Adelaidean Volume 12 Number 7 News from the University of Adelaide August 2002 INSIDE National Information Roseworthy Science Week Day Information Day August 9-30 August 18 August 16 Space science Andy gives thumbs degree blasts up to space interest off in 2003 TWO new degrees—one in Space Students will also have opportunities to take Science and the other in Optics—are part in project work with established scientists expected to be in high demand at the in the field. University of Adelaide next year. "Direct exposure to professionals in the fields Both degrees offer a unique educational of space science and astrophysics will enable students to form mentoring relationships, and experience to students who want careers in give them a unique educational experience," these exciting fields. Dr Reid said. Details about the new degrees will be available "We expect interest in this new course to be at the University of Adelaide's Information very high." Day on Sunday, August 18, at the North Terrace campus. The new Bachelor of Science (Optics & Photonics) will not only provide an exciting The new Bachelor of Science (Space Science new career path in applied physics, but also and Astrophysics) aims to produce graduates help to address an expected shortfall in this that are well suited to careers in space and area of expertise in South Australia. astrophysical research. Photonics is the exploration and development Graduates are likely to follow career paths in a of the use of laser light in any endeavour, be it range of industries, putting into practice the scientific, technological, medical or artistic. knowledge gained in astronomy and other areas of physics and geophysics. Photonics is a key part of the State's hi-tech Opportunities include employment in hi-tech research sector, from defence and industry to research and development industries, medical applications. This activity is enabled Andy Thomas is fitted into a flight suit prior to his last Space Shuttle mission. Photo: NASA. including defence, as well as universities, other by a strong optics research effort at the research institutes and national space agencies. University of Adelaide, supported by the University, the Defence Science and ASTRONAUT Andy Thomas says "This means that they must be given the "Space Science and Astrophysics explores the Technology Organisation (DSTO) and local he's thrilled to see an increase in capability to understand the technical issues fundamental processes of our universe, from industry. interest in space at the University of facing the modern world as well as the the atmosphere of the earth and the other vision to see the benefits that embracing While graduates from all aspects of photonics Adelaide and in South Australia local planets to the most distant regions," said generally. them can bring to Australia." the course coordinator, Associate Professor are in high demand, an acute shortage of Dr Thomas said most of the opportunities Iain Reid from the Department of Physics & graduates for optical communications and Not only has the University announced a for graduates seeking jobs in space remained Mathematical Physics. data handling has been predicted for the new Space Science degree for next year, coming decades. This shortage is predicted interest in aerospace engineering has been in the "academic arena". "The understanding of those processes for graduates at all levels (BSc to PhD). building at Adelaide over the past few years. "But that is very important because without underpins much of the world's research into In 2004 Adelaide will also be a host of one a strong academic base in teaching and astronomy, studies of the solar system and the Graduates from this new degree have the of the most prestigious space education research, the country will never be a practical use of space, such as space travel and option of immediate rewarding employment events in the world, the International Space competitive player on the world stage. It is observation," he said. in the communications industry and defence, or continued education in the University's University [see story on page 6]. only in strong commitment to teaching and "Work in this field is vitally important in honours and PhD programs. A University of Adelaide engineering research that the future economic strength improving our knowledge and understanding graduate, Dr Thomas has had a successful of the country lies. It does not lie with the of the universe as a whole, and in enabling us The Bachelor of Science (Optics and career as an aeronautical engineer and, in importation of all its knowledge and skills." to understand the environment within which Photonics) degree is designed for students more recent years, as a NASA astronaut. Dr Thomas encouraged Adelaide graduates space vehicles and planet Earth must operate." who have enjoyed physics in school, and who would like a career making use of physics "It is important for the community to to use their knowledge to travel and The Bachelor of Science (Space Science and without necessarily having to complete a PhD. prepare the next generation of leaders for experience other cultures and environments, Astrophysics) program consists of core the challenges of the 21st Century," "and to enhance their skills and widen their training in the disciplines of astronomy, space Dr Thomas told the Adelaidean. viewpoints". science and physics. Continued on page 6 Continued on page 6 PAGE 2 AUGUST 2002 ADELAIDEAN COMMENT A YEAR AT ADELAIDE PROFESSOR Cliff Blake officially ends his term as developments, and additional staff appointed to areas where Vice-Chancellor this month, having stepped into the staff/student ratios are excessive, or to areas deemed to be of role almost exactly one year ago. strategic significance in the future. This renewal strategy is intended to invigorate the University by the introduction of Professor Blake (pictured) came out of retirement to accept the some new and younger staff and to concentrate areas of position, pending the appointment of a permanent Vice- research strength with higher degree training capacity. Chancellor. That new Vice-Chancellor is Professor James McWha, formerly of Massey University in New Zealand. (5) While reducing operating costs, the University has sought Professor McWha officially takes up his position at the to grow its revenue base. To do this, an International Office University of Adelaide on Monday, August 5. has been formed to increase the number of international fee- paying students, and Adelaide Research and Innovation has The following piece written by Professor Blake sums up his been established to better manage, coordinate, and expand time at the University. research consultancy activities as well as the commercialisation of research outcomes. A strong commitment to planning, and During the last 12 months, the University of Adelaide has to data collection and analysis for quality assurance and undergone many changes, each intended to make the management purposes, has led to the establishment of a University more client-focused, responsive to changes in University Planning Unit. employment opportunities for graduates and improve internal The University is also investing more in marketing and public efficiencies. relations to better promote the University among school leavers Many of these changes have been made relatively late compared and adult learners who wish to enrol in undergraduate to the restructuring and repositioning strategies employed by programs or in postgraduate fee-paying courses. the other research-intensive universities in Australia. The (6) The University has made significant changes to its changes made at the University of Adelaide include: Sciences with the Faculty of Science. This amalgamation leadership team. Professor James McWha, Vice-Chancellor of (1) The Council has recommended to the South Australian reduces duplication, creates viable courses and encourages Massey University in New Zealand, has been appointed Vice- Government a substantial overhaul of the 1971 University of interdisciplinary programs to better underpin both teaching Chancellor and will enter on duty on August 5. Professor Peter Adelaide Act. Principal among these changes have been: and research. Rathjen has been appointed Executive Dean, Faculty of Sciences; Professor Michael Innes as Executive Dean, Faculty • a clearer statement of the role and responsibilities of Some 40 different departments have been reduced to about 10 larger and more interdisciplinary schools, thereby cutting of Humanities and Social Sciences; Professor Fred MacDougall Council to set strategic directions, monitor performance, as Executive Dean, Faculty of the Professions; Mr Paul Duldig and define accountabilities overhead costs, creating larger and more flexible administrative groupings and providing opportunites for greater synergies in (formerly of State Treasury) as Executive Director, Finance and • to recognise the Academic Board as the principal academic both research and teaching. Infrastructure; Ms Susan MacIntosh (formerly of the body within the University and to empower the Board to Department of Premier and Cabinet) as Executive Director, make academic decisions on behalf of Council as well as to (4) To balance the University’s operating budget, some $13 Student and Staff Services; Ms Susan Graebner to the newly set the broad teaching, learning and research policies. million has been withdrawn from the annual budget through a created position of University Secretary; and Mr Peter Ball as combination of