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Monash is embarking on an ambitious new plan to strengthen its role and profile as a major centre for science and technology teaching and research both nationally and internationally.
The bold new direction follows the recent panel review -- conducted by Mr David Phillips, special adviser to the vice-chancellor on corporate planning and review, Professor Max Brennan, special adviser on research, and Mr Bob Burnet -- on the future of science at Monash.
The panel's report, Science at Monash, was noted by the University Council at this week's meeting (Monday 11 May) and has been widely accepted across Monash, earning the support of vice-chancellor Professor David Robinson and the approval of key academic bodies including the Faculty of Science, Committee of Deans and Academic Board.
The focus of the plan is on developing a distinctive multi-disciplinary science and technology program which maximises the research and teaching strengths of Monash's five 'scientific' faculties, including Science, IT, Engineering, Medicine and Pharmacy.
According to the report, the new direction is in response to the increasingly inter- disciplinary nature of modern science and changing student demand for traditional science programs.
The report said that some of the most exciting developments in science were occurring in areas which were not contained within any single discipline, such as new materials technologies, bio-technology, molecular biology and atmospheric science.
"Science is exciting and relevant ... and taught well it has the capacity to capture the fascination and enthusiasm of students like few other areas of human endeavour," the report said.
"Modern science programs at a leading university, and those who teach them, must transmit this excitement, enthusiasm and relevance."
The report's key author, Mr Phillips, said the new direction was ambitious and occurred against a backdrop of major cost cutting and reductions in science programs at other universities.
However, he said, Monash was well positioned to "use this opportunity to take bold steps to lead in science and technology".
"But to do this, Monash has to now move to bring the content of its courses and its teaching programs in a more modern and dynamic context," Mr Phillips said. "And the key to this hinges on a more dynamic, multi-disciplinary approach to science and technology, not just in teaching and academic planning, but also in terms of enhancing employment outcomes for graduates."
In other key developments, the report endorses the introduction of a new Bachelor of Science degree from 1999 providing specialist training in one or more scientific disciplines, particularly those that respond to emerging areas of market demand for skilled science and technology professionals.
Among its other key findings the report recommends:
To view the full Science at Monash report, see http://www.monash.edu.au/unisec/review.htm
Monash and the ABC plan to jointly pilot a radio and on-line educational program nationally this September with a view to extending the broadcast service into Asia.
The partnership venture is the first in a range of initiatives being pursued by both organisations under their partnership agreement, announced late last year, to jointly develop and deliver educational services in Australia and overseas.
Project executive director Ms Di James, of Monash's Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Planning), said Monash and the ABC had signed a co- production agreement in late April to develop the first joint venture educational product in the form of a pilot radio series and website.
"The series will be broadcast initially in English, and a comprehensive evaluation is planned," Ms James said.
"Options to re-broadcast the series in China and Indonesia are being considered and global use of the interactive website as part of the ABC site will be monitored."
Monash is licensed to enable students to access the audio material in different formats to link to the website.
The first pilot program, entitled 'Money Markets', is intended for an adult audience interested in business and investment.
"It incorporates the mechanics of the currency market within a broader examination of economics, politics and culture and adopts a 'feature' style, using interviews, discussion, archival material and drama," Ms James said.
She said objectives for the joint venture were now being developed and a range of other collaborative options were being considered which were "intended to mutually benefit both partners".
For further information, contact Ms Di James on extn 52030 or email di.james@adm.monash.edu.au
Science is fun, exciting and sometimes hair-raising.
And that's exactly what 1250 secondary students from 20 Victorian schools discovered when they joined in the Science at Monash festival, hosted by the Science faculty last week to coincide with National Science Week.
The week-long event, held at the Clayton campus, was targeted at Year 8, 9 and 10 students and aimed to capture their imaginations with a range of lively and interactive activities focusing on several of science's diverse disciplines, including chemistry, biology, mathematics, physics and earth sciences.
Dean of Science Professor Ron Davies said the festival was designed to give students an insight into the fun, challenges and importance of science, while also encouraging them to think about science as a subject beyond Year 10.
Each day students participated in hands-on learning activities, followed by lectures based around the key theme of oceans, including topics such as marine biology, oceans and other planets, the El Nino effect and freshwater chemistry.
Student teachers from Monash's Education faculty also took part in the event, which was praised by secondary teachers for the way it combined the practical and high-tech aspects of teaching and learning science.
Monash also featured prominently at the Great Australian Science Show, held over four days last week at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre.
As part of National Science Week, the faculties of Information Technology, Medicine, Engineering and Pharmacy set up hands-on interactive displays for the benefit of the exhibition's 16,000 visitors.
MonUCS, a university-based choir, will perform Carl Orff's Carmina Burana at the Robert Blackwood Hall on Clayton campus on Saturday 23 May.
The concert, to be conducted by Adrian Kirk, is the first full stage performance by MonUCS at its home campus in several years.
The chorus -- which features soloists Kim Wheeler (soprano), Andrew Wailes (tenor) and Ian Cousins (baritone) as well as the Victorian Boys Choir -- will be accompanied by the prominent Melbourne percussion ensemble WOOF!
Tickets for the forthcoming Monash concert cost $19 for adults and $14 concession (applies to all Monash staff and students). For bookings, contact the Monash Box Office on extn 51111.
It has come to the attention of Monash Publishing & Design that a company using the name Australian Corporate Government Management Review is targeting Monash faculties and departments directly to solicit advertising for a magazine which appears not to exist.
The company has been cutting out printed advertisements from publications which regularly run Monash advertising, and faxing these tear-sheets along with a 'booking form' to Monash departments for signature and approval to run in the 'Australian Corporate Government Management Review'. The wording in the booking form implies that it has already been agreed to run the advertisement in the magazine.
The company insists on being paid immediately, and has been known to become abusive if thwarted.
Please be vigilant when people ring to solicit advertising.
All recruitment, course and promotional advertising should be put through the Monash Publishing & Design office. For further information, contact extn 52581.
Adrianne Dooley
Advertising Media Manager
Leading international microbiologist Dr Julian Rood was recently appointed to a Personal Chair in Microbiology in Monash's Faculty of Medicine.
Dr Rood, who took up the appointment in March, is a world authority in the molecular biology and genetics of clostridia, an important group of disease-causing bacteria. He pioneered research into these anaerobic micro-organisms using techniques at the cutting edge of molecular genetics and recombinant DNA technology.
After completing a PhD at the University of Melbourne in 1975, Dr Rood conducted research in the field of microbiology at the Australian National University and Murdoch University. He joined Monash in 1985, where he has made a significant contribution to all aspects of academic life, particularly in teaching and research.
In 1988 and 1989, he was visiting professor with the Medical College of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, US.
Dr Rood has a distinguished research publications record and is regularly invited to review articles on various aspects of his field of expertise.
Since his latest Monash appointment, he has established a productive research team in the Microbiology department which has become an important focus for the training of honours and postrgraduate students, as well as postdoctoral researchers.
Dr Rood has also made a notable contribution to the Medicine faculty's administration, particularly as Chair of the Faculty Scholarships and Graduate Matters Committee.
The Rishile Gumboot Dancers of Soweto will perform their only Melbourne season of Emanzi -- Down South Africa at Monash's Alexander Theatre, Clayton campus, from 19 to 23 May.
The performances are part of the 1998 Active for Life Monash Theatre Season. A preview show will be held on 18 May at the special price of $20.
Gumboot dancing originated in South Africa's goldmines under the tough migrant labour system and apartheid laws of the past. By slapping their hands on their gumboots and shaking ankle rattles, the mine workers were able to communicate with each other, despite the surrounding darkness and strict supervision.
For bookings, contact the Monash Box Office on extn 51111.
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