSITE 11 June 31 May 25 May
Graduate Programs in Business Enterprise Feeling hungry? Designed for Graduates and Professionals of all Disciplines Mara Danese in the Vice-Chancellor’s Office has negotiated a deal with Executive An intensive 3-day on-campus course for would-be entrepreneurs and people Sandwiches, in the basement of David Jones (food area) off North Terrace. thinking of starting their own business will be held from Monday 29 January - Wednesday 31 January 2001. Contact us for details. Adelaide University staff can purchase rolls from Executive Sandwiches at the discount price of $4.50, with one meat and up to four salad combinations. You will need to Phone (08) 8303 3094, or email